As much as you’re ready to build your first home, you’re also overwhelmed with the complex construction process. From learning what an expansion joint is to choosing the right tiles, finishes, and what not for different areas of your home, you are now realising that construction isn’t really for the faint hearted.
But building your first home is also a huge investment, and you need to make important decisions that will have an impact on the outcome of this project. So before you get overwhelmed, make sure that you keep these tips in mind:
- Big isn’t always better. It’s not uncommon for you to think that having a bigger house is better. But if you have so much square footage and you have a limited budget, you may be sacrificing the “essentials” like the quality of materials, insulation, and the overall look of your home. The good thing about building a house is that you can start small and slowly expand over time. Like most things in life, it’s always better to choose quality over quantity in this project.
- Choose a design that suits you. Think about choosing a design like picking out the right outfit. You wouldn’t want to wear a colourful dress if you’re a jeans and shirt type of girl, right? While it’s easy to get swayed by the different trends that you see online, always go back to what speaks to your personality the most. This is your first home, so it should be a reflection of our personality and not anyone else’s. Your guests should come inside your house and say this is truly yours. Don’t be afraid to be different in your choices of colour, texture and even furniture.
- Work with the right people. You can’t put too much emphasis on the importance of working with the right engineer, architect, contractor and supplier during your build. In fact, it will dictate whether you get exactly what you want for this project or end up wasting money on it. If you can, ask for referrals from family and friends who have worked with these professionals before. This will help you ensure that you’re getting the right input for such a huge investment like your home.
- Always consider functionality. You want your home to be functional as much as it is stylish. Even if you have limited space, you can still make the most of every square footage by maximising the space that you have. Cabinets and shelves are two of the best ways to make use of vertical space, and you should also choose furniture that fits your lifestyle just right. And if you’re confused on the right layout and style for your home, you can always employ the expert eye of an interior designer.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the choices that you need to make for your home, that’s normal. As long as you know your goals, you’re working with the right people, and you have a clear vision of what you want your home to look like, you’ll be alright.
