Having a place to call home is a privilege that must be appreciated and treasured. While some buy a home that was designed and built by someone else, a privileged few do get to build theirs from scratch. It is not an easy task, at best, as there are so many aspects that have to be looked into. Right from the design and the execution of it, to the detailing and finishing touches takes a lot of effort, money and time.
Exciting as it is to be able to build your own home to your customized specifications, it does lead to a lot of stress and anxiety. It is therefore important to prepare for the process by researching and planning.
What should you keep in mind, then? Perhaps the following points can guide you in the right direction:
• Plan every detail of your construction. This should include the floor plan, the permissions, and the reliability of the contractor, the time frame for completion (leaving an allowance for delays), the weather conditions and getting the woodwork done.
• Opt for low or maintenance free construction material. If it is possible to use indigenous material, do not hesitate to do so.
• Do make use of natural light as much as possible, plan for large windows. Open spaces around the house will give you great garden areas to relax in.
• Plan the storage detailing of your home. If the cabinets for your kitchen and other storage spaces can be made off site to be installed later, get them done separately.
• Do expect delays and change in pricing of materials needed for construction, so factor that into your budget. This will save you a lot of heartburn.
• Try not to go in for high maintenance materials like marble. Granite is a better option as it is harder than marble and easier to maintain.
• Research the prices of items like lighting, plumbing accessories and blinds before settling for what suits your needs and your pocket best.
• Factor in extra electrical conduits if the need for extra lighting or plug points comes in. Getting it done later is an unnecessary expense. Do use good insulation; eliminate the possibility of short circuits. You wouldn't want your dream home to go up in flames!
• Make a list of all the conveniences you would like to include in your home and incorporate them into your design. Afterthoughts are always expensive.
In planning your new home, do factor in every requirement that will make living there very convenient. Using a handicap door opener or an automatic sliding door will be make life easier for those who are physically incapacitated.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Urvi_Tandon
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