8 Things to Consider when Redesigning your Home Making the decision to redesign your home can be incredibly exciting. Not only will you be able to significantly increase the value of your home—something that is likely your largest investment—you will also be able to create the exact sort of space you’ve always been dreaming of. With the right residential architecture firm, the possibilities will be as limitless as your imagination (and possibly your budget).
The process of designing (or redesigning) a home is incredibly intricate. There are many different things that you will need to think about, ranging from architectural limitations to the return you’ll get on your investment. If you have never been a part of a major project like this before, it can be easy to find yourself overwhelmed.
Fortunately, by breaking your project in multiple different components, creating the space of your dreams can be made much more manageable. Though there will still be a lot that needs to be considered, successfully completing a major home design project is likely much more within reach than you initially assumed. In this article, we will discuss eight of the most important things to think about when redesigning your home. We will also discuss the essential things you should be looking for when selecting an architectural firm to work with. By making an effort to understand every component in the lengthy process, you will be one step closer to building the home of your dreams. 1. Total Acreage and Square Footage In addition to location, two of the most important drivers for homeowner value are the total acreage and developed square footage that can be found on the property. Increasing these values by any amount will almost always increase the amount your home can potentially be sold for. By working carefully with your architect, you can potentially increase the square footage of your home without significantly cutting into the amount of space in your yard. This can be done by removing redundant walls, adding bay windows, turning a deck into a closed living space, and by various other methods. 2. The Value of Building Vertically Naturally, one of the “easiest” ways for you to maximize the value of your land and built property is to convert a one-story home into a two-story home. This is especially true in markets that are attractive to new families. With an additional floor, the square footage of your home will significantly expand and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms will likely increase as well. While adding a second (or even third) story to your home will carry a significant price tag, contributing to your home’s structural value may be worth the investment. 3. Selecting the Right Building Materials The building materials you choose for your home will have a tremendous impact on the cost of the project as well as the value of your home once it’s completed. Depending on where you live, using building materials that were locally sourced may give your home even further value. There are many different theories regarding which materials are best for home-building, but factors such as durability, ease of cleaning, and per-unit cost will all need to be considered. Blending styles—juxtaposing brick and exposed wood, for example—can help create a unique look for your home that will also maintain its value. 4. Climate-Specific Variables
The construction projects that can add the most value to your home will almost always depend on where you live. For example, a home in Florida may want to have fans throughout the home, plenty of open windows, a single story floorplan, and a pool in the backyard. A home in Colorado, on the other hand, will need to be designed with a welcoming fireplace and have exterior features capable of freezing and thawing each year. By working with an architect who is based in your specific area, you will be able to identify climate-specific variables that would have otherwise gone overlooked. 5. Open versus Closed Floor Plans Over the past few years, an increasing number of homeowners have been opting to use open floor plans. Open floor plans allow you to maximize the amount of square footage in use and also create a positive “flow” between each room. By connecting your kitchen with your dining room or your living room with your family room, for example, your home will feel significantly larger. When discussing potential plans with your architect, be sure to ask to see samples of their designs in both settings (open and closed). 6. Energy Efficiency Another common theme among modern architects and interior designers has been an increased emphasis on sustainable design. By finding creative ways for your home to be more sustainable, you can reduce your carbon footprint as well as your monthly energy bills. Installing new windows, using energy-efficient insulation, and installing a “smart home” system are just a few of the ways your home can become more efficient. Architects who are capable of meeting rigorous sustainability standards may be able to offer LEED certifications.
7. Structures and Additional Features Naturally, the first thing you are going to think about when redesigning your home will be the actual home itself. However, if your home is located on a sizable piece of land, you may want to consider creating a comprehensive plan with additional structures and features. Adding a guest house, a pool, a garage, a gazebo, or any other permanent structures will help increase the utility of your estate as a whole. If you live in an expanding market, the value of your home will likely increase more than the cost of the project itself. 8. Selling your Home in the Future Though you may have plans to live in your home forever, it will still be absolutely crucial to think about how a major project will impact the value of your home once it’s time to sell. Accounting for the future value of any major investment—such as a home design or redesign project—will make it easier to determine if the investment can be justified in the status quo. Looking at the market value of existing homes with certain features can help you get a rough estimate for what a specific project might be worth. Asking for advice from your architect can also help you get a better projection. Conclusion Before you rush into the process of redesigning your home, it will be important to take a step back and take a look at the bigger picture. Both building a home from scratch and making modifications to an already existing home will involve very detailed processes. While this list contains just a few of the important things for you to remember, it is certainly a great way to set the creative process in motion.