How to Build a Modular Home to Meet Your Individual Requirements

One of the best things about building a new home is the ability to design it to suit the needs of your family. This includes selecting a floor plan with the right number of bedrooms and including features that will enhance your lifestyle. It also extends to designing a home that caters for your individual requirements.

For example, having the flexibility to include customised features that will make your life easier as you age, or improve the accessibility of your home can make a massive difference to your quality of life. And for families or pet owners, designing a home that suits your children and furry friends can also make a huge difference in the level of enjoyment your home brings, both now and into the future.

So if you’re looking for design tips to help you build a home that will be comfortable as you age, allow for ease of access for someone with a disability or cater for your kids or pets, read on to learn how to build a modular home to meet your individual requirements.

Building a Home for Retirement

Whether you’re already retired or it’s still a way off, if you plan to stay in your new home long-term including a few smart features when you build rather than trying to adapt things later is a smart move. Here’s a few key considerations:

• A smaller home: The upkeep of a larger home can be too much to manage as you get older, which is why many retirees choose to downsize. However, keep in mind that a smaller home doesn’t mean you have to compromise – look for a design that makes smart use of space and includes a few luxury features such as our Flinders 15
• Single storey: Stairs can be difficult to navigate on a daily basis in later years. So if you plan to live in your home beyond your 60s it may be best to avoid two storey designs.
• Low maintenance features: Today, many new home features have low maintenance choices available. From flooring to cladding and plenty in between, be sure to check for low maintenance options during your colour consultation and opt for these where possible.

Building a Home for Accessibility

If you or someone in your family has a disability, making changes to the design to improve accessibility can make life much easier. Our team can help you with your specific requirements including (but not limited to):

• Extra space: Adding a little extra space in hallways, doorways, kitchens and bathrooms can make it much easier for a wheelchair to navigate through the home.
• Ramp access: Including a ramp at one or all of the external doors plus a smooth pathway (such as exposed aggregate) around the house and from the garage will make coming and going easier.
• Within reach: Adjusting the height of things like handles, light switches, tap wear and power points is another small detail that can really make a difference. In addition, include hand rails where needed.

Building a Family-Friendly Home

Designing a home that’s family friendly makes for a happier life for all. While doing this, keep in mind that children don’t stay small forever so think long term too. Here’s a few tips:

• Location of bedrooms: While your children are young, it’s nice to be close, but as they grow up, having a little space between your bedrooms provides privacy for you both. A good compromise is a design with a study near the main bedroom (as seen in the Barwon) as it can double as a nursery while your children are small.
• Shared spaces: While a spacious living zone is a must for family living, including extra places in your home for sharing moments together is also important. For example, an island bench is great for casual conversations and a cuppa and a decking is ideal for relaxing together on a sunny day.
• A second living space: While time together is wonderful, families also need their space. As your children grow up, having a second living room that can be used as a play room, teenager’s retreat or games room is a big plus.

Building a Pet-Friendly Home

If you’re an animal lover who lives with your pet, be sure to factor in their needs when designing your new home too. Here’s some ideas:

• Durable surfaces: When selecting your flooring and cabinetry, select hard-wearing surfaces that can be easily cleaned. Keep carpet to the bedrooms which can be closed off and make sure your walls are painted with a quality paint that can be wiped clean.
• Easy access: Make sure your pet has their own special entrance in and out, preferably somewhere they can be cleaned easily if they have muddy paws.
• Their own space: Designate a space inside just for your pet, where they can sleep and relax.

Flexibility to Suit Your Individual Requirements

When designing your new modular home, just about any customisation you can think of is achievable. So whether you are building a home to retire in, enjoy with your growing family or have accessibility requirements, our team can help you build a home that’s the perfect fit.

Over to You

Do you have a question about a specialised customisation or design request? We’re always happy to help – get in touch on 03 5145 7110 or post a comment below.