Going to build the first-ever home for your family?
It will be a roller coaster experience for you. Deciding the details of each wall and corner and imagining all the memories you will create in it. But your dreams can turn into nightmares by only one wrong decision.
PDCD Homes is here to guide you in this beautiful journey of building your dream home. In this blog post, we will provide you the dos and don’ts of the process.
Moreover, we can offer you a variety of affordable building options without compromising on quality. Our vast experience of building, renovating, and sub-dividing the houses can help you design a space according to your needs and preferences.
Let’s move toward some important things to consider in your home-building journey.
Do’s of Building Your First Home
Here are some important steps you should not forget while building your first home.
1. Choose a Suitable Location
The location of your house has an impact on your lifestyle and peace of mind. Create a list of specifications according to your choice. Visit the desired plot location at different times of the day and check and assess the area for basic requirements, such as
- What is the general environment in street?
- Are there any schools, hospitals, and markets nearby?
- What is the condition of roads and traffic?
- Is there an easy access to public transportation?
- Are there any amusement parks or fun places in the area?
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Financial preparation is the first requirement before making any decision. To get a smooth experience of build in Perth, choose according to your financial condition. Estimate all the expenses from construction costs to final touches, and set a realistic budget.
No matter how perfectly you plan, there will be some changes along the process. Don’t forget to include a buffer for such unexpected costs. Also, discuss the budget with your builder to get an expert advice.
Read more: How To Plan Budget for Building a Luxury Custom Home?
3. Consider the Government Grants & Loan Options
To make the most out of your budget, check for the grants offered by local authorities in your region. They will help take up a large amount of your financial burden.
The only difficult step is to determine your eligibility and carry out documentation. You can hire a financial assistant or builder to help you with it. He will also assist you in finding suitable loan options for you. Be realistic while committing and choose the loan options wisely.
4. Do Prior Research on the Building Process
Before going to a builder, gather the basic info about the building process. It will help you feel confident and allow better decisions. This will also make an impression on the home builders to take your opinion more seriously. Make sure to:
- Know the property and construction rates to have an insight beforehand.
- Learn the stages of construction, such as site preparation, foundation laying, and framing.
- Make a timeline of key milestones according to your budget and schedule.
- Search the builder rates and available options in the area.
5. Choose the Right Builder
Most crucial decision in turning your dream into reality is choosing a builder. A builder should be able to understand your vision, communicate properly, and give expert advice.
- Search all the home builders around you with positive customer reviews.
- Get the details of their past projects.
- Ask for the financial details and breakdown of prices.
You can consider PDCD Homes, one of the best home builders in Perth, to accompany you in your building journey. We’ve built a reputation for delivering high-quality homes tailored to our clients’ needs.
Learn more: How to Find the Best Home Builder in Perth
6. Make a Non-Negotiable List
After choosing a builder, it is time to design your house. Remember that trendy and lush designs will eat up a huge amount of your budget. And then you have to compromise on the necessities. So, better separate the non-negotiable parts to prevent future troubles. They include:
- Structural Integrity
- Roofing
- Electrical Systems
- Plumbing
- Windows and Doors
- Framing and Load-Bearing Walls
- Ventilation and Drainage
- Safety Features (Smoke Alarms, Fire Detectors, etc.)
7. Prioritise Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient home not only reduces environmental footprint but also saves you money on utility bills. Your custom home can help you save energy if you keep these things in mind.
- Make the building design in such a way to use maximum sunlight
- Window placement also plays a huge role in accessing sunlight and allowing ventilation.
- Search for insulation options and energy-saving appliances.
- Install water-saving appliances such as low-flow taps and dual-flush toilets
- Talk to your builder about eco-friendly materials and sustainable building practices.
8. Plan for Your Future Needs
Your home should not only see to your present needs but also be able to serve you for years to come. Make a plan about how your home will serve you in the future.
Think about the increase in family or the growth of children. Make sure that your design is flexible enough for potential expansions. Build the foundations and basic framing strong enough to add a storey afterward. If you want to add pool or garden in the backyard, make sure that there is an easy access to that area.
Also read: Make Your Dream Home a Reality With These Design Tips
Now, let’s move toward the common mistakes done by most home owners that can cost you a lot in the long run.
Don’ts of Building Your First Home
Here is the list of things you should avoid to simplify the process of building your first home.
1. Don’t Rush the Planning Phase
Research looks like the most boring part of building your dream home. Most people want to jump straight toward the construction phase as soon as possible. But hasty decisions in the beginning can result in costly mistakes.
Research should take one-third of the whole building time to get efficient results. Plan everything in detail and also note it down for future evaluation. Take your time while making each decision and signing any paper.
2. Don’t Overlook the Permits and Regulations
Each area follows the list of building rules of a regional authority. You can’t ignore the legalities required to build your own home. Search for the authority in your required society and make sure that your design follows the specifications made by it. Also, take the essential building permits before starting to build your home.
Failing to secure the right permits or ignoring local building codes can result in fines or delays. To get assistance in legal troubles, choose a builder who is well aware of all local regulations.
3. Don’t Sign Any Contract Without Proper Knowledge
Some of the home builders will try to trick you with complex documentation. They will only reveal base price and make you sign heavy contracts with hidden charges. These additional charges can cost you thousands of dollars and disrupt your budget.
Choose a reputable home builder and ask about all inclusions. Read every document carefully before signing to avoid legal troubles.
At PDCD Homes, we offer you a transparent process and make sure that there are no hidden charges. So, you can get only what you have signed up for.
4. Don’t Forget About Resale Value
Even if you are building your first home just for yourself and plan to live in it for many years. Always act smart and check for the resale potential of your house. So, you can get value for your money and have a credible financial resource in case of any emergency.
To get maximum resale value, focus on features and designs that appeal to a wide range of buyers. Choose functional layouts and durable finishing details.
Avoid over-personalisation in choosing designs or furnishes. As they can limit the appeal of your home on the market.
5. Don’t Ignore the Weather Conditions
Always design your custom house following the weather patterns in the region. In case of hot summers, choose the smart windows layout and shading options. Also, install a permanent cooling and ventilation setup.
If winters get too harsh in your region, go for closed spaces, proper insulation and heating arrangements.
6. Don’t Neglect Storage Spaces
In custom building, most people only focus on aesthetics and creating a dreamy interior. You should not ignore the practicality and basic needs like storage. Make sure your home design includes adequate storage spaces. Consider built-in wardrobes, extra cupboard space, and storerooms for extra furniture or accessories.
7. Don’t Go Overboard with Trends
Latest trends and luxurious styles seem catchy to eyes. But, don’t overspend and choose style at the expense of comfort. Instead, choose timeless classic options that can also withstand environmental pressures. Aim for a balance between current styles and long-term features that will retain the appeal of your home over the years.
8. Don’t Ignore the Outdoor Space
Many first-time home builders focus entirely on the building and forget about the surrounding landscape. This can reduce the resale value of your house.
A well-planned garden or outdoor space enhances your lifestyle and adds beauty to your home. Having outdoor space is not only required for quality family time. But will also save you from the cost of halls in case of any event.
Summing It All Up:
Building your first home requires careful steps from choosing right location to adding necessary installations. With careful planning and proper guidance, you can avoid common mistakes and make the journey enjoyable. Carry out detailed research before taking any decision. Choose your builder wisely and design each space for long-term use.
Ready to Build Your First Home?
Turn Your Dream into Reality with PDCD Homes
With years of experience as the best home builders in Perth, we design and build homes reflecting your individual style, need, and budget. Whether you’re looking to build in Perth or want expert advice on developing your land, our team is ready to assist.
At PDCD Homes, we offer affordable luxury homes in some of the most popular locations in Perth. We also help you in making financial decisions, handle all the necessary paperwork and make the process simple for you.
Our team of experts will assist you in turning your vision into reality and create a custom home you’ll love for years to come.
Contact us to get an expert building advice.
Visit our website for further details of our services.