A guide to building your dream home
- Grace Grieves
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
Chorley based BCAE Architects are a high end, full service architects practice working across projects that include new homes, sensitive sites, refurbishments and extensions, interiors design and larger developments – across the North West and beyond.
The practice is renowned for bringing a fresh modern outlook, based on a solid foundation of creativity and expertise, to help customer’s dream homes come to life.
Here, Ben Craven Director, gives his take on five key indicators to help you evaluate whether your architect is the right fit for your needs.
Building Your Dream Home? Here's What You Need to Know First**
So, you're going to build your forever home—exciting times, right? You’re finally at that point where dreaming is turning into reality, as you start to envision that stunning open kitchen, a spacious bathroom - and maybe even a secret wine cellar.
But before you start picking out countertops and paint swatches, there are some key practicalities to remember. After all, smart planning at the beginning can be the difference between a stunning home and an expensive headache.
1.) Being Conscious of Your Budget
Your dream home might be perfect in your mind, yet your bank account might be singing a different tune. With building costs, designs, permits and finishes to consider, things can add up quickly.
Be conscious of the unexpected. There’s always the chance that you might encounter unexpected costs such as poor ground or shortages of materials, and all of a sudden, your project could be considerably more expensive than you intended.
To stay ahead of your finances, make a realistic budget and add on an extra 20% for miscellaneous expenses. If the prospect of saving up more cash doesn't feel comfortable, you may need to prioritise your wish list. Luxury features can always be installed later, but scrimping on basics such as top end insulation will quickly be regretted when winter arrives.
2.) Your Vision: It's More Than Just Pictures
It's simple to become side tracked by all the gorgeous details you witness in the glossy countryside magazine of high ceilings, fashionable windows, and vast bathtubs. Yet, what is really important is remembering how you really live day to day.
If you work from home, an office be more useful than an elaborate dining room. If you love to cook, splashing out on a dream kitchen will serve you well. And if there is a family on the horizon, a minimalist staircase may not be the most practical choice.
Your house should be built to accommodate your life and family – and not based on outdoing your neighbours’ last renovation.
3.) Choosing Your Land: Nature Plays a Role
It’s also vitally important to assess the location and the land you select to start your project – as this can have a huge impact on what is practical. If it’s at the base of a slope, anticipate potential down slop floodings, and back-drainage problems.
Located where heavy traffic passes, soundproof windows may be a necessity. If your house sits in the sun every afternoon, you may need to investigate shading solutions.
Smart architects plan houses that function in cooperation with nature. They take into account factors like sunlight, wind direction, and correct drainage of the land following rainfall. Otherwise, you might be left with a lovely house that's either too hot, too cold, or even at risk of flooding.
4.) Energy Efficiency: Save Money and the Planet
No one enjoys high utility bills, so plan for energy efficiency from the beginning. Proper insulation, well-placed windows, and solar panels can reduce long-term expenses drastically. Even minor choices like energy-efficient light bulbs or water heaters can be beneficial in the long term.
It's not only cost-effective; being green is also a must. The greener a home is, the less harm it causes the world and the more it pays off in the long run.
5.) Don't Skip Necessary Approvals
Filling out paperwork isn't fun. But skipping permits isn't the answer—it can lead to some serious legal problems later on. Planning laws are in place for a reason, and no one wants the council showing up at your door saying you have to tear down your dream deck because it's a foot too close to your neighbour's fence.
Do your homework. Obtain the required appovals you need to spare yourself the headaches, the fines, delays, or having to restart endless paperwork you have already paid for.
6.) Expect Surprises: Yes, They Happen!
No home construction goes precisely as projected. There may be delays and price modifications, and occasionally the paint colour you selected appears differently on the wall. Be flexible.
There are a few things that are worth standing firm on—good lighting, solid construction, and a workable design. Other things? Maybe that imported high-end tile can be substituted with something just as beautiful but more affordable. Ultimately, the process of building a home is not simply constructing a nice home; it is constructing a home that functions for you. With proper planning, a defined budget, and some patience, that dream home can be yours. And who knows? You may even enjoy parts of it! Breathe deeply, go over your finances, and start building smart. And do not forget to set aside some extra money for any contingencies.
If you are thinking of building your dream home, BCAE offer a complimentary 45 minute “Coffee with an Architect” session. It’s chance for you to tell us about your vision, and for us to look at how we can help you. Get in touch for more information.
01772 230 538
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