Most people have a specific reason why they choose to build a home. For many it’s a lifetime dream to get something that is unique to them. Others build for an investment. And for some, it’s their only option, as there is nRegardless of their reason there is always one question I get asked – what are the best or most important things to put into the build. Surprisingly the answer is not underfloor heating, feature lighting, or an impressive entry, expansive decking with glass balustrade, high ceilings or something else that gives it the wow factor.
Rather, it’s simple things that stand the test of time and guarantee lifestyle flexibility and maximum return at any future sale date. These are: The quality of the driveway access provides a first impression, so this is a critical thing to get right. If a driveway feels uncomfortable to drive or maneuver on, this will put both guests and potential buyers off.
It must be designed as part of your new build and is well worth any extra money it requires
• Good positioning of the home on the land, capturing its best features, is often a key concern. Ensuring you use the most appropriate foundations for the home will help. A flexible approach (concrete, wooden subfloor, piles, blockwork) may be necessary to create the best positioning on site. For example, a site sloping from the road upwards away to the rear could have two approaches: either put a motorway size retaining wall around the majority of the section and build a home in the middle on the flat platform, or work with the land to create a flat platform at the front for the garage, and build the main part of the home on top of the garage to the back of the section on piles.• The views/outlook versus sun debate can apply when the views or the outlook of the home aren’t to the north. Two simple design principles of having the living at one end of the home (which then gets both sun and views), or living in the middle of the home with exterior walls to both the view and north are the most common approaches. If this isn’t possible then focus on views and spend money on skylights, upgraded insulation, and appropriate heating and so on.
• Make all non-living rooms bedrooms wherever possible – regardless of its position, that extra room/study should be designed to act as an extra bedroom. This doesn’t mean that it has to be the same size, just big enough to have a single bed, and wardrobe. The value achieved is huge when it comes to resale, or lifestyle; the room can provide for extra guests, extra rent, a music room, study, sewing room, art room, or a small TV/breakout space for older kids, extending your time in that home.
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