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Creating a wishlist for your new house

Posted on 03/08/22

Many people may spend years dreaming about designing their own home. What ‘must have’ rooms it will include and how the rooms will be used. Some may go as far as visualising how the rooms will look and feel when it is complete and being used for family gatherings, Christmas parties and Sunday lunches. However, when faced with the reality of developing actual plans for a new home, it may feel overwhelming. To help get you started, we have pulled together eight things you need to consider – and where to start – when designing your own home. It’s important too to get consultants involved as early as possible so they can provide you with up to date professional advice from the start.

Budget

The first consideration should be your budget. There is no point envisaging a 10-bedroom mansion by the sea, if your budget will only stretch to a much more modest dwelling. It is important to understand from the start what you can afford – and then manage your expectations and designs accordingly.

New build or renovation

The next decision is whether you want to start with a clean slate and design a new build. Or if you would rather find an existing property that needs updating and redevelopment. Both options bring their own advantages and challenges, but the end result for either can be spectacular.

Style of house

Next you need to think about the style of your new home. Are you looking at ultra-modern or something far more traditional? There might be limitations on what you can do with regards to style if you are looking at redevelopment. However, while potentially, you have more flexibility when it comes to style if you are designing from scratch, you will still need to take account of where you are building and ensure that it is in keeping with your surroundings. If your land is in an AONB or other type of preservation area, you might find you are restricted as to what you can build and the materials you can use.

Size of house

The size of property is important. The bigger the house, the more costly the build – and also the ongoing maintenance. But of course, this is your opportunity to make sure you have the space you want and need to develop your dream home, so it is a case of finding a balance that works for you and for your budget.

Location, location, location

Land is at a premium, but getting the right location is important too. The investment you make in your new home means that it is worth finding the right land in the right place. Whether this is city centre living or a rural retreat – you need to think carefully about what you need from your home’s location from transport links and connectivity, to noise levels and quality of life.

Green credentials

Developing a new build is a great opportunity to build in some environmentally-friendly additions. This could include solar panels on the roof or a greywater system to make use of the water from your baths within the garden or even for flushing your toilet. Other energy efficiency measures can also be built in more easily at the design stage, rather than looking at retrofitting, which can be expensive.

Special features

The design stage is also a great opportunity to include some of the special features you have always dreamt of having, from secret panels in the wall to superb sound systems or special lighting, these can all be incorporated into the final fit.

The other consideration which has become more important in recent years is the garden area. Although the last thing to be sorted after the build is complete, thinking about how it will be used is still important at the early stages. Garden rooms, ponds and hard standing can all be taken into account at the planning stage.

Hopefully these top tips will give you something guidance in your early-stage planning. However, if you would like to start a conversation with one of our team about designing your own home, we can talk you through what you need to do and how we can help you. The earlier we can be involved in the process, the better. Please contact us for more information.

Creating a wishlist for your new house

Budget

New build or renovation

Style of house

Size of house

Location, location, location

Green credentials

Special features

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