Building Your Dream Home: 5 Things You Should Consider

by Andrea Marshall | Jul 12, 2023 | Silverstream News

Building your dream home is a significant milestone in life. It’s an opportunity to create a home that is truly yours, designed to fit your lifestyle and needs. However, the process of building a home can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride too, so we’ve put together a guide of 5 things you should consider when building your dream home. Let’s dive in!

1. Family & Lifestyle

When it comes to your dream home, it’s crucial to think about your family’s needs and the lifestyle you want to lead. Are there convenient amenities nearby for your daily needs? Don’t forget to research surrounding schools if you have school-aged children. Do you love outdoor entertaining? If so, an outdoor area might be a must-have. Do you need extra garage space to store bikes or a study nook for focused work? Are you a green thumb who enjoys gardening and needs space for plant boxes? Or have you been dreaming of having a spa for ultimate relaxation? Designing with your family and lifestyle in mind ensures that your home becomes the perfect sanctuary for making lasting memories.

2. Land & Location

When you’re in the process of buying a section, take the time to evaluate the quality of the land and its suitability for your lifestyle. Before you sign a Sales & Purchase Agreement for a section, make sure you do your due diligence on the quality of the land. Most developers will provide a geotechnical and ground report, and your lawyer will be able to source other land reports such as the LIM – make sure to read these carefully when making your decision. Another thing to consider is location; would you prefer a roadside section for easy access or a more private back section? Maybe a corner section is your preference. Ask about any covenants that may apply to the section you’re interested in. Additionally, consider factors like nearby amenities and the potential for future growth in the area – especially if you’re considering on-selling in the future. Selecting the right land and location sets the stage for a happy life in your dream home!

3. Budget

Let’s talk about the all-important budget. Setting a clear budget upfront is important for a successful home-building experience. It empowers you to make informed decisions throughout the process and ensures that you stay within your means. Don’t worry about feeling restricted by your budget—instead, embrace it as a challenge to find creative solutions that bring your dream home to life without breaking the bank. By collaborating with your builder, you can strike the perfect balance between cost and quality. But how do you determine your budget? The answer lies in obtaining pre-approval for a home loan from your bank or mortgage broker. By undergoing this process, you’ll gain an understanding of your financial capabilities and receive the necessary guidance to make sound financial decisions.

4. Style

Building your dream home is an opportunity to craft a space that perfectly captures your personal style and taste. Start by creating a mood board during the planning phase, where you can explore and curate your ideal home style. Consider elements such as cladding, roofline, landscaping, colours, designs, benchtops, tiles, and flooring. Gathering inspiration from various sources, such as Pinterest, Houzz, home magazines, or even brochures from vendors, will help you articulate your vision and effectively communicate it to your builder. This process will not only guide your decisions when fitting out your home but also ensure that your preferred style is seamlessly incorporated into the overall design. From the exterior aesthetics to the interior finishes, infusing your personal touch will transform your dream home into a space that truly feels uniquely yours.

5. Communication

Effective communication is key to a successful home-building experience. Keep the lines of communication open and transparent with your builder. Regularly share your preferences, ideas, and any changes along the way. By actively participating and staying involved, you ensure that your vision is accurately understood and translated into reality. This collaborative approach fosters a positive working relationship and minimises any potential misunderstandings or delays. Together, you and your builder can bring your dream home to life!

Building your dream home is an exciting journey and by considering your family’s needs and lifestyle, choosing the right land and location, establishing a realistic budget, defining your unique style, and maintaining open communication with your builder, you pave the way for a rewarding building experience. Remember, this is your opportunity to create a home that reflects your personality and meets your specific requirements. Embrace the process, make informed decisions, and soon you’ll be enjoying the fulfilment of living in your own home.

Silverstream-Subdivision-Building-Your-Dream-Home-Graphic

Best Hedging Options

Griselinia varieties especially Griselinia Canterbury (extremely hardy, fast-growing, perfect for shelter)
Pittosporum varieties especially Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ (attractive, dark green foliage and a reliable hedge option)
Teucrium fruiticans – Silver Germander (excellent for low hedging, providing silvery foliage all year round with pale blue bee-attracting flowers)
Lonicera nitida – Box Honeysuckle (rapid growth rate, makes excellent hedging)
Corokia Geenty’s Green (yellow flowers in Spring followed by red berries in Autumn)

Native Options

Coprosma (many varieties, attracts native birds)
Carex (numerous varieties for all conditions from dry to wetland—excellent for mass planting, bulletproof)
Marble Leaf (good for underplanting)
Poa cita/Silver Tussock (ideal for revegetation)
Manuka (attracts bees)
Kanuka (hardy native option)

Reliable Colour Shrubs

Nandina/Heavenly Bamboo varieties (attractive year-round foliage):
- Gulf Stream
- Lemon Lime
- Firepower
Lavender (attracts bees, thrives in dry conditions)
Camellia (good winter/early spring flowering)
Escallonia (can be grown as either shrub or hedge)
Hebe Wiri Mist (popular, reliable, and low maintenance)
Hebe Red Edge (a robust plant with lilac-coloured flowers which gradually fade to white)

Trees That Work

Paper Bark Maple (hardy variety)
Norway Maple (reliable performer)
Prunus /Flowering Cherries (beautiful seasonal display)
Malus/Ornamental Apple (excellent for gardens)
Weeping Pear (sturdy branches handle local conditions)
Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ (smaller variety, good for gardens)

“Just like when an architect considers which way a property faces when designing a house, Canterbury gardeners need to take the same approach.”

Plan Smart, Plant Smarter

Careful planning is the key, says Paul Saunders, Nursery Manager at Sublime.

“Soil preparation is a foundation that’s particularly important in new developments where topsoil may have been scraped away during construction, leaving less-than-ideal growing conditions behind,” he says.

“Then, rather than rushing to fill every corner with plants, I suggest taking an observational approach.”

There’s often the temptation to rush in and quickly plant everything straight away, says Paul, but the key is to take your time.

“Start with your hedging and shelter first,” he says. “This foundational step will create beneficial microclimates throughout your garden and an initial shelter belt that not only protects against Canterbury’s winds but also helps manage frost patterns across your section”.

Indeed, careful attention to sun exposure and positioning should help you decide which plants should go where.

“Just like when an architect considers which way a property faces when designing a house, Canterbury gardeners need to take the same approach,” says Jo.

“Plants on your north face need to be the ones that don’t mind full-on sun, which can be quite harsh, especially along with those easterly winds. Good fencing can help in that respect.”

“Think of your garden as a blank canvas—just with some unique factors you have to take into account to get the best result.”

Simply put, success comes from working with the unique Canterbury environment rather than against it. By choosing locally adapted plants and taking the time to understand your property’s specific conditions, you can create a garden that not only survives but thrives through our region’s dramatic seasonal changes.