Avoid These Custom Home Design Mistakes

July 12, 2016

So, you think you’re ready to begin designing your dream home? You’ve been waiting for this moment for years, so make the most of it by avoiding common home design mistakes. We’ve been in the business of building custom homes in Western Washington for more than 25 years, so it’s safe to say we’ve witnessed some learning experiences. Read on to discover some of our favorite custom home design tips.

Design for the Decades

Take a second to think about what you looked for in a home when you first moved out on your own versus what you’re looking for now. Before beginning the process of designing your custom home, make a list of the features you want or think you might need over the next few decades. As your lifestyle changes, spaces designed to be flexible can meet your evolving needs. Maybe you’re not sure how long your mother can continue to live on her own and want to make sure that the guest room is on the first floor and has a private bath that could become her personal suite if necessary. Perhaps your fitness room could double as a play area for future grandchildren. Whatever your needs or desires, a custom home builder can work with you to tailor your dream home to fit your vision.

Build to Fit

The best thing about building a custom home is that you’re not limited by tradition. This is your chance to make your home fit your needs. Do you hate lugging your laundry across the house? Make chores easier by having your home designed around creating a lifestyle of convenience instead of sticking with tired standards. Sick of seeing kitchen or entryway clutter? Talk to your designer about developing built in methods to manage your worst offenders. Sometimes home builders are concerned that building a home with unique characteristics will make it more difficult to sell down the road. Our homeowners have experienced the opposite—homes with distinct design features that increase functionality stand out on the market and often sell quickly.

Don’t Miss the View

The Pacific Northwest offers stunning views around nearly every corner, but sometimes less experienced builders are unaware of tactics for showing off views to the best advantage. Well-placed windows make the most of natural lighting while still offering privacy. Maximize your enjoyment of the beauty around you by orienting public spaces such as your kitchen, living room, and dining area around the view. Green building techniques can help protect the view that you love while reducing waste and increasing energy efficiency. This leads to reduced costs and lower utility bills, which is a win for everyone!

Get More Practical Tips

Click here to download our handy guide to avoiding these and other common home design mistakes. Estes Builders is an award-winning design build firm that specializes in custom homes in Western Washington. We have earned more than 130 customer testimonials and a reputation as Western Washington’s most trusted custom home builder. We build custom homes in Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Port Ludlow, Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Silverdale, Port Orchard and surrounding areas. Contact us for a FREE Project Analysis to discuss your project.]]>