4 Factors To Consider When Building A New Home

4 Factors To Consider When Building A New Home

Available data suggests that the housing market from 2019 consisted of 90% new builds. This makes it safe to assume that more people are opting to build their property from scratch. The debate about whether to build or buy a house will remain topical. Each one has pros and cons that make them preferable or not to different individuals. When it comes to starting from search, it is advisable to pay attention to certain details as a lot goes into the building process before, during, and even after the project. Here are a few worth knowing.

1. Location

The location of the yet-to-be-built property is often the deciding factor on whether the house can be situated there. Potential homeowners often focus on the proximity to essential amenities and facilities like schools, hospitals, business centres, or parks. For some people, the deciding factor is having their property built close to a relative’s residence. While all these are important, it is crucial to consider other factors that also fall under location.

For example, what is the history of the location you want to build? Is the area marked as a waterway such that the late allows only a predetermined number of houses there? Secondly, is it marked as woodland? If it is, you will need to bring in people with woodland expertise to provide guidance on restrictions and limitations. Sometimes, the location might seem ideal for the mental image of the property you want to build. However, without ample research and checks from the local building council, the risk of getting it all wrong will be high. Location is critical to any building project, and this is why overlooking the fine details can cost you money or problems with the law.

2. Be mindful of the building materials and processes used

Many past building processes, materials, and codes would have failed the current modern tests. A few decades ago, toxic materials like asbestos, lead, pressed wood panelling, and fibreglass insulation were common in construction projects. These were toxic materials that local authorities failed to think much off until medical research pointed out the dangers. Over the years, more research into building materials and processes has contributed to the increasing demand for less-toxic options.

Building experts believe it also contributed to the gradual shift to sustainable materials and building processes or methods. These are great ways to help the environment. As a potential homeowner, best building practices must be top of your list. The last thing you want is for your project to be halted midway through construction. You can start by ensuring that the building company you chose upholds safe building practices, codes, and sustainability. Without emphasising this, builders may not willingly make sustainability a priority. Indeed, there is a debate about the cost of sustainable building materials. However, the cost is nothing compared to the benefits you stand to enjoy when the house is completed. If you cut corners with building materials now, it may come back to bite you.

3. Factor in natural daylight features and options into the building

Light is an essential part of a building. Getting it right from scratch means you may not need artificial lighting when the sun is out. This is particularly important for areas of the house where you will spend a lot of time, like the kitchen, bedrooms, and living room. You can harness more natural light into your house by correctly positioning your windows. Most of your windows, especially the large ones, are best situated at the south end, facing the equator. Building experts say this method has been used for ages to capture natural daylight in the interiors. These windows come of great use, especially during the winter. They can trap enough warmth during the day to keep rooms comfortable at night.

You can reduce your energy bill by maximising sunlight during the day. Considered the prospects of adding an orangery or conservatory to the house? These are additions that capture ample daylight when needed. Fortunately, modern designs prevent glares and help block UV ray infiltration. Your builders can suggest other problem-free ways to have natural light streaming into your home.

4. Consider long-term plans

Is your long-term goal to sell the house when it’s completed? Or do you plan on living there with a growing family and living out your senior years on the same property? These are questions to ask yourself when building your house from scratch. It is also advisable to consider the long-standing objectives and how they benefit you or your family. If the plan is to live out your golden years in the house, it is recommended to factor that into your building plans. For instance, sloping some floors and making them senior-friendly now can save you some renovation costs in the future.

It helps to be practical regarding the details of  the building plan. Nobody wishes to be immobile when they hit their senior years. However, it is advisable to be forward-thinking and proactive, which involves building the house with possible contingencies in mind. Did you know that your long-term plans can influence the materials used for the building? If you intend to live there all your life, you will be more likely to do the right thing. Most people who can afford it would rather make an initial financial commitment at the building stage to get a roofing that lasts 50 years. The same consideration might be given to quality flooring options that don’t need changing in 10 – 15 years.

To conclude, building a property from scratch is an opportunity to put all your personal style details into your dream house. No homeowner wants to live in a rickety shack, which explains why it’s best to do everything right and enjoy living there. Since it is an investment, it is crucial to pay attention to the details to ensure you don’t incur any losses. The tips discussed here should get you started and keep you in the right track.