Creating a house plan from a blank page or screen is difficult. You need to get the right flow from room to room, with the right dimensions and all the features and details you want, without blowing your budget.
That’s why most people start with a standard design and modify it to suit their lifestyle and preferences.
But it’s not as straightforward as changing a few lines on your floor plan. There may be structural implications and extra costs to consider.
This article explores some of the crucial things you need to know to ensure your new home truly fits your lifestyle and needs – especially when modifying a standard design.
The Flexibility And Savings of Standard Designs
Standard house designs provide a solid starting point. The proven layouts are often more economical and faster to build. And already include most of the features you want.
However, it’s rare for a standard design to meet all your unique needs right out of the box. That’s why we present our clients with a suite of standard designs, categorised into premium, mid-range, and basic options. Each serves as inspiration and a starting point that can be modified to give you the exact house you want, without needlessly overspending on a fully custom design.
Customisation Is Key
Just because you’re starting with a standard design doesn’t mean you need to accept every detail. Or compromise on the things you really want in your new home.
You can customise almost anything to suit the specific needs and preferences of your family. Whether it’s changing the layout, adding rooms, or tweaking the finishes, customisation ensures the home fits your lifestyle perfectly.
And the modifications need not be minor. For example, one of our clients loved a standard design featuring an alfresco area. But they wanted this space to serve as a second entertaining area. So we enclosed it, and added windows, air conditioning, and lighting, transforming it into an integrated part of the home. This customisation made the space more functional and aligned with their lifestyle, at a price that was way less than a fully custom design.
How To Modify A Standard House Design
Building a custom home from a standard design involves several steps:
Selecting The Right Standard Design: Choose a design that matches your vision as closely as possible. Consider the layout, number of rooms, and general flow of the spaces. Tell your builder what you want in your finished home and ask for their help in choosing the right starting design.
Identifying Necessary Changes: Once you’ve selected a design, identify the changes needed to make it perfect for you and your family. This could involve moving walls, adding windows, or changing room sizes. Some changes are easy to make and shouldn’t add to the total cost. Other changes may require structural changes and extra expenses. Be sure to communicate clearly with your builder so you know what to expect.
Working With The Right Builder: Some builders hate modifying standard plans. When you ask for a change, their first response is to say, “No.” Others are happy to make changes. But charge an arm and a leg for every tiny adjustment. Be sure to work with a builder who takes time to understand what you want. And the skills and experience to help you achieve it in the most economical way.
The Benefits of Customising Standard Designs
Customising a standard design offers several benefits including:
Cost-Effective: Starting with a standard house plan is almost always more economical than a fully custom design. You’ll usually save on architect fees. And you can prioritise your budget towards the specific customisations you want without needlessly paying for extras that are less important.
Time-Saving: Modifying a standard design can save weeks (sometimes months) in the planning phase, enabling construction to start (and finish) sooner.
Personalisation: With the right modifications, a standard design can be tailored to reflect your personal style and functional requirements, resulting in the exact home you want.
Common Customisations To Consider
Here are some common customisations that can transform a standard design into the exact home you’ve always wanted – without needlessly paying for a fully custom home:
Layout Adjustments: Moving walls, adding or removing rooms to better suit your needs.
Exterior Modifications: Changing the facade, adding porches, or altering rooflines to give added functionality and a totally different style.
Interior Features: Customising kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces to match the way you like to live.
Energy Efficiency: Incorporating energy-efficient features like upgraded insulation, solar panels, and double-glazed windows for extra comfort and energy savings.
Potential Pitfalls And How to Avoid Them
While customising a standard design has many benefits, there are potential pitfalls to be aware of including:
Over-Customisation: It’s easy to get carried away with changes without realising how much you’ve strayed from the original design. Too many modifications may mean you’ve chosen the wrong standard design to start with and should consider other design options.
Miscommunication: Clear communication with your builder is crucial. Ensure all modifications are clearly documented and signed off on before construction begins.
Budget Overruns: Customisations can quickly add up. Start by focussing on the ‘must-haves’ that add real value to your home (and lifestyle). Then prioritise a wish-list of ‘like-to-haves’ to talk with your builder about.
How To Know If Your Builder Can Modify A Standard Design To Meet Your Needs
Choosing the right standard design to start with is important. And having a clear vision of the end result you want (so you know what modifications to make) is critical. But nothing is more important than choosing the right builder who will:
Listen to Your Needs: So they understand your vision and deliver the home you want and not the home they force you to settle for.
Offer Practical Solutions: So you get exactly what you want (without compromising features or quality) in the most cost-effective way.
Manage the Process: So you can enjoy the journey with everything running like clockwork – on time and on budget.
Your Dream Home, Your Way
Building a custom home based on a standard design is an excellent way to combine the best of both worlds — economical planning and personalised living.
By understanding the process, working closely with a good builder, and making thoughtful customisations, you can create a home that perfect
For more tips to help you navigate the complexities of home building and tailor a standard design to your vision, download our Free Guide: Build with Confidence – 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home.
Or schedule a Free Consultation to discuss the vision you have for your new home.
For more tips to help you navigate the complexities of home building, download our Free Guide
Build with Confidence – 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
