So, you are building a custom home for your family? First of all, big high-five! As it is a great opportunity to showcase your taste and suit your lifestyle.
But the process is not as simple as it seems. It is common to feel lost in all the design details, cost management, and quality checks.
Don’t worry, we have compiled the ultimate cheat sheet. i.e. 8 rules of thumbs you should remember while designing a custom home. They’ll make it easy for you to tick every box, from functionality to aesthetics.
At PDCD Homes, we’ve spent years turning land into beautiful homes across Perth. Our team helps you in every step of building or upgrading your luxury custom-designed house. So, the journey can become as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Let’s move toward the tips we have in-store for building custom homes.
8 Design Tips to Build a Custom Home:
1. Define Your Priorities Before You Start Building
Before thinking about any design ideas, enlist your current and future needs. A great custom home offers functionality regardless of space. Do you love open entry or prefer a cosy interior? Do you like stunning outdoor surroundings? What colour theme fits to your personality?
Make a list of your top preferences for your custom home. Don’t forget these important components.
Number of Rooms
How many bedrooms do you need for your family? Do you want guest rooms or an office space? Is a library or a hobby room on your list?
Flexible Spaces
Think about multifunctional areas that can adapt to your changing needs over time. E.g. design playrooms in such a way that they can evolve into study spaces.
Storage Needs
Plan out the required storage spaces too. Like a garage for vehicles, workshop for your mechanic tools, a walk-in closet for outfit collection, a studio for art supplies etc.
Draw the sketches also to clear your mind and make the builder understand your vision.
2. Gather Inspiration from Homes You Love
You can’t plan and cover all your needs by yourself. Steal ideas from wherever you can. They will put new ideas in your mind and help you remember the forgotten details.
Visit the builders in Perth or check custom home projects through these sources.
Online Platforms:
Websites like Pinterest or Houzz can help you design ideas and interior styles. Get inspiration and create mood boards.
Display Homes:
Visit the display homes built by custom home builders in your area. Note down their features and ask questions too. They can give you a real sense of space, layout, and style.
Friends & Family:
If anyone in your circle has built a custom home, seek advice from him. It is always wise to learn from the mistakes of others.
Merge these ideas with your preferences and create a complete sketch of your custom home. Get fully prepared and then discuss with your builder for custom homes.
3. Separate the Essentials from Luxuries
The most important factor to keep you humble while building is your budget.
Enlist the financial resources & plan the budget of your custom designed home accordingly. They include income, savings, loans, and financial aids if you applied for any. Then discuss with your custom home builders to get expert opinion & great ideas.
Prioritise the needs over wants and divide your building details into the following lists.
Essentials List
It should include the components that you can’t build a home without. E.g.
- Functional kitchen
- Enough bedrooms
- Proper insulation etc.
Invest freely into them for the safety and durability of your house. Dedicate a separate share of the budget for them to avoid any mismanagement.
Luxuries List
Add all the extra touches and add-ons to this list. For example,
- High-end finishes
- Fancy marble
- Luxury appliances
- Grand entrance
Select them according to your budget and do not spend much on them. You can update them later if the budget allows.
4. Design a Home That Embraces Nature
Natural elements not only provide aesthetics to your custom home but also offer functionality and comfort. You can incorporate nature into your design in following ways.
Natural Building Materials
Use the maximum organic matter in building your dream house. E.g. Stone countertops, wood floors and furniture, brick walls, copper fixtures, and concrete surfaces. They offer durability, elegance, and a distinct organic feel.
Utilising Natural Light
Plan your windows and glass doors in such a way that sunlight keep your house lit most of the time. If you keep the back of your house north, it can retain maximum sunlight.
Result? Less reliance on artificial lighting and energy savings.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is necessary for healthy living and durability of building. Observe the direction of breeze & plan window and door placement accordingly. Include spacious rooms, large doors and windows and high roof.
Landscaping
Integrate existing trees and natural landscapes in your outdoors. It enhances practicality and add a luxurious feel. Your building design should create a blend of indoor and outdoor living.
Contact experienced custom home builders near you for further guidance in this regard.
5. Make Sustainable Choices for Your Home
Building a sustainable custom home is no longer an option. It is a basic necessity if you are considering your home for long-term use. Consider:
- Durable Materials
Choose high-quality durable material instead of just going for looks. - Energy-Efficient Appliances
Choose appliances with high energy ratings to reduce electricity expenses. - Solar Panels
Perth’s sunny climate makes solar energy a smart and eco-friendly choice instead of regular electricity. - Water-Saving Fixtures
Install low-flow taps and dual-flush toilets to conserve water and save utility bills. - Insulation
Proper insulation will keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.
They’ll save money and reduce your environmental footprint of your house.
6. Stay Flexible in Your Custom Home Design
During the construction, always keep track of progress and renew the plan if any problem occurs. So that your custom-building stays on track and within budget.
- Communication with Builder
Visit your home regularly and check all the details. If something doesn’t look right, communicate it clearly with your custom home builders. - Timely Detection of Problems
As soon as a problem is detected, find timely solutions for it. Early fixing can save a lot of time and money. - Replacement Options
Always leave room for changes and keep 2-3 replacements in plan. So, the extra delays and troubles can be avoided.
With proactive involvement, you can ensure your custom home project runs smoothly.
7. Design & Build with Tomorrow in Mind
No matter how closely you check, the minor problems in your design can only be detected by living in it. So, always think smart and leave room for further modifications. They can be:
- Expansion Possibilities
Design spaces that can easily welcome updates. E.g. sub-dividing a room or converting a garage into a home office. - Technology Upgrades
Leave room for adding smart home systems or tech upgrades. So, you can enhance the functionality of your home whenever the budget allows. - Adaptable Finishes
Choose finishes and fixtures that can be updated over time without requiring a complete renovation. - Space for Accessories
Also leave a room for extra touches like art, décor, and accessories. They will personalise your space & make it more meaningful for you.
These flexibility techniques will time-proof your home for whatever lies ahead.
8. Give Your Custom Home a Name
Last but not the least customisation of your home is its name. It adds a personal touch and sense of pride for the owner. You will develop a strange sort of attachment with the name and feel the home as truly yours.
Name it after the location, person or something else that is meaningful to you. You can also search for some unique names online.
Choosing the Custom Home Builders Perth
Alright, you’ve dreamt it, mood-boarded it, & made a whole sketch in your mind. But don’t underestimate the builder choice too. As they are the ones turning your dream into reality.
Experienced custom home builders will help you in:
- Refinement of Your ideas: A good builder will review your sketch, suggests smart alternatives, and prevents costly mistakes.
- Quality Assurance: From the foundation to the finishing touches, the right team will use reliable materials and workmanship.
- Efficient Project Management: With the right builder, you’ll stay on schedule, within budget, and informed at every stage.
What you’ll have to do to choose the right builder? Read on to find out.
- Search for “custom home builders near me” and make a list of all top results.
- Look at their portfolio and previous work. Visit display homes, if possible, to get a feel for the quality and design.
- Read testimonials, ask for references, and verify that they’re fully licensed and insured.
- Make sure they listen to your needs and explain things clearly. Because no collaboration is possible without effective communication.
- Discuss your budget openly. So, you both can stay on same page regarding expenses.
- Check if they are familiar with local regulations and climate conditions. So, they can handle permits and challenges efficiently.
Looking for custom home builders & designers in Perth?
Build Your Luxury Home with PDCD Homes
At PDCD Homes, we help you design and build a custom home that suits your family needs and lifestyle. As one of the leading luxury custom home builders Perth, we provide expert guidance from concept to completion.
If you’re planning to build your first home, downsize or sub-divide an existing building or create a luxury custom design. We’re here to help make your dream home a reality.
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