Building a new home is so exciting, because you are starting fresh. You can have and design things just the way you want them. It also comes with a mountain of decisions and ideas.
Truth be told, buying a house and moving is one of the most stressful human experiences – it’s easy to get caught up in the small details of wondering where an electric plug goes and what theme the house is going to be and how it is all going to come together and so on and so on.
However, we’ve broken down the 5 steps you need to understand in order to design your dream home. If you take these steps, one at a time, creating your perfect house will be stress-free and fun.
Modular Homes Myths and Truths
- It is not one of those boxy pre-fab ideas with little character or curb appeal.
- There are a variety of prices, styles, floorplans, materials, options and sizes from 400 to 3000 sq. ft.
- They are built in sections in a climate-controlled environment and shipped when ordered to a local builder who will assemble the sections at your site with all the care and regulations as a traditional stick-built home.
- They are built to be environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
Setting Up The Plans
- While it is being built, get a three-ring binder with sections for folders, sheet protectors and tabs. Make a section for each room and a landscaping section for the front and back yards.
- Have copies of your floor plan and of each room with dimensions, wall sizes and details such as windows, flooring, appliances, shelving, storage, closets, etc.
- Take pictures to see where special items are such as a fireplace, doors, windows.
- Make notes about locations of electrical plugs, connections for TV, Internet, Cable.
- If you are not hiring an interior decorator, ask a local Home improvement store for assistance. Look for a kit that has cutouts of furniture and decorative items. Most builders may already have placement plans for you to practice placing the furniture. This will save time when you move in. Take a picture and keep it in each room section.
Finding Style and Decoration Inspiration
- Look through magazines or on line for examples of decorating that you like and make copies to keep in your binder. Take pictures in furniture stores of arrangements you like. It can give you some ideas to consider.
- Make note of the lighting in each room, natural or man-made. Notice where windows and doors are located and how large walls are. What type of flooring is there?
- What type of window coverings appeal to you?
- Do you need carpeting or area rugs?
- Gather paint samples from the Home Improvement store. Some companies have an APP or on-line site where you can actually try out different features in pretend rooms to see how they work together. If you use this, print copies of the ones you like. Ask their experts to help you.
- Designer tip: Inexpensive candles can bring new life.
Getting Started In Your New Modular Home
- Using the practice floor plans and furniture, place your furniture in the arrangements you like the best.
- Live with these arrangements for a few days or a week to see how this works for you and your family and make note of traffic patterns, daily living and conveniences before you start decorating.
- Make changes as necessary.
- Get rid of old, faded or worn decorations. Donate or give them away. Maybe you can use favorite items in new ways.
- Set up a box for each room with the decorations and put in a closet in that room until you are ready to start decorating.
Making Your New Modular House Your Home
- Assemble a box or tool kit with safety glasses, hammers, nails, pliers, adhesive hangers or strips, measuring tape, level, masking tape, pencil. Have a ladder or step stool ready and someone to help you.
- In each room, set out the decorations on the floor in front of where you imagined them. Make any adjustments for sizing, arrangement or personal choice.
- Use your measuring tape to help place pictures and hanging items properly. If you do not want to use nails, make use of adhesive picture hangers that will not mar walls.
- Keep it simple. You can always add more later. Again, live with it for a few days and see how you like it.
- Enjoy the atmosphere of each room. Use lighting techniques to improve the vibe and liveliness of each room.
- Most importantly, take your time and enjoy the process of making your new home just what you want it to be. It does not have to be the latest trend or style, it just has to feel yours.
