What to include in my new home

Joe Smith · Dec 19, 2006 4:08 pm

Hi all,

I am going to build a new home in the outer north west of Melbourne. I am after a couple of things

1. What should I include, there are so many new ideas and products on the market what should be included in my home?

2. I need a designer, can anybosy recomend one for me.

Thankyou to anybody who offers assistance.

NeilD · Dec 19, 2006 7:55 pm

Hey Joe,
That's two VERY big questions. It's all very subjective, depending on your lifestyle; your family size, and needs; your hobbies;your need of gardens or lack of need; the list is huge. I would suggest you sit down, with whoever you live with, and include your kids, if they're old enough, and brainstorm the things you like about life, not just about houses, and the rest will follow.

ausdesign · Dec 19, 2006 8:50 pm

Well said Neil.
Also have a look through our online articles. There maybe something there that helps the thought process.

Adrian B · Dec 20, 2006 10:53 am

I would also suggest you visit display homes or the websites of the builders. This will give you ideas you might not have thought about, and also you can see them (either photos ro in person). It can take some time but in the end it is worth it.

We changed our chosen design 4 times and found the best design for our lifestyle, need s and budget.

We moved in Thursday week and are really happy.

Rosanna · Dec 21, 2006 10:02 am

Hey Joe,
Not sure whether this will help you but my husband and I are currently going through display homes and will be building some time next year. A few little ideas for you, we think its a great idea to have a toilet in the garage so when you have parties or working around the garden you will have an external toilet. Internal access into the house is always good. Will you have eaves? We think they help shade the house a little and help when it rains to stop water coming in open windows. Storage cupboards linen cupboards etc. Anyway hope this helps a little.

Good Luck!

chidylan · Dec 21, 2006 12:11 pm

a few ideas:
- water connection to fridge space (for those double door fridges with ice / water dispensers)
- gas point to alfresco area
- evap cooling - a must
- fly screens and security doors
- obscure glass to wc / ensuite / bathroom

bigbadkev · Dec 26, 2006 9:59 pm

chidylan

a few ideas:
- water connection to fridge space (for those double door fridges with ice / water dispensers)
- gas point to alfresco area
- evap cooling - a must
- fly screens and security doors
- obscure glass to wc / ensuite / bathroom

Why the gas point to the alfrsco area?

It's only a good idea if you are planning on putting in a fixed BBQ and not a portable one and know exactly where the BBQ will go - else it can be an unsitghtly copper pipe sticking out of the wall.

Michelle · Dec 27, 2006 7:23 pm

For me I can not tie this to any particular space in the home.

I need more of a direct question on areas of the house.
This is a very broad question.

I could go in for hours otherwise……

You can find a designer in the yellow pagers or on the net.
Ask someone who may have used one, a good reference is always best

aspiringpropertymogul · Jan 19, 2007 12:21 am

Think of all the the places you have lived and what you hated about them... then think about what would have made that place better.

A couple of things that i have done on the places i have built: A light over the front door with a 2way switch- one in the carport/garage and the other in the entrance hall - so simple but so good when you dont expect to come home late and cant see your keys in the dark. Any doorways that you are not planning on hanging a door in: get a frame put in anyway! small expense compared to the major work you will have to down the track if you change your mind. An outdoor gas point if you have connected gas is a must esp if you do a lot of entertaining: use it for outdoor heaters, bbq etc. You will pay double the price for one to be put in after the house is built. Same applies for outdoor power points esp for rigging up outdoor speakers.