Building can be a very stressful time. With added pressures of deadlines and a million choices, the whole process can quickly change from being the dream you always imagined, to a living nightmare. So, I have listed 6 tips I wish someone had shared with me when I built our home.
1. Have a vision!
Whether it’s a whole Pinterest board full of ideas, even a board for each room (guilty 😊) or just a general style- Scandinavian, Hamptons, Modern, Queenslander etc. Having this first step will help with every choice that comes next.
2. Bigger isn’t always better! With the builder I mean.
I looked at lots of builders and building companies. Even went to a lot of display homes (which is great to do, regardless) and in the end we chose a smaller family run building company. We felt this direction was an excellent choice as we felt like actual clients and not just a number. It was easier to communicate and our needs were met (without the hidden costs or high price tag of ‘add ons’)
3. Have a plan!
The plan does not have to be a house plan (although this helps) but a plan for the process. If you are not sure see if your builder can outline the process for you. A lot of planning is needed at the front end. Knowing what happens and when, can help alleviate the stress both mentally and financially.
4. Start ‘shopping’ earlier!
Yep that’s right window shopping! I started hitting the ‘building’ shops once I knew what shops/suppliers were recommended/included with the builder. I went and looked at tiles (who knew how many tiles there were even in white!), and then there’s grout colour. I looked at kitchen appliances and bathroom hardware. Pretty much everything to make the choosing time easier! Trust me bad choices are made on the spot!
5. Draw it out in chalk!
I’m a very visual learner and I needed to know room size so I could make sure furniture would fit etc. So, through the planning stage I would draw out the room size with a measuring tape or I have even heard of people taking chalk to a vacant parking lot! I wish I did that! Being able to see the room in ‘real time’ helps visualise the space.
6. Budget more!
Building a house is costly especially your ‘dream’ house! Make sure you have a budget and then some! You will always choose the more expensive door handle or bath spout option trust me 😊 so if you want these ‘luxury’ items (that I can assure you won’t be allowed for in your contract) make sure you save for them! I went into a display home once and talked to the salesperson. I asked how much to build the house. Straight away they showed me the cheapest option and I said NO I want the price for the house I just walked through. Yep it was more than 150K more! Display homes are lovely but very deceiving. Even the front façade was an ‘extra’. Just be careful you don’t fall for the ‘display home trap’.
So, I’m hoping that by sharing my tips you can enjoy your building experience as it truly is a life changing moment. Creating a home for yourself and your family to enjoy and build precious memories is worth it in the end but if I can help this journey, even just a little then I’m one happy lady! 😊
Sam Fawke
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