Create a realistic wish list for your new home
Building a new home is an opportunity to create the perfect space for you and your family
You get to choose the layout, the number of bedrooms, the kitchen, the bathrooms and include all those little details you've always wanted. The challenge is that your wish list can quickly become bigger than your budget.
That's why we recommend working out your priorities before you start designing or meet with an architect. A simple way to do this is by dividing your ideas into three categories: must-haves, nice-to-haves and luxuries.
Start with how you live
Before thinking about floor plans and finishes, think about how you actually use your home.
What works well in your current home?
What frustrates you?
What do you wish you had more space for?
How does your family spend time together?
Do you work from home?
Do you entertain often?
Do you need quiet spaces as well as areas for everyone to gather?
How much storage do you really need?
How might your needs change over the next 10 or 20 years?
These questions can help you focus on what your new home needs to do for you, rather than simply collecting features you like.
Decide on your must-haves
Must-haves are the things you genuinely don't want to compromise on.
Your list might include:
A certain number of bedrooms
An ensuite or additional bathroom
A home office
A double garage
Plenty of storage
Good indoor-outdoor flow
Plenty of natural light
A particular aspect or view
Space for children or pets
Try not to make this list too long. If everything is a must-have, it’s harder to know what to prioritise when you have to make decisions later.
Add your nice-to-haves
Next, think about the things you'd love to have but could live without. These are features that could make your home more comfortable or enjoyable, but aren't essential to how it needs to function. If the design is too large or your budget is tight, you’ll know which features can be reconsidered without affecting the important fundamentals of your home.
Your nice-to-haves might include:
A walk-in pantry
A walk-in wardrobe
A second living area
A larger ensuite
Feature windows
Built-in cabinetry
Skylights
A larger kitchen island
A dedicated media room
Consider some luxuries
Luxuries are things that would make your new home feel particularly special. Perhaps it's a beautiful freestanding bath, a wine fridge, a pool, a home gym, an outdoor kitchen or high-end appliances.
There's nothing wrong with including these ideas in your wish list. In fact, it's useful to know what you'd love to have, even if you know it's not essential.
Don't forget the things you can't see
It's natural to focus on the things you'll see every day: the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, windows and outdoor areas. However, building a new home involves many other costs, and some of the most important ones aren't immediately visible.
Depending on your project, your budget may need to cover:
Design and architectural fees
Engineering
Council and consent costs
Site preparation
Foundations
Landscaping
Fencing and decking
A driveway
You also need to consider things that affect how comfortable and practical your home will be. This includes insulation, soundproofing, energy efficiency, quality windows and doors, durable materials, good lighting, storage and plenty of power points.
Understand the difference between size and function
Bigger isn't always better. Adding another room or having big bedrooms and living areas can quickly increase the cost of your new home. It can also affect foundations, roofing, heating and other parts of the build.
Instead of making your new home as big as possible, think about what spaces will make the biggest difference to how you live. A well-designed home that works beautifully for your family may be more useful than a larger house with rooms you rarely use.
Consider your section
Your section may make some of your ideas difficult or expensive to achieve. Any design needs to take into account whether your section is on a slope, has challenging access, is close to neighbouring properties, is exposed to prevailing winds or has stunning views.
Early advice from your architect and builder will help you understand what's possible before you become too attached to a particular design.
Talk to your builder
Once you’ve sorted through your wish list, the next step is understanding what it means in terms of design, construction and cost.
An experienced builder can provide practical advice about materials, construction methods, site considerations and the likely cost implications of different decisions. Having that input while the design is still flexible can prevent you spending time and money developing plans that don't work with your budget.
Planning a new home in Wellington?
Peaky Builders works with Wellington homeowners, architects and designers from the early stages of a new build or renovation. We can also recommend an architect who is suited to your type of project.
Our role isn't to tell you what you can and can't have. We want to help you understand the options so you can make informed decisions about where your budget will have the greatest impact.
A Peaky Builders site consultation is a valuable investment. One of our Directors will visit your property, evaluate the scope of your project and identify potential issues. Our expert consultations include a professional estimate, land/build consult, discussion around your project ideas and potential cost saving options.
Frequently asked questions
What should I prioritise when designing a new home?
Prioritise the things that will have the biggest impact on how you live in your home. Consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need, storage, natural light, indoor-outdoor flow, heating, insulation, ventilation and the spaces your family uses most. It's also important to consider how your needs might change over the next 10 to 20 years.
How do I prioritise my new home wish list?
A simple approach is to divide your ideas into three categories: must-haves, nice-to-haves and luxuries. Must-haves are the features you don't want to compromise on, while nice-to-haves would improve your home but aren't essential. Luxuries are features you'd love to include if the budget allows. This makes it easier to make decisions if your design needs to change or costs are higher than expected.
Should I talk to a builder before finalising my plans?
Yes. Involving a builder while your design is still being developed can provide useful insight into construction methods, materials, site conditions and potential cost implications. Early input can help identify issues before plans are finalised and make it easier to keep the design in line with your budget. Peaky Builders works with homeowners and Wellington architects from the early stages of new home projects and can also recommend an architect suited to your project.
