Building a custom home is great opportunity to create a space reflecting your taste and 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 thumb rules for designing a custom home. So, you can easily tick every box, from functionality to aesthetics.
At PDCD Homes, we’ve spent years turning land into beautiful homes for families across Perth. Our team helps you in every step of building or upgrading your luxury custom-designed house. Our goal is to make this journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Let’s move toward our tips to design your custom home.
8 Design Tips To Build a Custom Home:
1. Keep Your Needs in Mind
Before thinking about any design ideas, enlist your current and future needs. A great custom home offers functionality regardless of space.
Identify your top preferences. 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 and add sketches covering your every choice and preference. It will clear out your mind and also help the builder to understand your vision.
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 storage needs according to your lifestyle. Like a garage for vehicles, a workshop for your mechanic tools, a walk-in closet for outfit collection, a studio for art supplies etc.
2. Take Inspiration from Online Designs and Display Homes
You can’t plan and cover all your needs by yourself. Gathering inspiration from completed homes and expert designs is also very important. It will put new ideas in your mind and help you remember the forgotten details.
Visit the custom-building companies and meet the architects. You can explore some 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 with them.
Display Homes:
Visit the display homes built by custom home builders in your area. Note down their features and ask important questions. 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 communicate with your builder for custom homes. So, you can make informed decisions about your space.
3. Separate the Essentials from Luxuries
The biggest barrier in adding your dream customisations or recreating a luxury style is your budget. Keep the financial resources in mind while planning the details of your custom home. They can include your income, savings amount, loans, and financial aids if you applied for any.
Proper budget and expense management are most essential for a custom designed home. 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 and if the budget allows.
Have an honest conversation with your custom home builders about your budget. It will avoid surprises at later stages and help in getting the value of your money.
4. Take Maximum Advantage of 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.
Using Natural Building Materials
Use the maximum organic matter in building your dream house. They offer durability, elegance, and a distinct organic feel.
Stone countertops, wood floors and furniture, brick walls, copper fixtures, and concrete surfaces are commonly used in custom houses.
Natural Light
Plan your windows and glass doors in such a way that sunlight keep your house lt most of the time. If you keep the back of your house north, it can retain maximum sunlight.
It will reduce your reliance on artificial lighting and save energy expenses for you.Ventilation
Proper ventilation is necessary for healthy living and durability of building and furniture. Your design must include spacious rooms, large doors and windows and high roof.
Observe the direction of breeze through your land. Windows and doors placement should allow natural airflow.Landscaping
Integrate existing trees and natural landscapes in your outdoors. Your building design should create a blend of indoor and outdoor living.
Outdoor provides a spacious area for practical needs and luxurious feel.
Nature can help you in creating a harmonious, energy-efficient home. Contact experienced custom home builders near you for further guidance and expert advice.
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. Here are some sustainable features to save money and reduce your environmental footprint.
- High-Quality 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.
6. Stay Flexible in Your 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. Leave Room for Future Updates
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. Life changes, and so do your needs, so flexibility is key.
- 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 think of some extra touches like art, textiles, and accessories. They will personalize your space to fit your vibe and make it even more meaningful to you and your family.
These flexibility techniques will time-proof your home to meet whatever changes life throws at you.
8. Give Your 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.
You can name it after the location, family, or something else that is meaningful to you. You can also search for some unique names online. Apart from personal connection, the sign will also help distinguish your building from others.
In Summary
Building a custom home is an exciting but crucial experience. If you keep key design tips in mind, you can enjoy a smooth building process. Identify your needs and take inspiration to make a functional design. Plan where to save and where to spend along the process. Make sustainable choices and use nature to avoid extra expenses. Keep the space for changes and plan for future updates to save extra trouble. Follow these expert tips and enjoy a smooth custom home building process.
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, 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.
Get a quote to build your custom home.
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