It's easy to get caught up looking at floor plans, kitchens and all the things you'd like in your new home.
But before you get too far into the design, there are a few questions worth asking yourself. The answers can help you work out what you actually need, where you're prepared to compromise and what matters most when it comes time to make decisions.
1. Why Are We Building?
It sounds obvious, but think about what's driving the decision.
Do you need more space? Want a different location? Are you tired of trying to make your current home work?
Knowing why you're building gives you something to come back to when you're making decisions.
2. What Isn't Working in Our Current Home?
Sometimes it's easier to identify what you don't want than what you do. Maybe there's never enough storage, the kitchen is too small or everyone ends up crowded into one living area.
Write those things down since your new home should address them.
3. How Do We Actually Use Our Home?
Think about an ordinary week, not just special occasions. Where does everyone spend their time? Do you work from home? Have people over regularly? Need somewhere to leave muddy boots and school bags?
A home should work on a Tuesday afternoon just as well as it does when you've got everyone over for Christmas.
4. What Can We Comfortably Spend?
There's a difference between what you might be able to borrow and what you're comfortable spending. Think about the overall project budget, not just the cost of the house.
Allow for the land, site works, professional fees, approvals, connections and other costs that may apply.
5. What Are Our Must-Haves?
Make a list of the things you really don't want to compromise on.
It might be four bedrooms, a second living area, a large garage or a particular layout; then make another list of things you’d like but could live without.
This becomes useful when you're balancing the design against the budget.
6. How Long Do We Plan to Live Here?
Are you building a home for the next five years or the next thirty?
If you're planning to stay long-term, consider how your needs might change. A young family, teenagers, working from home and eventually having fewer people in the house can all affect how you use the space.
7. What Do We Need From the Block?
Think beyond the size of the land. Consider location, access, sunlight, slope, privacy and the amount of outdoor space you want. If you haven't purchased land yet, it's worth investigating what can realistically be built before committing.
8. How Much Maintenance Do We Want?
Some materials and finishes require more upkeep than others. Think about how much time you're willing to spend maintaining the house, deck, garden and external finishes. It’s important to consider that what looks good when it's brand new should also suit the way you want to live in ten years.
9. What Are We Happy to Compromise On?
Very few building projects have an unlimited budget. There may be times when you need to choose between extra floor space, particular finishes or other features so knowing your priorities makes those conversations easier.
10. What Do We Need Help Working Out?
You don't need to know everything before you start. You might need help understanding whether your ideas fit the budget, what the block allows or which steps come first but that's a good reason to start talking to the right people early.
Start With What Matters to You
At Premier Construction Tas, we believe a good building project starts with understanding what you're trying to achieve.
Our Concept to Construction process helps you work through your ideas and priorities before moving further into planning.
If you're thinking about building a new home in North-West Tasmania, get in touch and tell us what you've got in mind.
