Getting the most for your dollar is critical when building a new home.  The following design considerations are important for a new  custom home design.

It begins with selecting the right professional home designer, the design process, and obtaining the home design that fits your wants and needs.  It is important that your house be both livable and have good design elements that are pleasing.  Below are the 5 top elements you should  consider on how best to spend your hard earned money when designing and building your new home (or remodel).

1. Expert House Designer

A custom home design created by an expert house designer makes a substantial difference to the finished home as a product.  Your contractor will effect the finish quality of the project while your designer will dictate the how the major components are laid out in relation to each other and on your lot.

It is important to have rooms in proportion, a stylish and striking front elevation, and your living spaces comfortable, workable and attractive.   Your housing design expert at Blueline design will help you create these elements in your dream home.

Things to avoid -

• Using a inexperience house designer.   This can cost you in inefficient design and also the overall flow of the home.
• Overlooking furniture layout. Remember to think about how you’re going to place furniture in your home, where the TV will be etc… A designer can help you visualize furnishings by showing samples on the design drawings.

2. Great Kitchen

The Kitchen is the hub of our everyday living and a common gathering place while entertaining.   It is important that the Kitchen be a workable space and comfortably  tie in the with surrounding rooms. Surveys have shown that views and connections to other rooms,  television, and outdoor areas are important and  highly sought after.  Getting the actual kitchen design right is also critical to way you want to live your life.   A good kitchen will serve your family daily and will be enjoyed by many friends and family, and can give your home a wow factor.

Things to avoid -

• Cheap cabinets.  If your not familiar with cabinet construction ask your contractor to explain the difference between the low end prefab, medium prefab,  and custom cabinets.   They may all look the same from the outside but there can be a world of difference inside.
• Cheap appliances. Not only will they break, but they’ll disappoint you time and again when cooking and cleaning. Spending a little more here may reduce frustration in the future.

3. Spacious Master bedroom and En-suite

A spacious Master bedroom and en-suite is a current custom home standard and is a hug asset upon resale.   The master suit should comfortably accommodate a king size bed and associated furniture.  Standard en-suite have double sinks, 3/8 glass enclosed shower with a seat.  Many of our customers also ask that we include a Jacuzzi type tub, and separate area for the toilet, designated enclosed area for toothbrush chargers, hair dryers, and other appliances to keep your counters organized and unclutered. Also consider a en-suite or jack-and-jill bathrooms for your other bedrooms.

Things to avoid -

• If you don’t have the space then don’t include a second basin. A crowded countertop is worse than having an extra spot to brush your teeth.
• A prominently positioned toilet can obstruct the ambiance of your ensuite spa.

4. Outdoor Living Areas & Landscaping

A great outdoor space can add to your living area.  It can be both nice to look at from inside and while your out doors.  When it comes to entertaining a  great outdoor area is very important especially if you are entertaining large groups.    A covered BBQ or asthetic fire pit, and water featured  areas can be nice. You will also want sufficient plantings to add a green feel to the home.    A good landscape designer can also make a really big difference and help you get your garden right.

Things to avoid -

• Pounding water features. Be careful you don’t build the water feature in such a way as to make the water fall from too high or into a ‘bucket’ which will echo and increase the noise level. I’ve been to some homes where the water feature was so loud when turned on that you’d have to shout to have a conversation. Water falling over stone and into a reservoir is lovely and tranquil.
• No gardens. A concrete jungle is horrible and does nothing for our environment. Get some plants – at the very least have some in pots! If you want something easy care then get natives – you’ll be amazed at how many birds come into a native garden.

5. Interior Design

You may know what you like, but it takes skill to put all of that together to create a style of home that looks wonderful.  If this is not your thing you might consider getting help with color and finish material selection.   If you hire a professional you should ask to see a sample of there work to see if there style matches your own.  You can also find help with finishes at your specialty and local home improvement stores.  Many paint stores have interior design consultants that can help you with pulling colors together.  You can even bring in tile, wood floor, or cabinet samples to get help picking complimentary wall colors.  Up scale lighting and plumbing stores will help you with fixtures selection.    If your a wobbly do-it-yourselfer start off by selecting a small number of items that you can build the remaining of you decor around.  Then shop theses elements around to your home improvement centers that have onsite help.   If your not quite sure how well everything goes together you can consult with a designer on a hourly basis to refine your selections or revisit the store where you had a  good repore  with the staff.  To keep carma on your side be sure to buy from those that help you.

Things to avoid -

• Use of no complimentary colors in the fittings/fixtures/painting/cabinets/tiling. The truth is, a balanced palette is best to act as a canvass for you to dress up with furnishings.  Not every element needs to be the star of the room.
• Pay attention to color tones. White alone has so many variations
• Selecting a color from a small swatch.  Before selecting a color paint it on the intended walls.  It will look different when placed on a large surface and also  from room to room depending on the lighting.