When building a new home, there are so many considerations to ensure you get the perfect fit. From style to function and everything in between, it can fast become overwhelming!
But like most things in life, the secret to building a new home you love is to keep it simple – and by focusing on the elements that will make your life comfortable and easier you’re sure to get a great result.
While everyone’s wants, needs and lifestyles are different, there are certain features that have a universal appeal, and are always appreciated. So, read on to learn why these 5 features will make life in your new home easier.
1. A Functional Kitchen
The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and with good reason. Whether you love to cook or not, chances are, you’ll spend a decent amount of your time at home in the kitchen, preparing, cooking and cleaning up. That’s why a few smart design features in the kitchen can make a huge difference to your day.
Whether your home is big or small, quality appliances and plenty of bench and cupboard space is a must. If possible, an island bench is a fantastic addition as it not only provides extra food prep and storage space, it also creates the perfect place to enjoy a cuppa, read the paper or eat a quick breakfast.
If you have a large family, a walk-in pantry can make unpacking the shopping and keeping your supplies organised much easier too. And if your budget allows, adding some well-chosen upgrades to the kitchen is also worthwhile – luxury tapware, pendant lighting and Caesarstone benchtops look fantastic and you’ll use and enjoy them every day.
2. Adequate Living Space
Getting the living space in your home right will have a huge impact on your happiness and lifestyle for years to come – so put careful thought into what you need.
Think about how you and your family will use the space now as well as in five or 10-years’ time. For example, if you have children, as they grow into teenagers, a second separate lounge room will be a real sanity saver for both the kids and the parents.
For those who like to entertain, a large open-plan living space with easy access to an outdoor alfresco area will make it easy to host a party or feed a crowd, no matter what the season.
And if you’re lucky enough to have a block with a view, make sure your living area has plenty of windows and ideally, an access to an outdoor area or deck that allows you to relax, recharge and enjoy the scenery at the end of a long day.
3. Second Bathroom
A second bathroom is a real plus for families, especially as the kids grow up and the battle for the morning shower starts to create more than a little tension.
Having an ensuite to the master bedroom is not only convenient, it also ensures everyone gets out of the door on time. Many couples choose to include a second bathroom as well, as it’s handy when guests stay and will be appreciated later when they start a family.
4. Plenty of Storage
Although storage probably isn’t the first thing most people add to their wish list, it can make a huge difference to your daily life. These days, most of us have more stuff than we need and if your home isn’t designed to accommodate it you’ll feel a constant state of disarray and the constant battle with clutter will make life difficult.
Built-in robes in the bedroom are a big plus, and a walk-in robe is even better. The addition of a standalone laundry with plenty of cupboard space is also great, especially for larger families.
Don’t forget about your outside gear too. The inclusion of a garage will not only keep your car clean and safe, it’s also a great place to keep tools, bikes and gardening equipment out of sight when not in use.
5. Low-Maintenance Materials
With the hectic pace of life today, the last thing most of us want to do on the weekend is household chores. While it’s impossible to escape them completely, a few clever selections during the design phase can certainly cut the time you spend doing jobs around the house.
By choosing low-maintenance and long-lasting materials for the finishes, both inside and outside your home, you can free up your time to do the things you want.
For example, hardwood floors look amazing, but if you have young children, pets or frequent visitors, keeping them looking their best can be time-consuming so, vinyl planks may be a better option.
Upgrading to LED downlights means you’ll rarely need to change a globe; and outside, Weathertex or Colorbond cladding looks fantastic, is long-lasting and is virtually maintenance-free.
Smart Features Make Life Easy
There are endless possibilities when it comes to designing and building your new modular home. When it comes to selecting the features you really need, it can be hard to narrow down the options. But when you focus on the areas you’ll use the most, and choose features with both style and function, you’ll end up with a home that looks amazing and makes your life easier too.
Over to You
Do you have a favourite feature of your new home that has made your life easier? We’d love to hear it!
Do you have a question about building a sustainable modular home? We’d love to hear it! Simply post a comment below or contact our sales consultants for expert advice.
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