Great – you’ve finally made the (very wise) decision to sell your existing place and build your dream home that will give you all the space, flexibility and functionality you need to support your growing family for decades to come.

But before you get started, it’s worthwhile to think beyond your present needs and consider what you may need in the future in terms of space, design, functionality, amenities and flexibility. It also pays to think about the option to sell or lease your property in the future. Doing this will not only ensure you create a family home that provides maximum liveability and enjoyment for years to come, but that also offers broad appeal to potential buyers or tenants.

Here are some guidelines to get you started:

How much space might you need?

The space you need now versus what you may need in the future can be very different. Whether you want to allow for more children, for elderly parents to move in, or to accommodate family and friends from out of town or abroad, including that extra bedroom or living area may be the best thing you ever do. Flexibility is a real bonus – whether a spare bedroom that doubles as a home office, or a study nook that a future owner can use as a kids’ play area, thinking about flexibility really maximises your options.

Classic never goes out of style

Trends come and go, so go with design principles that never go out of style when upsizing your home: high-ceilings, neutral wall colours, abundant natural light and balanced proportions. Keep these cornerstones of good design front-of-mind, and you can’t go wrong.

Of course, your home should still reflect your personality and uniqueness – but this is best achieved through your styling, such as furniture and accessories, which can more easily be updated as trends and tastes change.

Heating and cooling considerations

When future-proofing your new home, special consideration should be given to the harsh Australian climate. Many Aussie homes are under-insulated, leading to freezing mornings, sleepless summer nights, and out-of-control energy bills. Fortunately, this is one of the big benefits of building your dream home – you have total control over your property’s susceptibility to the elements. You can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills by installing the right insulation which will greatly reduce heat transfer, and by using quality appliances that are energy-efficient and perfectly suited to your home.

We proudly use and recommend quality Aussie-made CSR Bradford products to insulate your home’s roofs, ceilings, walls and floors, so you can rest easy (and comfortably).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, Fairhaven Homes recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and that you seek independent legal, financial, and taxation advice before acting on any information in this article.