When most people build a custom home, they usually do so with the intention of staying put for a pretty substantial amount of time, if not for the rest of their lives. The idea of a forever home is common with custom home builders so, at Stattonrock Design + Build, we know some great tips for designing your forever home that are important to keep in mind.
5 Design Tips for Planning Your Forever Home
If you are looking into building the home that you hope to live in for the rest of your life and maybe even pass down to the next generation of your family, it is extremely important to plan ahead and consider some tips from professional builders. Some ideas to keep in mind include:
1. Make Rooms Adaptable
When designing your forever home, make sure that you plan alternative uses for rooms and spaces that might not be used later in life. If you have kids at home now, be sure to consider how you might be able to use their bedroom space once they move out. A home office might be needed now, but it will likely be converted to something else once you retire. Some ideas to think about could include having a built-in capacity for some of the rooms to become an in-law suite, entertainment areas, or hobby rooms.
2. Plan for Old Age
Whether you have elderly family members now or you plan on growing old in your house, it can be helpful to create a floorplan that takes age into account. Wide hallways and living areas are good to consider, and you could also plan to keep main living areas and at least one bedroom on one easy to access level.
3. Discard Trendy Designs
When picking design elements for your home, make sure that you go with classic choices instead of trendy ones. Trends come and go, but certain designs stick around for good reasons. Some trends might eventually resurface, but it is better to live somewhere with lasting value and appeal.
4. Use Lasting Building Materials
Using building materials that last can make a major difference in your peace of mind and ongoing home costs. Although home maintenance is necessary, the right building materials can help to minimize the work you put into your home later on. One major area that this can be seen is the type of flooring that is used, as some types of hardwood and carpet can wear down more quickly than others.
5. Make a Budget that Suits the Investment
It makes sense to go with a smaller budget for a home that you only intend to stay in for 10-15 years but, if you intend to spend the rest of your life in this home, it is worth spending a little bit more than you would otherwise, as long as the spending is still practical. There are many parts of the home that you can look into embellishing over the coming years if you need to save some money upfront, but the bones of the house should be something that you are completely happy with right away.
If you would like to learn more tips for designing your forever home, or to find out more about the services offered by Stattonrock Design + Build, please contact us and we will be sure to get back to you with the information you need.