Looking to level up your home this year? Whether your 2023 goal is to build your dream home or renovate your existing one to make it more to your liking, you want everything to flow smoothly so you can get the result you’re after. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help turn your dreams into reality:
Choose an Experienced Local Builder
You’ll be off to the best possible start if you select an experienced builder who’s familiar with the local area. This goes for both new builds and renovations. For example, if your project is on the Peninsula in Australia, you’d go for Torquay builders over even the most prominent Melbourne-based company. Why? Because local builders understand the coastal conditions, from the soil to the salt air. So they’ll use the right materials and offer the best advice. The same rule applies no matter where you build – locals know the benefits and potential pitfalls of the environment better, so they’ll deliver results that last.
Separate Wants from Needs
As tempting as it will be to add everything to the schedule and want it all immediately, there are probably things that are going to have to wait until a little later. So, unless you have an infinite budget, separate wants from needs and prioritize the latter.
Think About the Fixed Elements First
Focus on getting your fixed elements – such as layout, floors, kitchen, and bathroom – done right first, as they’re going to be the biggest hassle to change later. This applies more so to new builds but is just as important when deciding where your priorities should be during a renovation. Fixed elements also tend to offer the biggest change in the way your home looks and feel, so they’ll deliver the most profound sense of positive change.
Stick to a Budget
Speaking of budgets, while yours will obviously be different depending on whether you’re building from scratch or renovating, it is important to keep your funds under control either way. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself running out of financial steam towards the end of your project (or possibly even earlier) and having to compromise on your dreams.
By establishing how you’re going to assign funds to get the best bang for your buck from the beginning, you’ll be able to maximize the number of items on your want list that you successfully include up-front.
Focus on Functionality
No matter how much fun it can be to design your space, it’s still crucial to focus on functionality. Much like how your meals are going to turn out tastier if you’ve got the right tools from a quality cookware brand, your home is going to be much easier to live in if it’s set up in a way that suits your needs on a functional level.
We’re not saying that everything needs to be cold and clinical, but you do need to focus on having things work properly before you worry about how they look. This will be most important in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms, but you’ll still want to consider the positioning of smaller things, such as outlets and light switches.
We spend a lot of time at home, so it makes sense that you would want yours to end up exactly how you imagined it. By following these tips, you’ll be able to get a lot closer to your dream home goals in a faster time frame. Remember – it’s always worth putting in a little extra effort at the planning stage.
