So, you’re looking to build your dream home. It’s one of the most exciting things you can do, but it can also be a little stressful if you go into it without doing your homework. We’ve done all of that for you to help you make your custom home experience a smooth one. So, bookmark this article, use it to guide you through the process and avoid making the mistakes we see so many people fall victim to. Let’s start by looking at the home you’ve always dreamed of building.
Start with your vision
The journey to your custom home begins with a clear vision. This is your opportunity to dream big and consider every detail you want to include. Do you envision a sleek modern design with an open-plan layout? Or perhaps a more traditional home with separate rooms and cosy spaces? Maybe you’re looking to incorporate the charming coastal elements that Geelong is known for, such as large windows and spacious outdoor living areas.
Take your time during this phase. Write down your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Think about the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, and any additional features like a home office, an outdoor shower, a pool or a design that emphasises indoor-outdoor living.
The more detail you can go into here, the better. Find examples of your vision (Pinterest is a great help), put a mood board together for the feel you’re going for, and go into as much detail as you can, from rooms down to finishes. The clearer your vision, the easier it will be to communicate your ideas to your design team, to ensure everyone is on the same page right from the start. This will streamline budget allocation, time planning, and the end result of course!
Find a great builder
Selecting the right builder is one of your most crucial decisions in your custom home journey. When evaluating potential builders, consider their experience, reputation, communication style, and local knowledge.
There are many reputable builders out there with a range of specialties. It’s essential to choose one who aligns with your vision and has experience building homes similar to what you have in mind. Look for builders with a strong portfolio, good reviews, and a reputation for completing projects on time and within budget. Speak with past clients to get a sense of their satisfaction and any potential issues they encountered during their builds. A builder who understands Greater Geelong’s unique environment and specific building regulations will also help you navigate the process more efficiently.
Work with a building designer or architect
Once you’ve chosen your builder, the next step is to work with a designer or architect to bring your vision to life. This is where your dream home starts to take shape on paper. A skilled designer or architect will create a floor plan that meets your needs while ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look.
During this phase, consider how you want your home to flow. Open-plan living spaces are popular for their flexibility, but you may also want to create separate zones for privacy. Your designer will help you make critical decisions about materials, finishes, and fixtures that will give your home its unique character.
What many people overlook is the benefit of working with your builder’s recommended designer. Some builders even have in-house design teams, which streamlines the entire process, preventing potential disputes and ensuring a smoother journey from concept to completion. Certain builders, like Enso Homes, even offer the flexibility of both options: working with their talented in-house design team or partnering with your preferred local architect. The choice is yours!
Be realistic and honest about your budget
One of the biggest mistakes when building a custom home is setting an unrealistic budget. It’s easy to get carried away with grand designs and expensive finishes, but having a clear and detailed budget from the outset is essential. This doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your vision – especially if you work with a team skilled at maximising your budget.
Being upfront about your budget with your builder is just as important. It means you’ll receive more realistic quotes, so there’s no wasted time on designs or proposals that exceed what you can afford. It also allows your builder to suggest more cost-effective alternatives without compromising on the quality you’re looking for.
Plan for the future
Building a custom home is a long-term investment, so it’s important to think ahead. Consider how your needs might change in the coming years. Are you planning to have more children? Do you want space for frequent guests or ageing relatives? Building a home that only meets your current needs can lead to costly renovations or modifications down the road.
Future-proofing your home can include adding extra wiring for future technology upgrades, planning for accessibility features, or designing flexible spaces that can be converted into different types of rooms. It’s also worth considering provisions for future expansions or amenities, such as a swimming pool or outdoor kitchen.
Finalising your design before construction begins
Another important thing you need to be aware of is that once construction is underway, making changes to the design can be extremely costly. Even minor modifications like moving a wall or changing fixtures can disrupt the entire workflow, which will mean delays and additional expenses. This is easily avoidable by taking your time during the design phase and ensuring that you’re completely satisfied with every detail before construction begins.
Trust professional help
It can be tempting to cut costs by bringing in non-professionals. Maybe you have a friend who’s handy with tiling or a cousin who’s done some electrical work. But custom home building is about more than just individual skills, it’s about expertise across multiple trades. The advantage of working with a professional, well-coordinated trade team is that they know how to work together.
They understand each other’s processes, so they don’t get in each other’s way or cause delays. If you hire tradies who haven’t worked together before, they might get the job done, but there will likely be miscommunication, inefficiencies, and scheduling clashes. In the long run, hiring experienced professionals who work well as a team means a smoother, faster, and higher-quality build. It’s an investment that pays off in the durability and finish of your home.
Enjoy the process
Building a custom home is an incredible experience for any family. You want to look back on it and think about how smooth, efficient, and exciting it all was. While the process can be complex and offer a few challenges, if you work with the right people and do a bit of homework, it can be an incredibly enjoyable one.
So why not trust the team with a decade of experience transforming custom home visions into stunning realities? As experts in custom home building, Enso Homes is your co-pilot from the first design consultation to the final finishing touches. Get in touch with a member of our team and let’s talk about bringing your dream to life, together.
