Like any endeavour a person undertakes, a solid plan is
needed for success. Building a home is a once in a lifetime endeavour and as a
result the right plan is crucial. Home construction is an investment in both
time and money. It’s a labour of love that is much more than just picking out
samples and styles to decorate a kitchen or bathroom. There are many details
that cannot be overlooked during a custom home build. While the planning and
outlining for a custom build can take years, the final product will be well worth
the wait. When designing custom floor plans, Toronto homeowners should contact
a reputable design, construction and renovation specialist to assist with all
their building needs.
Define Your New Home
When you’re ready to get started, it’s helpful to list the
pros and cons of your previous homes. Defining what you want your custom home
to be will depend on this list. Putting pen to paper will help shape your
custom floor plans. Toronto has many different neighbourhoods with unique
cultures and architecture. What you like about living in one area and dislike about
another should make this list. Take into consideration where these custom floor
plans will take root.
Was your previous home too small? Perhaps it was too large?
Did it have too many floors? You will need to think about the total area of
livable space and how much square footage that translates into. You will want
to decide how many bathrooms you need, as well as how many bedrooms are
required. There are dozens
of factors that will contribute to the shape your custom floor plan will
take.
- Eating Spaces – Open concept kitchens are popular, incorporating a larger square footage to include both kitchen and dining areas in one space. Closed kitchens and dining rooms, while functional, can really close off the space and waste a large area of square footage.
- Light or Dark – The size and position of the windows will naturally determine how much light fills the house. Outlining the position and size of the windows on your custom floor plan will indicate how this will impact your living space. Also, which way these windows face will determine what time of day certain light fills your custom built house.
- The Great Outdoors– Larger gardens, patios, decks and entrances will be a factor depending on what type of lifestyle you lead. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you will want to incorporate this into your custom floor plan. Consider adding on an outdoor dining area to host wonderful barbecues or include landscaping plans to showcase your green thumb in the garden.
- Cathedral Heights – What types of ceilings will your dream home have? High cathedral ceilings add a dramatic affect to your living space, but are harder to maintain. Lower ceilings create a cozy ambiance. Which is better suited to your lifestyle?
- Think Ahead – Consider your future when creating custom floor plans. Toronto neighbourhoods are changing at a very quick pace. Condominiums reach high into the skyline and residential development has a new face. It’s not uncommon to tear down an old home and build a new one in its place. What will your home look like in the years to come and will it continue to serve your needs?