Building your dream home is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people, so it's important to do it right. 

But it's unfortunately very common for homeowners to make mistakes along the way that can cause frustration, delays and even additional costs down the road. 

In this post, we'll go through the top 12 mistakes you should avoid when building your dream home, so you can have a smooth, stress-free experience.

Being hasty with choosing the location for your new home

The location is key when building a home, as it will greatly influence its resale value, as well as your daily commute and overall lifestyle. Rushing the decision or not doing enough research can lead to regrets later on. 

Take your time, consider all options and visit the location at different times of the day and week to get a better understanding of the surroundings.

Not knowing how to read a builders’ quote correctly

Builders' quotes can be packed with relevant information and can seem overwhelming, especially for first-time home builders. 

It's crucial to understand all the details, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek advice from others and compare quotes from different builders.

Working with the wrong builder

The builder you choose can make or break your experience, so take your time to find a reputable, experienced and reliable one. 

Check their reviews, visit their previous projects and ask for references. Don't be swayed by low prices or flashy marketing - it's the quality of their work that counts.

Look for longevity in the market, have they been around a long time? Have they won awards and been acknowledged by the MBA and HIA?

Making large purchases during the construction phase

Although it can be tempting to start buying furniture and appliances ahead of time, hold off until the construction is complete. 

It's difficult to predict the final measurements and design of rooms until they're finished, and you don't want to risk buying items that won't fit or work well with the final look of your home.

Wanting to make changes during the construction phase

Most project builders in Perth will not allow changes once construction has commenced.

Make sure you're clear about your expectations from the beginning, and communicate any changes or requests as early as possible to avoid significant disruptions and frustrations.

Having too many under-utilized rooms

It's great to have plenty of space in your home, but it's important to consider how you'll use it. Having too many rooms that are rarely used can result in wasted space, cleaning and maintenance costs, and a cluttered feel. 

 

Consider options like flexible spaces, home offices, and multipurpose rooms that can adapt to your changing needs.

Wrong placement of rooms

The layout of your home can also greatly impact your daily life. Ensuring you have the proper placement of your bedrooms, living spaces, and utility rooms can greatly improve your home life. 

Consider the direction of the sun, privacy, and noise levels of each room, and how they can be optimized to suit your needs.

Lean on your builder during the design process to help you think through how you will live in the home, and take their advice, they are usually knowledgeable and experienced professionals.

Taking shortcuts and trying to cut every corner on the budget

While it's always tempting to save money, builders like Novus build homes to last, with quality materials and the best finishes, good builders do not take shortcuts!

Work with your builder to understand where you can save money in other areas without sacrificing quality.

Trying to manage the project yourself

It may seem like a cost-saving measure to manage the project yourself, but unless you have relevant experience, it can quickly become overwhelming and stressful. An experienced project home builder can provide guidance and expertise and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Not planning for enough storage

Storage is an essential consideration when designing your home. Make sure you consider all storage needs, from kitchen cupboards to under-stairs closets, and plan accordingly. 

Too little storage can result in cluttered, unorgansed spaces that can be frustrating to live in.

Not planning for the long-term when designing your home

Your dream home should accommodate your current lifestyle, but also take into account future needs. 

This could include plans for ageing in place, accommodating changes in family size or lifestyle, or building in sustainable features to reduce your impact on the environment.

Overlooking the importance of natural light

Another important element to consider when designing your home is natural light. 

Proper positioning of windows and skylights can significantly improve the look and feel of your living spaces, and provide health benefits, such as reducing stress and improving sleep.

So, what have we learned?

Building your dream home is a rewarding and exciting experience, but it's important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to dissatisfaction or additional costs down the road. 

By taking the time to consider each of the above factors, you can ensure that your home is built to last, suits your lifestyle, and brings you joy for years to come.