Building your dream home doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your personality or breaking the bank. Homeowners often look to customize their new builds to reflect their unique tastes and preferences, and many don’t realize certain upgrades can significantly impact both the aesthetic and functional appeal of their homes. The following insights explore what customizations can transform your project build.
For many Australians, project homes are the go-to choice for residential construction. These homes are popular primarily due to their affordability and efficient timelines. Constructed by volume builders, project homes come with pre-designed plans and fixed pricing, which can feel more straightforward for homebuyers.
Defined by their structured framework, project homes work within what industry insiders like Sherridon Homes’ Interior Design Manager Samantha Darmarkis refers to as “controlled choices.” This planning method allows builders to stick closely to budgets and timelines, albeit with some limitations. Although volume builders do allow for customization, the flexibility differs from custom builds, where buyers have more leeway to adjust designs as they see fit.
One of the simplest and most impactful ways to apply personal touches to your new space is through flooring and wall material choices. The materials selected can significantly influence both the ambiance and value of your property. “Often, what is included will be at the lower price point. It's not inferior, but there’s room to look at options with more longevity,” Darmarkis explains. With floor coverings playing such a noticeable role throughout the home, homeowners are encouraged to seek durable options. Larger format tiles, particularly adept for high-traffic areas, minimize the number of grout lines and have become increasingly popular. Adding full wall tiling, particularly in bathrooms and wet areas, can also create a luxurious vibe and simplify cleaning, giving your space a hotel-like quality.
Another home enhancement lies within lighting design—a pivotal element often overlooked during the building process. Lighting can dramatically affect the atmosphere of each room, and considering placement and bulb types early on is key. This aspect becomes even more significant for two-storey homes, as added fixtures later can pose challenges.
For example, kitchens, being workspaces, require ample lighting for meal preparation but can benefit from dimmers or LEDs to soften the mood post-cooking. Dimmers provide flexibility to manage light intensity based on the activity, which can be particularly useful for multi-functional spaces like kitchens and living areas. “It’s so important to think of how the lights feel and whether there’s sufficient brightness for the tasks at hand,” advises Darmarkis.
Let's not stop there—storage solutions represent another area where homeowners should be proactive right from the start. Ample storage alleviates clutter and promotes functionality. Custom joinery made for each specific space can yield superior storage solutions and improve the usability of living areas from day one. Built-in wardrobes and linen cabinets can help optimize space and maintain the home's aesthetic appeal.
Butler's pantries are climbing the popularity ladder among homebuyers, especially as multi-generational living becomes more typical. This feature offers valuable overflow storage for the main kitchen, keeping mess out of sight and maintaining order during busy cooking times. “A butler’s pantry is more than just a big walk-in pantry; it might include mini kitchen amenities like another sink or a second dishwasher,” explains Darmarkis.
Energy efficiency is another strong consideration today. New building regulations stipulate minimum energy ratings for houses, making energy-efficient appliances well worth the investment. These features can save thought the long term, not to mention future-proofing your home against the progression of climate standards. Grooming your home for energy efficiency reflects growing awareness and responsibility toward sustainable living.
Homeowners should note, too, there are some upgrades worth postponing to allow greater budget flexibility. While items like windows, decorative paint, and fittings can be impactful, they can also be changed later for personalization once finances allow. Existence of these details tends to be what gives your home character, and the good news is you can take your time to curate them as your budget broadens. “Those features can tremendously impact your home and provide ways to personalize it down the road,” Darmarkis points out.
Investing your money wisely during the home building process can undoubtedly yield lasting benefits. With thoughtful customizations, one can create not just any home, but one filled with character, comfort, and practicality. Whether it’s choosing the right finish for the floors or planning the best lighting setup, homeowners have numerous ways to make their project homes reflect their unique styles and needs without overextending financially. By concentrating on key areas of technical improvements during the initial build, they pave the way for long-term satisfaction with their living space, making it distinctly their own.
