10 Things First Home Buyers Should Consider When Choosing A Design
It's very exciting to be purchasing a house at any time, but even more so when you're building a new one thanks to Australia's Home and Land packages for first home buyers! Buyers would do well to keep a few things in mind when choosing a design that will meet their long-term needs.
What First Home Buyers Need To Consider Before Settling On A Design
It's very easy for first home buyers to fall in love with a display or a design that they see on paper. It's quite another thing to actually live in the space. Keep these ten tips in mind when looking at designs to ensure you settle on one that you will love for many years to come.
Size. Look for a design that will meet your current and future needs. The biggest consideration for many first home buyers is whether or not they expect to expand their family after building their house. If so, you'll need to make sure you have enough bedrooms to accommodate a larger family, but also look at other aspects of the dwelling like the number of bathrooms, the size of the kitchen, open areas where children can play, and storage space.
Design And Feel. Dwellings have personalities just as much as people do. Choose one that fits your personality and sense of style. If you love knick-knacks, a minimalist design may not suit your personality. If you like the feel of space, an open floor plan may be just what you need.
Style. It's important that the building fit in with the rest of the neighbourhood. Of course you want your house to be special, but it should follow the general sizes and designs of dwellings in the neighbourhood, otherwise you'll stand out, and probably not in a good way.
Floor Plan. Give the floor plan an honest assessment. It is easy to be awed by a display, but you need to picture that house with your belongings in it, and with your activities taking place there. The best way to do this may be to examine the floor plan on paper so that you are not swayed by finishes. Look at how the rooms flow in to one another. Does the plan provide you with the balance of privacy and openness that you want? Picture your day-to-day life and how you will exist in the house before settling on a floor plan.
Layout. How is the house laid out? Are rooms grouped by function - bedrooms together, living areas together, etc.? Where is the kitchen in relation to the dining area? Where is the laundry room located? Are the bathrooms convenient for family members and guests?
Location. Consider the location of the property to schools, shopping, your workplace, childcare, doctors, public transportation, etc. Test out the drive to work at times you'd normally go to work, to make sure the commute won't be too long.
Your Furnishings. Consider your current furniture and belongings. Will it all fit in the building? Will you need to make new purchases, or get rid of some things? How will your furniture look? Does it have enough, and the right type, of storage for your belongings?
Your Budget. What is your budget for a new abode? Consider consulting a mortgage finance professional before you even start to look at home and land packages. This way you will know what you can afford, and won't waste your time looking at designs that are out of your price range.
Situation On The Lot. How will the building sit on the lot? Will the front face north or south? Where are the neighbours located in relation to your property? How will the placement affect the amount of sun or privacy you receive?
One Or Two Level. Do you prefer a one level or a two level house? Many times, two level designs separate the bedroom areas from the main living areas. Some people like this extra layer of privacy; others would prefer to have everything on one level. Think about whether or not you want to be going up and down stairs every day.
Keep these tips in mind as you look at home and land packages, and you're certain to settle on the design of your dreams, and the one that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
What First Home Buyers Need To Consider Before Settling On A Design
It's very easy for first home buyers to fall in love with a display or a design that they see on paper. It's quite another thing to actually live in the space. Keep these ten tips in mind when looking at designs to ensure you settle on one that you will love for many years to come.
Size. Look for a design that will meet your current and future needs. The biggest consideration for many first home buyers is whether or not they expect to expand their family after building their house. If so, you'll need to make sure you have enough bedrooms to accommodate a larger family, but also look at other aspects of the dwelling like the number of bathrooms, the size of the kitchen, open areas where children can play, and storage space.
Design And Feel. Dwellings have personalities just as much as people do. Choose one that fits your personality and sense of style. If you love knick-knacks, a minimalist design may not suit your personality. If you like the feel of space, an open floor plan may be just what you need.
Style. It's important that the building fit in with the rest of the neighbourhood. Of course you want your house to be special, but it should follow the general sizes and designs of dwellings in the neighbourhood, otherwise you'll stand out, and probably not in a good way.
Floor Plan. Give the floor plan an honest assessment. It is easy to be awed by a display, but you need to picture that house with your belongings in it, and with your activities taking place there. The best way to do this may be to examine the floor plan on paper so that you are not swayed by finishes. Look at how the rooms flow in to one another. Does the plan provide you with the balance of privacy and openness that you want? Picture your day-to-day life and how you will exist in the house before settling on a floor plan.
Layout. How is the house laid out? Are rooms grouped by function - bedrooms together, living areas together, etc.? Where is the kitchen in relation to the dining area? Where is the laundry room located? Are the bathrooms convenient for family members and guests?
Location. Consider the location of the property to schools, shopping, your workplace, childcare, doctors, public transportation, etc. Test out the drive to work at times you'd normally go to work, to make sure the commute won't be too long.
Your Furnishings. Consider your current furniture and belongings. Will it all fit in the building? Will you need to make new purchases, or get rid of some things? How will your furniture look? Does it have enough, and the right type, of storage for your belongings?
Your Budget. What is your budget for a new abode? Consider consulting a mortgage finance professional before you even start to look at home and land packages. This way you will know what you can afford, and won't waste your time looking at designs that are out of your price range.
Situation On The Lot. How will the building sit on the lot? Will the front face north or south? Where are the neighbours located in relation to your property? How will the placement affect the amount of sun or privacy you receive?
One Or Two Level. Do you prefer a one level or a two level house? Many times, two level designs separate the bedroom areas from the main living areas. Some people like this extra layer of privacy; others would prefer to have everything on one level. Think about whether or not you want to be going up and down stairs every day.
Keep these tips in mind as you look at home and land packages, and you're certain to settle on the design of your dreams, and the one that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
