Our Build Process – Step 2
Design
The second part of the Build Process at Harlan Homes is the one that most of our clients find to be the most thrilling stage. This is where you’ll have an opportunity to design a house and floor plan that will be custom built to your exact needs!
What To Expect At The Design Stage
The design stage of your build will often occur across a few appointments. You’ll be collaborating and interacting with Ric, our Design Development Manager, as well as his team of architects and designers, who will take your needs into account while helping you design your own floor plan and nut out all the features you’d like to have in your home.
As for how long this process takes – keep in mind that there will often be a bit of back and forth as your design changes and evolves. This can take as little or as much time as necessary, but your dream home will be worth the wait!
Design Your Own Home
When the realisation of “I’ll get to design my own house!” hits people, some will respond with excitement at the prospect, while others might be a little more anxious.
Wherever you may fall on that spectrum, we are here to support and guide you, ensuring a pleasant and seamless experience from start to finish no matter how you feel about home building and design.
If you have clear ideas already about what you are after, the Harlan Homes design team can guide you to design your own home floor plan in a way that makes sense for you and your family’s needs.
Consider our experience and expertise in custom home building – as well as our team of in-house architects and interior designers – as valuable resources for your bespoke home design experience.
Design Decisions
Here are some things for you to consider when designing your home:
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need – Consider each member of your family and how the home can be made to suit their lifestyle.
- Flexible living spaces – Think beyond the living and dining spaces. Consider if you should add additional living spaces that can function as a rumpus room or even a home cinema!
- Open or closed floor plan – Both have their pros and cons, so pick the one that makes the most sense for your situation.
- Bright or cosy – Do you prefer a light-flooded abode or a cosy home to sink into? Or perhaps a combination of the two?
- Built-in features – Are there built-in features like wardrobes, book shelves, shower nooks, or a breakfast nook that you’d like to include?
- Materials – You’ll be able to choose the exact materials for your home in the next stage of the Build Process, but having a rough idea will help at the design stage.
- The flow of your home – This is where a deep analysis of how you use your current home will be useful! Take note of what works and doesn’t work, and what your ideal flow would look like.
- Your design aesthetic – This is the fun part! Take the time to consider your personal taste when it comes to architecture and interior design. At Harlan Homes, we specialise in creating timeless homes, often in the Hamptons, Coastal, or Contemporary Australian style.
Consider Sustainability
There is also a lot more focus now on sustainability, and building future-focused homes that will help reduce energy consumption (and thus the amount you’ll spend on energy bills now and in the future) that won’t require future retrofitting. Energy efficient house designs in Australia usually involve:
- Designing an all-electric home
- Opting for durable, sustainable materials
- Installing infrastructure for solar power
- Installing electric car charging stations
- Using passive design principles for effective thermal regulation (so your home stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter)
Create A Bespoke Home
The biggest advantage of engaging custom home builders like us is being able to design your own home in a way that responds to your current and future needs, as well as your specific tastes.
While traditional volume home builders usually allow for a few variations and customisations here and there, you’ll generally be expected to work with their designs and options packages, perhaps settling for something that may not be perfectly suited to what you need or want from your home.
On the flip side, with a custom designed home, every single detail can be tailored to suit any and all of your specific needs and desires. Whether it’s an issue of accessibility, space, functionality, or aesthetics, you can rest assured that you won’t have to settle for ‘good enough’.
See Your Vision Come To (Digital) Life
Thanks to technology, we’ll be able to present your custom design home in 2D, 3D, and even as a fly-through presentation! This allows you to accurately envision the proportions, angles, and features of your future home.
What Comes Next?
Once your custom home design has been finalised, it’s time to move on to the nitty gritty – choosing the specific appliances, materials, and finishes that will be installed in your new home.
Simply beautifulfamily homes.
Level 5, 54 Miller Street,
North Sydney, NSW 2060
(02) 8912 9290
@harlan_homes
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