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If you have home-buying plans, there are several things to consider. You will want a property at an ideal location, of suitable size, and within your budget. Further, the place should match your requirements and expectations as a potential homeowner. When you start exploring your options, you will probably find existing homes and new construction properties. The idea of living in a new home is exciting because you get a clean slate, a shining new place which you will occupy for the first time.
It is easy to fall in love with the look and feel of a new home, but there are some challenges you may face down the line. You may find construction flaws down the line when you live on the property. You can cover the risk by being extra conscious and assessing the design and build elements about closing the deal. Here are the features to look for when you buy a just-built house.
Ensure proper space planning
Even before you look for design features, ensure that space is planned well enough to give your family comfortable accommodation and ample storage. Space planning is crucial, whether the house is small or large. Start by asking about the square foot area and looking at the designs to see the sizes of the rooms and other parts of the house. If you are not confident about assessing the floor plans, you can seek advice from a professional to be extra sure about your decision.
After checking the floor plans, a physical inspection of the place should be your next step. It will give you a good understanding of space planning, even if you do not have the skills and expertise to read and understand things on paper. Go through the rooms one by one and assess the floor area and storage provisions. Pay extra attention to the kitchen and bathrooms because good space planning enhances their functionality. Don’t forget the outdoor areas of the property. If space seems short, look for a larger house.
Good lighting and ventilation are essential
When it comes to design, you cannot overlook the significance of good lighting and ventilation. Both should be on top of your checklist when you assess the new home you plan to buy. The good thing is that you have an advantage when assessing such properties because they are vacant. Check the flow of natural light and air in the living space. It is a good idea to visit the place multiple times at different times of the day so that you know how it works.
Look for design features such as the location of doors and windows because they play a significant role in the entry of light and air. A property with good lighting and ventilation is energy-efficient, which means you can save a fortune on your monthly power bills. Moreover, it fosters sustainability as you rely on natural resources to illuminate and ventilate your living space. You also have a healthier home with positive vibes.
Noisy homes aren’t the best
A comfortable life at home is all about having a calm and relaxing ambiance, and noise is the last thing you will want in the house. When checking a new home, assess the noise levels in various rooms. Double-check the bedrooms because you will not want to be disturbed by honking horns and traffic sounds in the middle of the night. Ideally, bedrooms shouldn’t be located near or above the garage because you may lose sleep when family members drive in or out.
The neighborhood also makes a difference to the noise levels in the building. If you choose a busy locality with a school or shopping mall nearby, expect to have lots of noise during the peak hours. Check the proximity to neighbors’ homes because they can also contribute to the noise in the house. Ask about soundproofing because the use of the right kind of building material can make the house as peaceful as you want it to be.
Think long-term
The worst mistake that potential buyers make while assessing properties is not thinking long-term. A home is a capital investment, and you can expect to live in it for decades or even a lifetime. If you seek the best tips for buying new homes, experts would advise prioritizing long-term needs while assessing its design. If you have aging parents at home or plan to start a family, you must ensure that the place is accessible and safe for the family members.
A house with an extra room on the second floor is ideal if you have kids who will need private space in a few years. You may pick a large property with plenty of extra space outside, where you can construct a granny house eventually for yourself or retired parents. Think long-term even as you buy a brand new home as you will not want to relocate soon just because of the changing needs and circumstances.
Look for lifestyle amenities
Buying a new construction house requires a hefty investment, and you will surely want good returns. For a homeowner, it is important that the house should enhance your lifestyle. You will probably have a vision of your life in the house. When you evaluate a property from this perspective, ensure that it offers all the lifestyle amenities you expect for your family now and in the future.
For example, a large deck will be a good addition if you love hosting outdoor parties. Your kids will like a house with a swimming pool in the backyard. A spacious and modern kitchen will be an ideal element if you and your partner like spending hours trying new recipes every weekend. Consider your hobbies and things that will make your family happy, and you can easily decide whether the property is worth investing in.
Assess the potential to personalize
A new house is move-in ready, so you need not worry about spending time on maintenance and repairs. But you will probably want to add a personal touch to your living space sooner rather than later. At the same time, you may need to make some modifications to align it with your needs and lifestyle. A home that is easy to personalize is ideal from this perspective.
Assess the property thoroughly during the initial visits and consider the changes you have in mind. If they are easy to implement, don’t think twice about closing the deal. Conversely, you must steer clear of properties that aren’t easy to personalize. You can seek advice from a contractor to get a fair idea about the expected cost and timeframes for the update to decide whether it works for you.
Ensure a mix of aesthetics and functionality
The final piece of advice to evaluate the design of a new home is to ensure a mix of aesthetics and functionality. The mix is hard to achieve and even harder to assess because you are more likely to tilt towards beauty while considering the design of the place. It is vital to ensure that the elements are functional and easy-to-maintain besides being pleasing to the eye.
For example, look for the right kind of flooring that looks good but is equally viable from the functionality perspective. You must make sure that it is skid-proof, durable, and low maintenance. Similarly, you must check elements such as bathroom tiles and fittings, kitchen fixtures and accessories, and storage cabinets. The perfect mix of design and functionality is hard to find, but a little vigilance takes you a long way.
Tiny details make a big difference
Amazing home designs aren’t just about the big picture because tiny details make a big difference to the look and functionality of the place. It is easy to be impressed by a new build, but you must pay attention to the smallest design features and elements to get value for your money. It is worth going the extra mile to assess the home design because you will end up with a living space you love. Ensure that the design elements match the latest trends.
Have a good look at fittings, fixtures, and appliances, right from taps and basins in the bathrooms to cabinet handles and shelves in the kitchen, and electric boards in the rooms. Modern appliances such as a smart thermostat and automatic sprinklers are value-adding elements. When you check details, do not miss out on the outdoor areas like landscaping, deck, and garden because these are as important as the interiors of the house.
Buying a new home requires good thinking and thorough assessment, and you may have to work as hard as evaluating an existing property. But all the effort and time you invest is worthwhile because it will ensure that you invest in the right property. It makes sense to seek expert advice because they are in a better position to understand the build and design quality and pinpoint the flaws in them. Choose wisely, and you can rest assured about buying a perfect, brand new living space for your family.