Buying a new home can be fraught with problems, but don’t let any potential problems get on top of you.
When you’re looking for a modern designed home that will suit you and your family, take the time to research and plan before you make any decisions.
It’s natural to think about going to an estate agent initially with your ideas, and if that’s what you’re comfortable with then go ahead.
Alternatively, you could do a lot of online research, looking at the types of property available, their settings, what facilities and amenities are in the immediate and near vicinity, and crucially, what you can expect for your money.
New or not?
It’s a tricky question. New houses can be exactly what you want, with excellent insulation to save energy and the spaces and devices such as washing machines, dishwashers and cooking facilities that suit you. Property developers are useful sites to explore for these types of homes.
You can buy off plan and specify exactly what you want. Always ask for specifications, in particular for room and outside space sizes. You need to be comfortable with this so you don’t find you have a property that’s too big or too small for your requirements.
If you’re looking to buy a home that has been owned, perhaps for many years, take some time to look into the decor and what you might need to bring it up to a modern design. Imagine you are looking for a terraced house, perhaps looking attractive from the outside but tired and used on the inside.
You have to decide what you want from a home, so there’s no harm in looking at what it might cost to design your home as you want it. Brand new homes can be expensive so you need to be comfortable with spending the money to get exactly what you want. You also need to remember your size requirements.
An older home could be considerably cheaper than a new build – depending as ever on its size and location – but you will need to consider remodelling it to your taste.
Professional help and advice
If you buy a cheaper property that suits your needs and want to modernise it, you need to work out the best way to go about it. You could try to do everything yourself, but that’s tough when you’re working and need to keep on top of everything.
This is where you could consider using an umbrella company to help you manage your project. The company will take care of all the contractual issues between a number of contractors – think builders, decorators, plumbers, painters and electricians – and provide the bridge between you and them.
Project management makes a lot of sense when you and your family have a busy life. An umbrella company can smooth the way for a good design experience.
Ultimately, you want what is suitable for you and your family. It’s not worth cutting corners, whether it’s a new build or not. Use professionals to help and you will smooth the path to your new home.
