Building your dream home is a huge milestone, one which requires careful planning to ensure you get it right from the start. A key component here is to build a home that can withstand the test of time. Allow us to introduce the latest trend in home design: future proofing your home so that it’s adaptable to every stage of life.
But what is future proofing your home? It’s all about considering the years ahead and creating a home that’s versatile and armed with the tools – from smart technology to energy-saving appliances – to deal with any potential changes going forward. Here are some top ways to future-proof your home.
1. Kit out your home with smart technology
A simple way to make your life easy, now and in the future, is through the smart-ification of your home. Smart technology is becoming increasingly popular, with more couples and families using tech as a household staple. It’s all about bringing convenience and ease into your everyday life through apps and smart assistants like Google, Siri and Alexa.
Simple tech tweaks can include heating systems controlled via an app, locking doors remotely, accessing video surveillance from your phone or tablet, and switching on lights or playing music through voice recognition. An added bonus is the cost-saving benefits, especially when you can easily monitor and control energy use through the click of a button.
2. Opt for a versatile design
When planning and designing your home, it’s vital to consider not only your current living situation, but any potential future plans. Ensuring your home is adaptable to your changing needs means you can save money on costly renovations in the future. A versatile floor plan can support you through life’s ever-changing stages.
You might be a couple planning on raising a family, in which large bedrooms would be useful to see a child through infancy to young adulthood. It’s also important to consider how accessible your home will be when you’re older. A floorplan with a master bedroom and bathroom on the ground level, wider doorways and no stairs is ideal for post-retirement.
3. Aim for a sustainable design
The sustainable home trend steals the spotlight for trending home designs. Unlike traditional homes, these eco-friendly builds are energy efficient that tread lightly on the environment. Plus, these homes use sustainable materials, such as paints with low VOCs that don’t emit toxic particles, solar panels, water tanks and energy-saving appliances.
While it may seem like a costly trend upfront, making these sustainable design choices, or replacing outdated appliances with energy-efficient ones, will set you up for success in the years to come. Using solar energy, water tanks and low-flow model toilets will save you from sky-high energy bills, proving more cost-effective in the long run.
4. Make essential wiring changes
There’s no way around it, technology isn’t slowing down anytime soon. A key way to future-proof your home is to install additional outlets, upgrade your electrical panel and run new wires so that you and your home are ready to embrace any new technology that comes your way, and handle the load of additional gadgets and devices as your family grows.If you’re interested future proofing your next home, speak with one of our expert builders today.