When it comes time to build or design your living space, it’s crucial to know how to define the vision for your dream home. You need to know what you want to help guide your choices and budget. Defining your dream home gives your plan a structure and a centering point.

Creating a home plan requires answering key questions about your lifestyle, values, and comforts. In some cases, it can be helpful to create a vision board to tangibly capture your ideas and wants. Whether you create a board that includes photos of layouts or rooms that you like in a house, or a board that is just lists of your wants, it doesn’t matter as long as it focuses on your plans.

Identify your Home Essentials and Wants

While some people may consider a walk-in shower an essential item for their home, someone else may think that a gourmet kitchen with an island is a non-negotiable. A hardcore gardener will prioritize a mudroom and gardening shed while a businessman may want an at-home office. The goal is to ensure you get the home you want. Things to consider include:

1. What activities take up a lot of your time?
2. Do you have any hobbies that require home space?
3. Is cooking at home a priority?
4. Would you want to be able to entertain?
5. Is energy efficiency important to you?
6. Do you want a home that can utilize smart technology?

Know the General Layout

Many custom and semi-custom homes have certain layout options. Once you know the layout that you will be working with, you’ll be able to make decisions about the space to accommodate your lifestyle. Your builder and consultant should work closely with you to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you want.

Kitchen

For many people, the kitchen is the center of the home. Whether you’re a big cooker or not, it’s likely that the kitchen will be a gathering space for you, your friends, and your family. You’ll want to create a space that fits your life. Questions to ask include:

1. Would you want a breakfast nook or bar?
2. Is a kitchen island important?
3. Do you need a pantry?

Living Room

Another community space within the home, the living room, should offer plenty of space to sit and relax. Some homes use the living room for watching television while others center the furniture around a fireplace or a wall of windows. Ask yourself:

1. How do you plan on using the living room?
2. Is your living room formal or casual?

Master Suite

The ultimate getaway for a homeowner, the master suite can be as simple or opulent as you want. Once again, it comes down to taste and details. Important things to think about:

1. Do you want an en suite bathroom?
2. Are dual vanities imperative?
3. Do you want double closets?
4. Would you like a walk-in shower, jacuzzi, or both?

Outdoor Living

Homes located in areas with mild weather can use outdoor space as an extra living area. Even homes with more extreme temperatures may like to have an outdoor living area for the early morning or late night hours. You’ll also want to be aware of the sun’s path over the space. Questions to ask:

1. Do you want to entertain from the outdoor space?
2. Is the space better for kids to play?
3. Would a pool or garden compliment the space?

Once you know what items are a priority for your life, you can begin to plan your budget for your dream home. The idea is to have what you want for the price you can afford. And knowing what you want will center every decision that you’ll face as you embark on the designing and building journey.

While you’ll have an overall budget for the home, having a budget for each room and area will help you meet that overarching goal. Break the costs down and take into account small details such as doorknobs, light fixtures, and outlets.

Ready to build your dream home in the Tucson area? Reach out to a Fairfield Homes consultant today at info@fairfieldhomesarizona.com to discuss your home’s vision.