The decision to build a new house is not one to be taken lightly. This is because it’s a major investment and it’s something that you will have a long time to either enjoy or lament. With this in mind, it’s important to make a few considerations that can make a big difference in the process and the outcome. Here are some of them.
Finish Your House Before You Move in
This first consideration may sound easy enough to make, especially if you have a schedule that you intend to follow to the end. Keep in mind, however, that things change. What was set down on paper as a seven-month project can turn into a year-long project. When this happens, it’s important that you don’t yield to the temptation to move in before you finish construction.
Have a contingency plan to rely on so you won’t be pushed into the house before it’s completed. Strive to have it done within this specified time. This is because once you move in, you will get comfortable with the current state of the house and may end up taking a very long time to finish it. This can be risky, especially for something as sensitive as a basement, of which 45% of standalone houses have. Out of these, 32% have a full basement while 9.8% have a partial one.
Leave Enough Room for Storage
As your family grows, you will likely experience varying needs for storage. Keep this in mind and ensure that you have enough storage for your family’s evolving needs. This will make your home both functional and valuable once done. In the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and even the garage, leave enough room for storing different items.
Design for the Future
If you plan on having children or inviting an elderly loved one to live in your home in the future, it’s a good idea to build with this in mind. You will save time and money when you don’t have to construct additional spaces. Knocking down walls and such in a bid to expand the space can be a difficult endeavor. Take time to think about what your family and their lives will look like five or even 10 years down the line and build accordingly.
Research Contractors Thoroughly
Before you commit to working with a specific contractor, it’s a good idea to research them thoroughly. They should be experienced and capable of delivering what they say they will. This is something you can verify by looking at their reviews online and talking to people with whom they have worked in the past. If you will have a septic system for your home like the over 60 million people in the United States who do, it’s important to only work with a knowledgeable professional. This is an important step to getting the best system and not having to do costly do-overs in the future.
Think About the Lighting
Lighting is something to give serious thought while building a house, given the important role it plays. For example, ambient lighting in the kitchen should be between 5,000 and 10,000 lumens. The range, sink, and counters should have task lighting that’s a minimum of 450 lumens for each. This will help your kitchen stay perfectly lit and not be too bright or too dim. Follow professional guidelines for all other rooms in the house, making the most of the fact that you can do it right the first time and enjoy a home with amazing light for a long time to come.
Make these considerations for the home that you’re building and you will enjoy living in it with your family for as long as you can imagine!
