When designing your newly custom-built home’s layout, there are many things to consider before finalizing your plans. Your family’s size and how many people live with you now or will in the future, the needs of your children, whether young children or teenagers, lifestyle, guests staying over, and space for entertaining are all things to consider. We’ve put together a list of things to keep in mind while designing your new home, to get the most functionality for your needs.
Family Size
Do you have a large family? Considering the size of your family, and the potential to need space for more or less people in the future is something to keep in mind. Whether you have children that are planning to move out on their own, or aging parents that might need to move in, determining the size of relatives you will be housing is a very important factor. Additionally, increasing storage space is always a good idea, especially with a large family.
Needs of Your Children
Whether you have young children that might benefit from a designated play area, or, you have older children that might enjoy a space for their hobbies, the needs of both yourselves and your children will play a part in how you design your space. If you have younger children, keep in mind their needs as they grow up into school-aged children and beyond. If you choose to include a play area, could the play area double as a homework or common area as the children grow up and are no longer in need of one? Could the spaces you designate as your older children’s hobby rooms double as a study or home office for you?
Is Your Family Active Outdoors?
Are your family members active outdoors? Perhaps a space to store outdoor equipment, whether they are bicycles, outdoor toys, hunting or fishing gear, outdoor cooking devices, and so on might be something to consider when designing your space.
Entertaining
Whether you enjoy hosting family and friends for holidays or have family out of town that will need a place to stay when they come to visit, considering your needs for extra bedrooms, bathrooms, or open space will be important as you design your new home.