Designing Your House Plans: A Guide for Working with a Building Designer

When it comes to building, extensing or renovating your home here in Brisbane, the first step is often to engage a building designer to create your ideal set of house plans. However, before you start working with a building designer, there are a few key things you should consider to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you end up with a home that meets both your needs and budget.

One of the first things to think about is if you are seeking a modern or traditional design and set of plans for your home. There are many different styles of house plans available, ranging from contempirary to mid-century modern, and it’s important to choose a design that reflects your personal style, suits the character or your suburb and meets the needs of your family. Consider factors such as the size and layout of the home, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any special features you may want, such as a home office or outdoor living space.

Building and renovating a home can be a significant financial investment, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Work with your building designer to create cost effective house plans that fit your budget and consider factors such as the cost of materials, labour, and any additional features you may want to include.

In addition to the cost of a new set of house plans, you’ll also need to consider the cost of the actual construction process (it’s never been more essential to consider this than right now). This includes the cost of hiring a builder, the cost of materials, delays on ordering and much more. Be sure to shop around and get quotes from a few local and well reviewed builders to get the best deal (remember cheapest isn’t always the best), and consider using lower-cost materials or opting for energy-efficient materials to save money in the future.

Finally (and some argue most importantly) you’ll need to think about how you’ll finance your new home. This may involve taking out a mortgage or using other forms of financing, such as a home equity loan or a construction loan. Be sure to research your options and work with a financial professional to find the best solution for your needs which factor in inflation, interest rates and job security.

Overall, building a new home is a significant investment of your time, mental energy and of course, finance. However, with careful planning and consideration during the house planning process, you can work with your designer and builder to create a home that meets all of your needs and budget.