Future Homeowner’s Guide: Tips on Building Your First Home

Building your first home will be the most demanding and most stressful event of your life, but you’ll love every part of it as long as you create a good plan of action. So, if you’re about to make this big step, here are some handy tips to keep in mind that will ensure you end up with a great finished product.

Think of the size

One of the first things to consider when building your first home is its size. If you’re building big, expect higher costs of mortgage, property taxes, maintenance and utility bills. On the other hand, going too small can make your home less functional, especially if you’re planning to expand your family in the future. So, have a good and hard think about your spaces, what you need, what you want and what you can afford. With doing so, you will have no regrets down the road.

Consider the positioning

Many homes today have a great interior and even better exterior, but they are positioned all wrong. The sun makes spending time on the veranda impossible and the lack of natural light in the kitchen makes it much less functional. A simple flipping of the plan can completely solve that problem! So, make sure to consider the sun and wind when finalizing your plan to make your home comfy, energy-efficient and functional.

Hire good contractors

Sure, you can do all the preparations yourself, but when it comes to execution, you need professionals who will make your wishes come true. Check the internet for recommendations and ask around with your friends and family for references. Choose people with experience in projects like yours, but make sure they are ready to work with you and respect your wishes as long as they are possible to pull off.

Budget smart

You will get good estimates from your contractors, but you can also do some calculations on your own. For instance, you can check out the practical concrete calculator Australia that can help you estimate the amount of concrete you’ll need for your project. This is a good way to come up with a close-enough budget, especially when you consult with your builders. However, don’t forget about things like gas and electrical metres, windows coverings, landscaping and some finishing touches. Prepping your site for building and obtaining permits are also often overlooked. These expenses are usually not included in the cost, so make sure to increase your estimated budget for 15 to 25 per cent.

Include eco-friendly features

When you’re building a new house, you have a chance to include a lot of energy- and water-saving features and opt for eco-friendly fixtures and appliances. The internet is a great source of information on various energy-saving building products, techniques and appliances, so make sure to surf thoroughly.

Leave enough space for landscaping

Don’t go too big with your house, but leave some space for landscaping and gardening. No matter how pretty your home is, it will look less than perfect without greenery and landscaping. So, leave all the space you can spare for your future gardening endeavours.

Think of safety

Feeling safe and secure in your home is one of the most important things every homeowner should think about. Make sure your home has fire exits, smoke and CO detectors, security systems and plenty of external lighting. These elements can be added later, but it’s always better to consider their placement early on.

Building your first home is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences. However, don’t rush into the building, but take your time to create with a good plan that will make your home beautiful, comfortable and functional for many, many years to come. Sure, you can always make changes in the future, but doing it right the first time will save you both time and money.