Planning a new home is an exciting time in your custom-build journey. Even if you’ve been eagerly looking forward to this moment for what feels like years, it’s normal to feel a little unsure and maybe even have some nerves. As a custom home builder who has had the privilege of serving the central coast for three generations, we’ve got nine helpful tips to help you get started planning a new home. We’ll share our expertise so you can start your new build journey on the right foot, ensuring a smooth and fulfilling experience.
Define your vision and priorities.
Before diving into the details of planning a new home, take your time to carefully think about your priorities and define your vision (a dot-point list can be helpful). What are the non-negotiables for your dream home, the things you can’t live without? For example, how many bedrooms, layout preferences, design features, extra storage spaces, or maybe even a pool? Identifying your priorities will create a framework for making decisions while planning a new home.
Assess your budget and consider financial options.
Understanding your budget is a critical step when planning a new home and shouldn’t be confused with just ‘setting’ a budget.
Evaluate your financial situation, considering the construction costs and potential expenses once the build is completed, for example, furnishing your home, landscaping, and having removalists assist with moving. You don’t want to be caught out at the end of the build. Consult with financial professionals to explore your options and determine the most suitable approach for your family. We understand the need for accurate figures when trying to organise finances. That is why we work closely with you to create a realistic and achievable design that suits your budget.
Have a look at the local building regulations.
Building regulations can vary from area to area, and being aware of the requirements applicable to your site is helpful when planning a new home. Being on the front foot can often even prevent potential delays; the NSW government has a great resource, ‘the NSW Planning Portal Spatial Viewer,’ which is an interactive tool that provides plenty of information about your specific site. Having said this, at Edwards Family Homes, we do all the hard work for you. We design your home to work within and meet all the necessary requirements, so while it’s good for you to be aware you don’t actually have to stress about it, we’ve got you covered!
Before you start planning a new home, choose the correct location.
The central coast is full of diverse landscapes and beautiful communities. Choosing a location that aligns with your lifestyle can make all the difference. The location should be considered in relation to essential factors such as amenities, schools, transport, and work, as well as the overall feel of the area, specifically the street. A well-chosen location can make planning a new home easier and, in the long run, enhance your quality of life, contributing to long-term satisfaction with your home. You can book a discovery call if you’re looking to purchase a new block of land and want a builder’s perspective. We’d be more than happy to have a look online and provide a quick assessment.
Find the right builder.
There are plenty of builders to choose from when planning a new home, and selecting the right one for the job is your most significant decision!
No matter how well you plan, your chosen builder is still responsible for the execution and can make or break your home. You need to know you have chosen the right builder with a track record of excellence, who values your collaboration, prioritises transparent communication, and is invested in your vision.
If you want to learn more about finding the right builder, read “A Guide to Finding a True Professional amongst All the Custom Home Builders on the Central Coast.”
Consider your future needs when planning a new home.
Anticipating you and your family’s future needs is crucial when discussing and planning a new home.
Considering your family size, is it likely to continue growing? Will you be enjoying an empty nest in the years ahead? Are there lifestyle changes that you would like to be prepared for?
Your home should be designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for adaptations as your needs change over time. By taking a forward-thinking approach, you can relax knowing your home will be just as perfect and comfortable in the years to come as it is today.
Gathering inspiration and ideas to support your vision.
Collecting inspiration and ideas is an exciting and enjoyable part of planning a new home. Exploring design magazines, scouring online platforms, and following beautiful curated Instagram pages are great ways to gather a portfolio of design ideas and features that resonate with you.
Creating a visual reference can help you articulate your preferences to your builder and their design team.
Incorporating sustainability and energy efficiency
As residential construction embraces sustainable and energy-efficient design, your home will already have the required measures included and designed in your home; however, it is important that you still consider any additional measures you would like to have included in the early stages of planning a new home, this will ensure they are added correctly, and you have the full benefit of the features being included during the design stage of your home.
A realistic timeline for planning a new home.
Timing is everything, but it’s also one of the hardest things to plan. Establishing a realistic timeline for your project is essential for managing expectations, taking into account the complexity of design, approval timelines, and stages of construction. As a professional builder, we provide clear timelines and regular updates on the progress of your project.
Open communication is essential not only during planning but also during construction.
Effective communication with your builder is the cornerstone of a successful home-building experience. From design through to construction, we value regular, transparent, and informative communication. This is why we offer a client portal that provides you with photos and builder logs so you can keep up to date each week.
There is so much to consider when planning a new home. We hope the information we have shared is helpful as you begin this exciting new journey!
READY TO START BUILDING?
If you’re ready to take the next step & would like to speak with a professional builder at a time that suits you, Book a discovery call now using our online booking calendar. You can talk to our team (obligation-free), and we can answer any questions about your project or the build process.
Still not ready to speak with a builder? That’s okay! Doing as much research as possible during this stage of your build journey will save you from making some big mistakes. Download our free guide, “7 things you must know before designing a home. “. This guide will provide the correct information to help you avoid some critical mistakes homeowners make throughout the planning process.
