You’ve decided to build your very own custom home—something unique to suit the tastes and personality of you and your family. Building a custom home tailored exactly how you envision is an exciting process, but with so many possibilities, where do you even begin with the modern design?
A clear reference point is crucial when starting the custom home design process. Take time to gather inspiration from homes you love, make note of must-have features, and collect ideas for your perfect layout and aesthetic. This will provide guidelines as you collaborate with a designer and builder to bring your custom-built home to life.
Be open and communicate your personal vision while also taking advantage of your builder's expertise. They can advise on the most pragmatic design elements and layout, given your budget and lifestyle. With clear communication and reasonable expectations, you're sure to bring about a livable, functional custom home you'll enjoy for years to come. The result will be a home catered specifically for you, with custom details that reflect your unique style and needs. So, let’s get into our top 6 tips!
Top 6 Custom Home Design Tips Before You Build
1. Gather Inspiration
Whether creating a mood board on Pinterest, walking through Display Homes or browsing a New Home Builders’ Showroom, seeing tangible examples is an excellent way to decide what you do or don’t like! It’s much easier to go off what people have already done than start everything yourself from scratch.
2. Maximise Natural Light
You’re going to want to flood your new home with as much natural light as possible. Having the back of your home facing north will allow the most natural light to flow through. Installing more oversized windows or skylights can also be an effective way to brighten the space without relying on artificial lighting.
3. Open Plan Living
Modern design incorporates open-plan living areas, blending functionality for a more spacious and inclusive feel. However, it is important to consider your family’s needs, and if this could cause noise or privacy issues, it may not be the best for your custom home.
4. Bring The Outdoors, Indoors
Connecting with nature can do wonders for our mental health, and bringing the outdoors in can make your home come alive. Whether it’s introducing indoor plants or other outdoor elements you like, such as a pinecone!
5. Increase Ceiling Heights
Increasing the ceiling height by 30-50cm can instantly make the room feel larger. This will open up the surroundings and provide plenty of space to breathe, dance, and do whatever!
6. Incorporate Natural Materials
Using natural materials like stone, wood, copper, concrete, and granite in your custom home's design will add a timeless, elegant feel with organic texture and warmth. Natural elements bring the outdoors inside and give spaces a cozy yet polished ambience.
Stone or wood floors, granite countertops, exposed brick accents, copper fixtures, and concrete surfaces are just some of the many options for seamlessly blending nature into your interior spaces.
Choosing finishes, surfaces, and architectural details made from natural materials will enhance your home with a welcoming, earthy character that reflects the beauty of the world around us.
Choosing the Right Custom Home Builder
Selecting the right custom builder is one of the most important decisions when building your dream home. The builder you choose will be with you every step of the design and building process, so it's crucial to find someone you connect with who understands exactly what you envision. Here are some tips for choosing the right custom home builder:
- Get referrals from friends, your realtor or your architect. A glowing recommendation from someone you trust is a great reference point.
- Research builders online and read reviews from past clients. Look for demonstrated expertise in custom homes specifically.
- Interview multiple builders and ask about their experience, typical building timelines, communication style, costs, and design capabilities. Get a sense of how they collaborate.
- Ask to see examples of previous custom homes they have built to ensure the quality and styles you like.
- Ensure the builder is licensed, insured, and willing to provide referrals from past clients you can contact.
- Choose a builder you communicate well with. You'll be working very closely throughout the build.
- Find a builder who listens to your vision and is on the same page about building goals, budget and timeline.
- Taking the time to select the right custom home builder for your project carefully will ensure a smooth, enjoyable process and a final home you're thrilled with.
Creating Your Perfect Dream Home Design
With great design also comes functionality, so remember to keep in mind maintenance requirements. Don’t feel pressured to follow trends; do what resonates with who you are for a classic style that you and your family can enjoy for years to come. When it comes to building your Custom Home, Buildrite is here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have! Get In Touch Today.