Designing the Perfect Home: An In-Depth Guide

Designing your dream home is an exciting and rewarding process. Whether building a new home or renovating an existing one, creating the perfect space requires careful planning and attention to detail. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through designing the perfect home, from conceptualization to completion. 

Step 1: Define Your Vision 

Before you start designing your home, take some time to define your vision. Consider your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. What are your must-haves, and what are your nice-to-haves? Create a vision board, gather inspiration from magazines or online sources, and make a list of features and elements you'd like to incorporate into your home. 

Whether you work with BuildCo7 or another firm, the more of this you have up front, the easier it will be to relay your wants and needs to the architect/designer. 

Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget 

Once you have a clear vision of your dream home, setting a realistic budget is essential. Consider the size of the project, the cost of materials, labor, and any additional expenses. Be sure to factor in a contingency fund for unexpected costs. Having a clear budget in mind will help guide your design choices and prevent overspending. 

While it would be nice to have unlimited funds to incorporate everything we want, that is rarely our realities as consumers. The BuildCo7 team will do our best to set your expectations within your budget allowance and work with you through the process on some creative ways to maximize your space with your budget. 

Step 3: Find the Right Location 

If you're building a new home, choosing the right location is crucial. Consider factors such as proximity to schools, work, amenities, and the overall vibe of the neighborhood. If you're renovating an existing home, assess the property's potential and any limitations it may have. 

If you are looking for the right professionals to work with on finding a lot, BuildCo7 does offer Pre-Construction contracts and will assist you in the process of finding the right location in the right place for your build. 

Step 4: Work with a Professional Designer or Architect 

Collaborating with a professional designer or architect can make a significant difference in the outcome of your home design. They can help translate your vision into a workable plan, ensure the design meets building codes and regulations, and provide valuable insights and creative solutions. 

You will need certified plans for your build to get permitted. BuildCo7 is a design firm and will employ our in-house architects to bring your vision to life through architectural drawings. 

Step 5: Consider Functionality and Flow 

When designing the layout of your home, prioritize functionality and flow. Think about how you and your family will use the space and ensure it's practical for your everyday activities. Pay attention to the placement of rooms, natural light, and the overall flow of the home. 

This will be paramount to making sure your finished home is a dream. Our team can make some suggestions, but the flow of your life is yours and it’s important to speak up about your needs. 

Step 6: Select Quality Materials and Finishes 

Choosing high-quality materials and finishes is essential for creating a home that not only looks beautiful but stands the test of time. Consider factors such as durability, maintenance, and how the materials complement your overall design aesthetic. 

This is another place where unlimited funds is nice but not always realistic. BuildCo7 will connect you with our preferred vendors and steer you away from selections that we’ve known to be historically less than. Almost anyone can get quality and great aesthetics within our budgets, sometimes it takes a little knowledge of the industry, which we can provide. 

Step 7: Incorporate Energy-Efficient Features 

Incorporating energy-efficient features into your home design can help reduce your environmental impact and save on utility costs. Consider options such as energy-efficient appliances, insulation, windows, and sustainable building materials. 

Anything we can do to reduce and/or offset our carbon footprint is great. If this is important to you, BuildCo7 will assist in incorporating features that work for your home. 

Step 8: Add Personal Touches 

Finally, don't forget to add personal touches to make your home uniquely yours. Whether it's family heirlooms, artwork, or custom design elements, these details can add warmth and personality to your space. 

If you’re also working with an interior designer (which we recommend and have some referrals), they will work with you to find the best and most cohesive ways to incorporate unique-to-you touches in ways that work with your style. 

Conclusion: 

Designing the perfect home is a rewarding journey that requires careful planning, creativity, and attention to detail. By following these steps and working with the right professionals, you can create a home that reflects your lifestyle, meets your needs, and brings your vision to life. 

BuildCo7 can help. Reaching out to us is the first step of many toward building the home of your dreams. If you can take this first step, you’ll have a trusted contractor to walk through the rest of them with you. Call us at 615.891.2398 or fill out our contact form to get connected with our team today.