Creating your dream home shouldn't come with a hefty price tag. By carefully strategising and making smart choices, you can build the home you've always envisioned without compromising on your values or ending up with a generic house. The key is to approach the process with a clear vision and a budget-conscious mindset.
Here are our top six considerations to help you bring your dream home to life while staying within your budget.
Bigger isn't necessarily better! In fact, when it comes to homes, a larger size often comes with a bigger price tag. In an era where minimalism and efficiency are gaining traction, it's no surprise that the size of homes is following suit. The shift towards smaller square footage homes is not only a reflection of changing lifestyles but also a conscious choice towards sustainability and practicality. According to recent data from Stats NZ, the median floor area of newly consented homes in 2022 was 126 square metres, down from 140 square metres in 2021.
Focusing on effective layouts that make the most of every available space forces us to reconsider what is truly important. Open-concept designs can provide the impression of more space, and multi-purpose furniture can perform dual functions, increasing practicality without losing aesthetic.
Smaller homes can benefit from a strong connection to the outdoors. Incorporating large windows and sliding doors allows for ample natural light and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. This not only enhances the visual depth but also expands the overall living space.
Embracing a smaller living space also encourages us to prioritise quality over quantity and adopt efficient design strategies. By focusing on functionality, smart storage solutions, and a minimalist approach, we can create homes that are both comfortable and reflective of our lifestyles and values while also helping you keep within your budget.
Fun Fact: The average size consented home in the North Island of New Zealand to date in 2023 is 145m2 this is down from 2022 which sat at 154sqm.
A flat site with good ground typically requires less extensive foundation work. Building on stable ground reduces the need for complex and costly foundation systems, such as piling or retaining walls, which are often necessary on sloped or unstable sites. This results in significant cost savings from the outset of your project.
Flat sites also offer greater design flexibility, as there are fewer constraints related to the terrain. You have more freedom to create the layout and architectural style you desire without worrying about the limitations. This can lead to more efficient and cost-effective designs.
When searching for the perfect location to build your dream home, it is important to consider the foundations, restrictions, and be open to compromises. Finding the ideal location may be your main focus, so take the time to explore all the possibilities and find the perfect spot for your new home.
Your home's exterior cladding is not just about protection, it's an opportunity to enhance its curb appeal and showcase your unique style. When it comes to choosing exterior cladding for your home, affordability doesn't mean you have to compromise on aesthetics or quality. There are a range of various budget-friendly options available that can transform your home's appearance while aligning with your financial goals.
One way to elevate the aesthetic appeal of your house design is by embracing the use of diverse materials and textures. For instance, you can opt for a primary cost-effective cladding option and then complement it with a secondary feature cladding, such as charming cedar wood or elegant stone accents. This combination not only is appealing to he eye but also breaks the monotony of a single cladding material. By playing with contrasting colours and textures, you can achieve a visually stunning exterior that sets your home apart from others.
Another way to add interest to a simpler house design is by considering the placement of the chosen cladding material. For example, you could use horizontal siding on the lower half of the house and vertical siding on the upper half. This variation in cladding can create a dynamic and visually appealing look that adds depth and dimension to your home.