House Design Advice From Thermohaus

17th December 2019

What are the elements of a good design? Who is going to design your new house? Do you need an architect?

There are number of constraints on design:

Standard House Types

Most self-build package providers offer standard house designs but you need to be sure they suit both your site and personal needs. This said, most providers will either modify their standard designs or create bespoke designs. The only issue is you will need to be very clear on what you want. If you're not sure what you want you may be best advised to employ an independent designer. But, this will come at a cost and controlling the design to come within budget may be challenging!

Choosing the Designer

If you choose to use an independent designer, your choice will be critical to the outcome, since each designer will have their strengths and weaknesses, preferences and dislikes.

Plot and Location

Your design needs to be appropriate for your plot, in the practical, visual and planning sense. For example, certain designs will work well on a slope, others won't. How does the orientation of the plot and, for example, any large trees impact on the light available, etc. Furthermore in many areas, particularly conservation areas, your design will probably have to visually blend in with existing properties. Therefore, if you are planning a futuristic design, make sure this will be allowed before you buy the plot.

Budget

Different designs will result in different building costs for a given amount of floor space. And, the greater the floor space the greater the cost. If working with a limited budget, keep it simple and don't design in wasted floor space.

Your Imagination

There are an infinite number of design possibilities for a house. But you will need to narrow this down to at least some basic concepts based on how you wish to live in your house. Your designer will need to know what you are looking for in your new home.

There are several professionals who may help you to design your home. Don't dismiss non- architects out of hand. Who you choose should partly depend on the type and complexity of design you have in mind, as many architects will have experience and interest in particular types of design/construction. As with any building professional, try to find your designer on the basis of personal recommendation. If this is not possible ensure that you have a detailed preliminary meeting with them first (to see if you are at least on the same wavelength) and make sure that you see a portfolio of their work. If possible speak to some of their previous clients. Qualifications alone are no guarantee you will get the service you want.

Thermohaus offer a unique modular design concept for contemporary, value engineered and highly energy efficient timber frame kit homes, designed specifically for the self-builder. And, our kit prices include the architectural design process and submitting planning and building warrant applications on your behalf.

See other articles in the advice series from Thermohaus.

Planning Advice and Building Warrant

House Design Advice From Thermohaus

Finding And Buying Land For Your Self Build Home

Building Your Own Home Is Easier Than You May Think

Can You Afford To Build Your Own Home

How to Finance Your Self-build New home]