Sponsored Story By Fischer Homes
Deciding to buy a house is a big decision. You may be surprised how difficult it is to decide what exactly what you’re looking for in your new home, from the number of bedrooms to the size of a closet to the types of kitchen cupboards you want.
Sometimes, building a home may be a better solution. Though it might seem like an even larger task, it may be worth it in the end. Here are a few simple tips that will make designing your dream home not only doable but enjoyable. Here’s how to get started.
Decide what you do and don’t like
Before you decide what your new house should include, you have to determine what you do and don’t like where you live now. What are your must-haves? What have you always wanted to change? Go room by room, creating a list of everything you can think of, big or small. Here are a few examples:
- Walk-in pantry space
- Extra cabinets in the kitchen
- Pocket office or butler’s pantry
- Kitchen island
- Deep kitchen drawers vs. cabinets
- Recreation room
- Built-in home entertainment centers and bookcases
- Walk-in closets
- Luxury shower with multiple showerheads
- A separate mudroom
- Smart technology
- Modern farmhouse or coastal exterior
Create a portfolio
Build a file of pictures, plans, and ideas you want to include in your house. Pinterest offers a way to store your ideas in one place, plus you can see the boards of other people who might have similar design tastes. For example, Fischer Homes has a Pinterest board with ideas for bathrooms, basements, dining rooms, and plenty more.
You can also visit fischerhomes.com to browse floorplans and pictures for ideas.
Additionally, subscribe to home design magazines, or print articles or pictures you find online and add them to a binder. Your portfolio will help when you meet with a home designer, as the more information you provide, the better a designer can meet your needs and wants.
Visit open houses
Open houses give you a chance to experience how certain designs feel in person. They also help you to figure out what kind of house is in your price range and what ideas you can emulate.
“Many homes for sale have been professionally staged or recently fixed up, so an open house can give you insight into the latest design trends,” realtor.com says. “And since they’re often done on a budget, it can get those creative juices flowing for how you could incorporate wallet-friendly tricks to spruce up your space.”
Additionally, builder model homes are professionally designed to showcase the features that buyers today are searching for in their next home. No matter what stage of the process you’re in, model homes are a great place to get ideas.
Consider location
An upside to building your home is you can choose where you live. Drive and walk around neighborhoods, ask about local schools, find the nearest grocery stores, and discover information about whatever is important to you as you choose where to build your dream home.
Consult with a designer
If you’re having a tough time choosing what you want, or you’re ready to move forward with your ideas, visit a design center for a showcase of options and to consult with a professional designer. It doesn’t have to be intimidating, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
For example, Fischer Homes offers a complimentary design center appointment with the purchase of a new home. This appointment allows you to see what’s available, as you choose floor plans, counters, cabinets, and so on. Making choices is easy and fun when the options are all in one place, and there is a designer guiding you through the process.
“We offer thousands of combinations of options for you to choose from,” says Lindsay Alderson of Fischer Homes Lifestyle Design Center. “I'm happy to help ensure your style is represented in your new home and make the process as simple as possible.”
When you’re ready to make your dream home a reality, call or visit a Fischer Homes location near you to meet with a Sales Counselor, schedule your design appointment, and start your building journey.