Your Dream Home - Deciding on a Plan that Works for You
Posted on: 26 January 2016
Most people think they know exactly what their dream home would look like. But, when it actually comes down to making decisions about style, design and floor plans, they quickly become overwhelmed. Final decisions can be tough and you can find yourself second-guessing yourself throughout the entire process.
The most important part of home design is the very beginning – deciding on what kind of home you want and where you want it. Follow these steps to make the initial planning easier.
Visualize
Take a few hours (or as much time as needed) to visualize your new home. What does it look like? What style is it (bungalow, two-storey, etc.)? Where is it located? Dream big! Let your imagination run wild and don't be afraid to be unconventional. Use a sketchbook or notepad to make notes and drawings as you 'see' them. Make a list of 'Must haves' vs. 'I wants.' This could include fireplaces, swimming pool, number of bedrooms, etc.
Visit Neighbourhoods
Take a Sunday afternoon and drive through several neighbourhoods you're interested in. What types of homes are typically located here? Are the streets busy or are there children bustling about? Make note of some of the neighbourhoods you like best. Take your camera with you and take pictures of home styles that you like.
Visit Open Houses
If you're stuck on what your floor plan should look like, visit some open houses. Take note of plans that you like and what you don't like. Again, have a notebook with you (it should be getting full by now!) and take note of every detail, including floor coverings, stairs, bedrooms, balconies, porches, etc.
Plan Ahead
When you design your floor plan, keep in mind that your family dynamics may change over the years. Are you retired or are you a professional who will one day have little ones running around? Take this into consideration when planning your home. A small two-storey home with a basement laundry room may not be practical with children to care for. Alternatively, a large home may not be suitable if you are retired and have trouble getting around.
Consult a Professional
Once you've decided on your home design, floor plan and you have a budget in place, it's time to contact a professional. This is where the real work begins. If you've done the above steps, then this is actually the easy part! An architect and builder will just follow your plans and instructions.
Home designs take time to develop, as there are many choices and decisions to make. With the help of your imagination, you can create your dream home on paper, so a professional can build it on land.
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