How to select the acreage house plans for your lifestyle

Getting the best acreage house plans

Acreage living is becoming more and more popular every year. There are plenty of reasons for this, and it’s not all about getting away from the city. Of course, this is a big motivator for many who are growing tired of living in people’s pockets. Suburban homes are starting to all have a very similar feel, and you always feel so close to your neighbour. The lack of privacy and noisy neighbours can grind on even the most patient people.

So, as you consider acreage house plans away from the city, there are quite a few things to consider. More than just being an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, acreage living is an incredible lifestyle change. Imagine having an alfresco dining area to enjoy your morning coffee as you look out over rolling hills and valleys. Can you picture building a large vegetable garden and always feeding your family with fresh produce? How about having a huge detached shed to enjoy all of your hobbies?

It really is a tremendous lifestyle, and many people want to build their dream home on an acreage property. You get more for your money by moving away from the city, so you want to make sure you get that perfect house design. Here’s how to do it.

Consider your budget

The most important thing when building an acreage home is your budget. Over-spending puts you at risk of not being able to maintain your mortgage in future, which is a stress that nobody wants. Understand what you can afford, and what you really need.

The beauty is, your dollar goes further away from the city, so you’ll find the land costs less. This gives you more money to build the home of your dreams, but don’t get carried away and put yourself in financial risk. With an acreage home, you can always extend in the future if you can’t afford everything you want right now.

Your home’s location and orientation

When you’ve got so much land at your disposal, it can often be hard to figure out where to put your home. Most acreage home plans are originally designed with a flat surface in mind, so the most common place to build will be the flattest part of the property. That being said, most acreage home builders in Brisbane are skilled at working on sloped surfaces. So, if you really want your home in a certain position, it’s definitely possible.

The other concern is your home’s orientation. Most people choose to have north-facing living areas, because this maximises the all-day sun. Those opting for solar panels need to consider the roof pitch too, in order to get the most from their solar energy.

What size of home do you need?

You’ll also want to ask yourself what size of home you actually need. Just because you’re living on a larger property, it doesn’t mean you have to build a sprawling mansion. Luxury acreage home designs don’t suit everybody. Many acreage homes are simple three-bedroom properties, not much larger than you’d find in any suburb around the country. It’s all about what you need, and what you can afford.

The beauty of acreage living is you’ve always got plenty of room to renovate and extend in future if you need to. So, even if you can’t afford the big home you want straight away, there’s no reason you can’t work towards it. But always remember, it’s all about your lifestyle. If you don’t want a huge house to maintain, there’s no reason you need to have it.

Do you need a garage or shed?

Many acreage house plans in Australia feature an attached garage, but it isn’t essential. Remember, custom designed homes are all about your needs. It’s likely though, that you own a vehicle or two, so a garage is a good idea in most cases to keep your cars out of the elements. But how should it be configured? Double garage? Do you need internal access? Really, it’s all up to you.

Another popular part of acreage living is a detached shed or garage. Something a little further away from the house that you can use for storage, as a workshop, or even as a hobby or entertaining room. The possibilities are endless.

Acreage house plans for your future needs

When designing your modern acreage house plans, don’t just think about what you need. You should always plan for the future, because it’s much easier and cheaper to build what you need now than extending later. If you’ve got a young family that you’d like to grow further, consider how many bedrooms you might need in 5 years’ time.

Also consider living space. If you’ve got young kids, they’re only going to get bigger. Do you need additional living areas for them as they get older? Quiet places to help them study? The choices are all up to you, but it’s worth planning ahead.

Ensure your home suits your lifestyle

Ultimately, you want your acreage home to suit your lifestyle. If you’re retired and just want to spend your days relaxing, make sure your home has everything you need such as alfresco dining areas, covered outdoor areas and all the indoor space you need to do everything you love.

Younger families should consider their house design in line with their lifestyle too. Many people like outdoor play areas to be visible from the living room or kitchen, just to keep an eye on the little ones.

Research your acreage home builders carefully

Lastly, the very best acreage house plans mean nothing if you don’t have great builders on your team. You want builders specialising in acreage homes to bring your ideas to life and give you the perfect acreage house design. So, while shopping around for builders, check the evidence of their previous work, or even visit a display home if possible. Ask all the questions you need and make the right choice for your family. Building a home is a huge investment, and you want trusted professionals on your side to make it happen.