If you can afford it, hiring an architect to design your new home is money well spent. An architect will take everything you do and need in life to make your new home not only beautiful, but a functional and comfortable one. Before you sit down with your architect to plan out your dream home, take the time to answer these questions. 

1. What does your dream home look like to you?

A professional architect will ask you questions about your lifestyle, taste and what styles you like, however, it is important that you ask yourself “what do I want in a new home” first so you have a clear idea when it comes to providing answers to your architect.

To begin your journey on discovering what home design and style suits you, we recommend a trip to your local newsagency to collect some home magazines and tab what you like. Alternatively, online platforms such as Pinterest and Houzz are also a good source where you can pin or save images. Starting here will expose you to thousands of home designs and building products on the market. 

2. How would you describe your lifestyle? 

It’s important your architect understands your way of life in order to create a design solution that is specifically tailored to suit your lifestyle as well as your budget. Do you work at home? Do you like entertaining friends and family? Do you have children? Are you MasterChef in the kitchen? 

Your answer to this question will dramatically change the design, appearance and function of your home.  

Above: DecoWood finished opening roof by Opening Roof Specialists

3. What rooms/spaces are most important to you?

So, you like to entertain? Outdoor entertaining is part of the Australian lifestyle, so why not make sure you do it the right way and let your architect know everything you need to accommodate your guests comfortably. Aluminium timber-look decking products such as DecoDeck are great for outdoor entertaining areas. The woodgrain finish adds the natural warmth of timber to a space, but the durable aluminium qualities will ensure it lasts a lifetime of parties and activities. 

If cooking is your passion, it is important you have a kitchen that is big enough and functional for you to cook in. Perhaps a scullery is top of the list, or a huge continuous island bench? If the kitchen is your favourite zone maybe a battened counter is the design statement you are looking for.  

TIP: Keep in mind who you are sharing your home with. Whether it is your partner, children or friends, we suggest considering how they will use the spaces within your new home too. 

4. What materials and finishes are you most interested in using? 

Whether you prefer matte surfaces with timber accents or sleek and shiny appearances, the materials and finishes you like will influence the products specified for your home. 

With so many options out there how do you choose? When researching finishes for the exterior, be mindful of the climate and region your home will be in. If you are building coastal but want a beautiful timber cladded façade you may not like how it looks in a few years’ time. Architectural cladding product DecoClad is made from solid aluminium and has a long lasting marine-grade powder coating – ideal for those building on the coast. The best part is, it is available in many different finishes including, woodgrain, rust, concrete and plain colour. 

Perhaps have a look at the homes of those around your block. What exterior finishes did they use? Do they look attractive and are they durable enough to stand the test of time? 

Above: DecoClad finished in DecoWood Natural Weathered Timber

5. How much time and energy are you willing to invest to maintain your home? 

The big question: how prepared are you to maintain the elements of your home? Does low maintenance living suit your lifestyle more? For many Australians, the perfect weekends are spent relaxing, not scrubbing, weeding, or staining and oiling your timber fence or deck. 

A low-maintenance home should be designed to require very little upkeep and be made from durable and quality materials. Looking for a low maintenance solution to timber? Check out DecoWood for effortless, beautiful living!

6. How important is sustainable design to you? 

If you are passionate about eco-friendly products, you might want to consider incorporating sustainable building materials in your home design as well. Sustainable and energy-efficient materials are good for the environment and can save you money long term too. If this is important to you, make sure you discuss with your architect the sustainable alternatives to other products. 

To read the sustainability of DECO’s products, please click here. 

Above: DecoBatten finished in DecoWood Natural Snow Gum. Project by Oak & Oak.

7. What is your budget? 

Lastly, what is your actual budget? A crucial question to ask yourself during the planning stages of hiring an architect. Our tip is to allow a buffer (perhaps 10%) to ensure that you are covered for any additional or unexpected costs.You also need to keep in mind the life-time cost of your home. Sometimes it saves to spend a bit more upfront, rather than having to replace rotting timber decks or unsightly fencing down the track. 

Remember, do your research and request which building products and features you want so your architect can create your dream home.  

To find out more about DECO’s range of architectural building products download our catalogue here.