Whether you choose to purchase a prefab home or build your home from the ground up, one essential element is customizing your home to make it your own. For many people, designing their own home is one of the main reasons to build rather than buy.
It gives you the opportunity to choose the number of bedrooms, design your own floor plan, and even create your own landscaping. Obviously, building your own home is not an easy task—it comes with long to-do lists and a lot of work. Sadly, many significant details are often overlooked.
Essential Things to Consider for Your House Design
Just like packing for a trip, you won’t forget your toothbrush or clothes. Similarly, when designing your home, there are key factors you must not overlook. Below, we explore some important considerations for your home design.
Your Lifestyle
Building your own home is not only an exciting venture; it is also a major investment that will impact your lifestyle for years to come. Consider what your life will be like in the future.
Are you currently single, and do you plan to stay in the same home once you get married and start a family? If so, ensure your home design includes enough space to accommodate a growing household.
Perhaps you enjoy entertaining guests—if that’s the case, you’ll need an open living area, an additional bathroom, and extra bedrooms so that guests can have some privacy. Your lifestyle will influence major elements of your floor plan, such as:
- The number of levels in your home
- The number of bathrooms and bedrooms
- Entertaining spaces like open-living concepts, outdoor areas, or a recreation room
- Property acreage and total square footage
- Storage needs, including basement space and closets
- Dedicated playrooms for kids, attic spaces, or a basement
Addressing your lifestyle needs is the first step in finding the right house plan. Of course, this also means considering your budget.
Determine Your Budget
Many people have a long list of wants for their dream home, but financing these desires is another matter entirely. You must be realistic about your wants versus your needs to ensure your budget works. After all, you wouldn’t want to end up in debt if you fail to stick to your budget. Be strategic in spending your money; your budget will guide you in managing costs in every room.
Bear in mind that there are different types of costs associated with building a home. First, you need to buy land, which has an average cost of approximately $3,000 per acre.
Then, depending on the size of your project, the average cost of building a house is at least $300,000, which includes material, labor, construction, and major systems such as HVAC and plumbing. Once you choose a house plan, you can obtain an estimate for the total cost, which will vary based on the type of house you want to build.
Get a Site Analysis
One crucial aspect that many homebuilders overlook is conducting a site analysis. Although your contractor may perform one, it’s essential that you have a good understanding of your property.
A site analysis provides valuable information about sunlight exposure, the location of hills or slopes, and other geographical features that impact the placement of your foundation.
For example, knowing where the sun will shine can help you design a house that takes full advantage of natural light, while slopes can affect the foundation design and the decision to build a single- or multi-level home. Moreover, the location of your property can impact its value—properties in up-and-coming areas typically cost more than those in less developed communities.
Centralize the Kitchen
Today’s homes are evolving. What worked a decade ago simply doesn’t meet current needs. The average house size has increased, and so has the way people use their homes.
Modern house designs often feature an open-space concept for the kitchen and family living areas. In newer homes, the kitchen is frequently centralized, becoming the heart of the home.
This design encourages communal living and offers a clear, cohesive view of the space, unlike older homes where separate rooms were designated for cooking, dining, and gathering. Centralizing the kitchen is a smart design choice that reflects modern lifestyles.
Look for Your Favorite Style
When designing your home, you have countless style options to choose from—ranging from Scandinavian to country farmhouse. Many people prefer a combination of modern style and country charm, often referred to as the modern farmhouse, which is quickly gaining popularity.
However, if modern farmhouse isn’t your style, there are many alternatives such as Tudor, French Chateau, Italianate, Bohemian Craftsman, Spanish Colonial, and Mid-century Modern Ranch. The style you choose will influence every element of your home, from the interior and exterior design to the roofing, window styles, and even the landscaping.
Consider what elements resonate with you by watching home makeover shows or browsing design magazines, then make a list of your favorites.
Avoid Cutting Corners on Important Items
It’s natural to want to save money when building your home, but be careful not to cut corners on essential components. While cheaper materials and labor may seem appealing, investing in high-quality counters, kitchen cabinets, and energy-efficient windows can pay off in the long run. These investments not only improve the aesthetics and functionality of your home but also increase its overall value.
Additional Considerations
While the main aspects of home design include lifestyle, budget, and site analysis, there are other factors you should keep in mind:
- Future Expansion: Consider how your home might grow with your family. Plan for extra space or flexible rooms that can be converted as your needs change.
- Energy Efficiency: Think about how to make your home energy-efficient. This might include selecting high-quality insulation, energy-efficient windows, and sustainable building materials.
- Resale Value: Even if you plan to live in your home for many years, designing a well-thought-out home can boost its resale value. Future buyers will appreciate an aesthetically pleasing, energy-efficient, and functional design.
- Local Building Codes: Ensure that your home design complies with local regulations and building codes. Familiarize yourself with any restrictions or requirements that may affect your design choices.
Final Thoughts
Designing your own home is a complex but rewarding process. It allows you to tailor every aspect of your living space to your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. From determining your budget and analyzing your property to choosing the right style and centralizing the kitchen, every decision plays a crucial role in creating a home that is uniquely yours.
The key to successful home design lies in balancing practicality with personal expression. A well-designed home should not only look good but also function efficiently, providing comfort, convenience, and value. By carefully considering factors such as your lifestyle, budget, site conditions, and design preferences, you can create a home that meets your current needs and grows with you over time.
Remember, building your dream home is an investment in your future. Every detail matters, from the placement of rooms to the quality of materials used. Avoiding common pitfalls—like neglecting site analysis or cutting corners on essential features—ensures that your home remains a safe, comfortable, and valuable asset for years to come.
If you need professional guidance in designing or renovating your home, consider reaching out to Keller Design Studio. We offer comprehensive interior design, remodeling, and consulting services to help you bring your vision to life. Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing one, our team is here to provide expert advice and creative solutions.
Call us at 817-881-9155 or email us at tammy.dstudio@gmail.com. Let us help you create a home that reflects your style, meets your needs, and stands the test of time.
