Biggest Design Mistakes When Building a Home

Biggest Design Mistakes When Building a Home

If you are thinking of starting the journey to build a home or renovate an existing home, we think it is a good idea to consider some of the points we listed below. Let us know if you need any help along the way!

1) Short-Term Thinking:

Consider the long-term implications of design choices - will this serve you 5, 10, 20 years from now? Do you plan on staying in your home, or renting in the future?

Plan for reduced mobility as you age. Features like elevated front porches or second-floor primary bedrooms may become problematic later -- we often design alternative first-floor bedrooms that can be used as the new primary space as homeowners age and it's no longer easy to access the second-floor.
Buying into trends - if it's something you truly love and will enjoy for years then we always say go for it, but we'll speak up if we feel like a design choice is more of a hot-button trend.

2) Ignoring Building Orientation:

The orientation of your home affects natural light, energy efficiency, and comfort.

Consider factors like sun exposure, prevailing winds, and views when designing your home. We face very strong summer sunlight, with long days mid-year. Western-facing rooms get a blinding amount of sun.
Plan for shades/curtains during the framing process - these generally need to be blocked in and planned for way in advance, especially if you want them automated.

3) Overlooking Space Planning:

Plan your interior spaces carefully to avoid wasted or inefficient areas.

Consider traffic flow, furniture placement, and room sizes. We find it common that bedrooms are very undersized in the Pacific Northwest! Why that is, I'm not sure. But keep in mind having space for nightstands, dressers, other decorative items you might want.

4) Choosing Wants Over Needs:

Distinguish between essential needs and nice-to-have features.
Prioritize practical aspects like storage, layout, and functionality. Think deeply about how you move through your day and your spaces, what do you like the most? What can't you stand about your current layout?

5) Not Expecting Challenges:

Anticipate setbacks during the construction process - especially in remodels, it is common to experience delays because of unforeseen site conditions once we open the walls.
Be prepared for unexpected issues, delays, and budget adjustments.