There’s something different about getting back from a working day, sitting in a lounge designed by yourself, in a house that was designed by yourself. Not many people have that luxury. Not only is designing and building a home from scratch expensive, but it is also incredibly difficult, with a number of areas that can easily catch you out if you do not have the necessary expertise.
That’s not to say it is impossible. But there should be a considerable amount of thought put into making the decision. In other words, you have to know that you are ready to make the leap, as well as be determined enough to see through the hardest parts of the design process and the build itself. With this in mind, here are a few things you need to consider to understand if you could – or should – take on the project:
You Need To Take Everything Into Account
Firstly, it’s important to take everything into account when it comes to the design process. For instance, how much of the pre-existing build will have to go? Will it need a full demolition or only a soft strip demolition? Details like this will be crucial when finalising your budget and understanding the length of the project.
You Need More Finance Than You Think You Need
It’s also important to remember this very simple rule: budget beyond construction. That is to say, not all of your budget should be focused on construction. Indeed, when designing a home, while the budget for construction is often high, there is also landscaping, insurance, local authority fees, site surveys, service connections and more to think about. Make sure you know how to budget your construction fleet and everything else, whilst also ensuring your floor plans give you wriggle room for the unexpected.
You Need To Expect The Unexpected
Speaking of the unexpected, you need to expect it! That is to say, designing a home and building that home is never simple. There is always something that will come up and threaten to derail the project – perhaps complaints about noise or a lack of storage solutions for materials – so make sure you are aware of those possibilities and have the know-how to deal with them.
You Need To Have Everyone On Board
When it comes to being ready to design your own home, it’s also important to remember that this is not just about you. You likely have a family who will also have a say, and who might not be ready to be involved in such a project. If they are ready, you also need to get them on board and give them their own say in how the home will look, as well as the decisions that will need to be made to reach the end-goal.
You Need To Be In The Right Location
Lastly, make sure you have the basics right. For instance, are you in the right location for this home? This can come down to something as simple as light sources – where the sunlight is going to get into the home – and commuting options. It can be very exciting getting into your own design project, so much so that you fail to take into account the location of the project itself, so make sure to keep your awareness and consider every area.