Is there any feeling as satisfying as stepping into your first home? From cosy and compact residences to spacious country houses, there’s nothing quite like taking your first step into a property that’s 100% yours.
If you’re building your first home, it’s important to be aware of the most common complaints, mistakes and issues ahead of time. These 10 tips will ensure you make the right decisions when building your first home to avoid disappointment.
Plan washers and dryers in advance
It might sound silly, but nothing will annoy you more than having to walk around your entire home just to reach the washer and dryer. Plan their position ahead of time to make sure they’re close to your master bedroom or bathroom.
Don’t forget about energy efficiency
An energy efficient home is an inexpensive home. Don’t be afraid to spend slightly more than you planned while building your home in order to use energy efficient materials – you’ll thank yourself in the long run.
Make sure you have enough bedrooms
Are you buying a home for yourself or for your growing family? Whether you plan on having more children or just want space for the family to visit, make sure your home has enough bedrooms for you to comfortably host guests and relatives.
Ensure you have plenty of storage
Just like bedrooms, storage space is essential in any home. Over time, you’ll need more storage space for your possessions, accessories and heirlooms. Avoid having to add storage spaces later by making sure you’ve got ample space right away.
Focus on all-day natural light
Natural light reduces your bills, keeps your home clean and bacteria-free and is a wonderful tool for making your home feel more spacious and open. Ensure your home receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day – it’s a major benefit.
Plan electrical cabling ahead of time
Since televisions are so much thinner than they once were, it’s far easier to just hang them on the wall than install them on top of a cabinet. Plan ahead of time and you’ll be able to run cables through the wall instead of across the living room floor.
Make sure the insulation is adequate
Not installing adequate insulation is one of the biggest regrets of homeowners. If you live in a region with cold winters, make sure your home has the right amount, and the right type, of insulation to increase comfort while minimizing energy costs.
Install outside water and electricity
From time to time, you’ll need to access electricity outside your home. As well as installing exterior taps for hoses and gardening equipment, make sure your home has several exterior electrical sockets for appliances, power tools and more.
Need an extra bathroom? Add half
Want to add an extra bathroom but don’t have space? Add a half bathroom to your home instead. Half bathrooms are ideal for spaces beneath stairs of between guest bedrooms since they use a fraction of the space required for a full bathroom.
Don’t focus too much on the cost
Remember that your home is an investment, and spending more now means you’ll be able to enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle and a higher resale price in the future, should you decide to sell your home.
Spending slightly more than you had planned to and getting an extra bedroom or living area in return is often worth it, particularly if your home is a place you want to grow into over time and use to bring up your family.