Designing and constructing a new home is one of the most exciting things you can do, with endless opportunities for customisation. But decisions can also be overwhelming if you’re not sure what features you need to include. You want to create your dream home with one of our custom home designs, but you may also have the resale factor at the back of your mind.

To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the 13 most popular must-haves features in a new home to help you decide.

The advantage of building a new home

Firstly, let’s take a look at the advantages of building a new home. Carrying out a home design and build gives you total control over your floor plan, layout, and the number of rooms you want. You can decide which features you want to focus your budget on. You can choose your own fixtures, fittings and finishes.

And you can future-proof your home, investing in smart technology and settling on a design that suits your family circumstances now, as well as reflecting any potential changes ahead.

And, it’s likely to be more cost-effective, because you won’t have to pay additional costs like stamp duty, legal and conveyancing fees, inspection and settlement costs.

What to consider in your home building design

When you’re making your home building design plans, there are a few things to factor in before you move onto the fun stage, where you actually get to start choosing what you want.

1. The size of your block

The first thing you’ll need to consider is the size of your block, and what that means for your design. Smaller blocks don’t mean that you have to compromise. Novus Homes has a huge amount of experience working with narrow blocks, with a number of great designs for narrow spaces. 

It’s at this point that it’s important to decide if you want a single-storey home or a double-storey home. There are advantages to both builds, and Novus Homes is happy to talk you through your options. 

You might also want to consider whether your block can comfortably hold a swimming pool or granny flat, and what kind of garden you like when considering your landscaping. 

It can make sense to buy the land first and build later, once you’ve taken the time to understand what your block will allow.

2. The location you’re building

Another consideration is the location where you’re building. A block with a fantastic view (and there are plenty of these in Perth) might be perfect for a double-storey home to take advantage of the scenery. 

Sloping blocks will come with their own design considerations. You also need to consider the zoning restrictions of the location you’re building. When you build with Novus Homes, we take care of all of the regulations and legalities to make sure you get the go-ahead to build the home that you want.

3. Your budget

It’s important to have an idea of your budget before you start the build, and to factor in a financial buffer for any unexpected costs. Have a frank conversation with your builder about what your budget is, so that your construction costs don’t blow out. 

Having a budget also has the added advantage of forcing you to prioritise what you really want (and need) for your home design.

How to design a new home to build

Once you’ve got the basics in place, you can move on to the aesthetic must-have new home features. While some of these will be a matter of personal taste, we’ve collated the most popular new home must-haves when it comes to designing a home.

4. Opt for open-plan

Open-style layouts are popular because they really are the epitome of luxurious living. With no barriers between living and entertaining spaces, an open layout caters to anyone who loves to host friends and family or retreat in peaceful solitude at any given time. 

What makes this style of living even more special is that you can adjust it to suit your particular needs. You can create a flexible space with unique configurations that make your lifestyle easier and more enjoyable.

5. Outdoor space

In a city as blessed by the weather and scenery as Perth, outdoor space is a must-have. Integrating the outdoor with the indoor to create a cosy al-fresco area creates a great separate entertaining area if you have friends over. 

And with outdoor kitchen options available as well, it’s the perfect way to host friends or family for meals outdoors, while enjoying the ambient climate and entertaining under the stars.

6. Large, luxurious kitchen

Everybody knows the kitchen is the heart of the home, but did you know that kitchens also sell houses? This is one of the areas that you are likely to spend the most time in, so make it a must-have place to be. Consider double-length islands, butler’s pantries and stylish appliances.

7. Make a mudroom a must-have

A mudroom might sound like a luxury item, but they’re quickly becoming a must-have. A well-designed mudroom creates great storage so that the rest of your home feels less cluttered, as well as being a great opportunity to make sure sandy shoes, school lunch boxes and wet weather gear don’t bring dirt and germs into the rest of your home.

Energy efficiency should be a key consideration

While the way that the home you build looks is important, so is the way that it performs. Which is why energy efficiency is fast becoming a key consideration in home building design.

Opting for solar panels, decent insulation, and smart home technology might add to your initial outlay, but they will reduce your bills for years to come.

8. Solar panels

Solar panels are a fantastic way to reduce your long-term energy costs, as well as give your home independence from the grid, and any potential blackouts. They take up very little space and will not spoil the aesthetic of your home. But they will allow you to save money on electricity for many years to come. 

Solar panels can withstand the elements and have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years if they are well-maintained. And with a number of government rebates available, they won’t eat into your budget.

9. Invest in insulation

Investing in insulation is another must-have because it will significantly reduce your energy bills and increase your home comfort. Proper insulation acts as a barrier to the movement of heat, keeping it in to allow your home to stay warm in winter and blocking it out in the summer to keep you cool.

10. Smart home technology

Smart home technology, which gives you the ability to control your power from a smart device is both a way to keep your costs down and create a luxurious home experience at the touch of a button. Imagine being able to turn the lights and air conditioning on before you get home, or automate the security features so that you never get locked out.

Must have new home features

With the home building design plans under control, now you can turn your attention to the interior design and all of the must-haves that will give you the house design you’ve always wanted.

11. Stylish lighting

Lighting plays an important role when it comes to bringing life into a home. 

From pendants, chandeliers, and task lighting in kitchens and bathrooms. Designer lighting creates a unique atmosphere that you can’t find anywhere else. There are also many smart light options available that allow you to completely transform the vibe of a room at the push of a button.

You can also think beyond the usual light placement and choose to highlight specific features, like pieces of art. With the right lighting, you could give your staircase or exterior a luxurious feel with enough style and individuality to make it stand out from the crowd.

12. Wellness features

Wellness features, such as quiet spaces designed for meditation or mindfulness, or the popularity of home saunas or cold therapy, are becoming increasingly sought after in the design space. 

If your budget doesn’t stretch to an entire wellness suite, there are many simple ways to increase the health of your living areas. Adaptive lighting that mimics circadian rhythms can create a sense of well-being, as can effective storage and decluttering. 

You can also bring the outside in, with integrated outdoor areas and lots of internal greenery.

13. Multi-functional spaces

Multi-functional spaces are the best way to make sure your home has everything you need for now, and the future. Smart home building design services will help you create areas that can easily be transformed from one use to another, as your needs change. You could create a playroom come home office, for example, or you could split a basement between a garage, gym or games room.

Theatre/study

Some spaces lend themselves to multi-purpose usage more easily than others, with a theatre room being a prime example. Many homeowners love the idea of a theatre or cinema room. Rather than making that a stand-alone must-have, your theatre room could double as a study, bar or games room to make sure you’re making the most of the space.

Age-appropriate zoning

Age-appropriate zoning is a practical solution to the multi-generational living that’s increasing in popularity. With more adult children staying at home to study, or save money for their own home deposits, creating separate zones for different family groups is a great way to extend the longevity of your home design.

Why build with Novus Homes

These are just some of the features that you could add to your new home. With so many options available, it's important to partner with a reputable and experienced home builder who can bring your vision to life. Whether you're seeking a build on existing land or purchasing house and land together, we can help.

At Novus Homes, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our ability to turn even the most challenging construction projects into a high quality result that suits your lifestyle. Contact us today to get started on your new luxury home.