Tips to Consider During the Design Stage of a New Home

Building a new home is an exciting venture, but it requires careful planning and decision-making to ensure the result is comfortable, functional, and suited to your lifestyle. Here are some essential tips, that may not have even crossed your mind, to consider before starting your new build.

Choose Insulation with a High R-Value

The R-value of insulation measures its ability to resist heat transfer. A higher R-value means better insulation, which helps:

Retain warmth during winter.
Keep your home cool during summer.
Reduce outside noise, such as road traffic.

Exceeding the minimum R-value requirements can significantly enhance energy efficiency and comfort, saving you on heating and cooling costs over time.

Consider Higher Ceilings for Spaciousness

The standard ceiling height is 2.4m, but increasing this can transform the feel of your space:

Opt for ceilings that match a skillion roof pitch or use rafters over trusses.
Higher ceilings create a sense of openness, making rooms feel larger and more inviting.

Discuss this option during the drafting stage to ensure it aligns with your design and budget.

Upgrade to Taller Internal Doors

Standard NZ internal doors are 1980mm high, but choosing doors that are 2200mm or 2400mm can:

Make rooms feel more open and less confined.
Enhance the perception of space, especially in smaller areas like bathrooms.

This simple design upgrade adds elegance and practicality to your home.

Install Underfloor Heating in Bathrooms

Underfloor heating might not be essential, but it can elevate the comfort of your home:

Eliminates the discomfort of cold tiles during winter.
Is ideal for bathrooms, with tiled floors.

Since underfloor heating can’t be added after tiles are installed, plan for this during the early stages of construction, before waterproofing begins.

Opt for Gas Hot Water Systems

If you have a large family or require a lot of hot water, gas systems offer several advantages:

They are more cost-effective than regularly heating a hot water cylinder.
Free up storage space by eliminating bulky hot water cylinders.
Can be connected to mains gas or serviced by 45kg gas bottles in areas without mains gas access.

Gas systems are an efficient and convenient choice for high hot water usage.

Final Thoughts

Building a new home is an opportunity to tailor every aspect to suit your needs. By incorporating these thoughtful upgrades, you can create a space that’s comfortable, energy-efficient, and perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

For expert building services, contact Villaworx Construction today. Let us help you bring your dream home to life!