Everybody in their lifetime has the dream to design and build their own dream home. With the amount of information available nowadays from information on the web, television shows such as ‘The Block’ and an array of magazines and newspaper editorials that detail ideas for inspiration, processes and success stories for people that have done it. If you are considering to take the plunge into the building world, here are a few considerations that you should bear in mind.
Try to be green in your approach
We can all do our part to help the environment during the building process and for the finished result of the home. Aim to be as green friendly as possible. Some tips include:
Water conservation
Try to take measures where you can to reduce the amount of water being consumed onsite. Where water is necessary for the building project, seek to use recycled water (such as rainwater). Additionally, when you are building the property, seek ways to incorporate rainwater (or recycled water systems) into the home.
Energy conservation
It is easy to increase your energy bills by using artificial lighting. There are several situations where you won’t be able to get around this and that you will need to factor it into your overall budget costs. However, where you can make savings, aim to do it. Look into energy conservation bulbs and make use of natural light as much as possible. When considering energy conservation for the home, consider installing windows and shutters to create well lit areas and to use smart systems to conserve energy and help the environment.
Waste disposal – On building sites, you are going to accumulate a lot of waste. If you have excess materials, offer it to others in a recycling bid, rather than throw it away as rubbish. Also maintain the waste management on the building site well. Look into skips and partnering with building waste management services who can also offer you guidance on recycling and green initiatives when it comes to your build’s waste disposal.
Plan a budget and stick to it
Managing the budget and cashflow for your building project is crucial if you want to have a successful building project. Many building projects fail to finish because the people that are developing the home run out of cash. Ensure that you have enough cash reserves to finish your project. Also make sure that you develop a detailed spending strategy so you can avoid overpayments and not forgetting to plan for any items.
DIY vs. Using contractors
It may seem cheaper and easier to do it yourself until you actually start doing the work. It is something that you will need to be careful with as if you make mistakes, the repair job could be more costly than the initial budget. Should you decide to use a contractor, forecast the fees for hiring the contractors to work on your project. Do your due diligence and ensure that they have the correct accreditations and licenses to work on your project and that any work that is undertaken by them meets all building regulations. Look up services for builders in Melbourne to get a stronger idea of reputable and accredited builders that you can shortlist for your building project. Should you decide to do it yourself, you will save costs in terms of the contractor fees. Ensure that each part of the project complies with building and council regulations and approvals. Failure to do so may result in further actions that could prove costly.
Plan the purchase of your materials correctly
It is important to make sure that you have selected the right materials for building your property. It is also important that you budget for the correct amount of materials that you will use in your building project. Ordering too many unnecessary materials can easily blow your budget and can put a hold on your building project.
Get all of the necessary approvals
It is crucial that you get all of the necessary approvals from your authority and local government bodies prior to commencing the build. Should you not lodge or be successful in your application, all of your work may come undone with the local authorities demanding change or the removal of your build. Furthermore, you will be liable for the bill.
Think smart
Smart homes are fast becoming a popular trend. Where you have the opportunity to integrate smart technology into the new home, consider it. It should help to improve the perceived value of the home.
These are a few considerations to bear in mind when you are building your dream home. Go and find some inspiration, set the right plan, get the approvals and start building your dream home today.
