Overlooked Elements of Self-Build Homes
Self-build homes are a very popular method for building houses; it can be a great way to get onto the property ladder and create a home that suits your needs perfectly. However, some elements are often overlooked when designing and building these homes. We list some of these elements so you can make sure you integrate them into your design.
Storage space
Many self-build homes focus on an open-plan layout with clever designs that create rooms that flow and look stunning. This is all great until you come to move your things into the room and try and use the home practically. You’ll need to add freestanding storage units, which can ruin the perfectly crafted flow and design of your home. During the design process, prioritise adding enough storage space into every part of your home. This will stop you from needing to buy freestanding furniture in the future. Cupboards and wardrobes need to be integrated into every room in your home. Work with a designer that can ensure practicality is considered as well as the look and layout of your new home.
Soundscaping
An open-plan home might seem like a modern and attractive way to live, but it can become overwhelming when you’re having a bad day and need somewhere quiet to sit and relax. An open-plan house can soon become very noisy when it's filled with people using various different devices to play media and entertain themselves. This can cause an issue if you don’t consider it during the design stages. For example, soundproofing will be needed if you want to entertain in the living space whilst your children remain asleep in their bedrooms. If you’re also working from home, you’ll need to ensure your office space is away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house. A quiet room can be a great addition to any home and is the perfect place to relax when you need space.
Insulation and heat
Large windows and skylights look fantastic; they create a light, open space that’s great in the summer. However, if they’re not installed or planned properly, big windows can lead to heat loss, leaving your home feeling cold in the winter months. You should use top-quality materials to ensure any windows will retain heat and keep the warmth in your home. Heating a home can be expensive, but adding features that can help your home reduce heat loss will minimise your bills.
Staircase design
If you’re designing a home with two or more stories, the staircase is an important practical element of your home. It's also often the first feature people see when they enter your home. People often overlook the staircase design and choose a standard staircase you’d find in any other home. The beauty of creating your own self-build is you can design a unique staircase as a statement for the entrance to your home. There are so many options, from floating staircases to spiral staircases. Don’t overlook this important element, and consider alternatives to a standard staircase during the design of your home.
Plug sockets
Something as small as needing more plug sockets can be incredibly frustrating; it can lead to issues with extensions cluttering up your home. To prevent this problem, plan out where your furniture will be positioned before you mark where each plug socket will be placed. This will ensure you have enough plugs in every corner of your home, and they can be neatly tidied away behind furniture and other objects.
Designing your own self-build home can be a fantastic opportunity to create the perfect home for your needs. However, you should remember the small elements and practicality of your space as well as the design and aesthetics. You’ll likely be staying in your house for many years to come, so make sure you plan for possible changes in the future, such as an expanding family or reduced mobility. Incorporating these things into the building of your home will help minimise any future building work. When you work with a reputable architect and home designer, they will be able to advise on these elements. If you’re planning on doing things yourself, make sure you do thorough research before taking on such a large project.