1. Your “Ideal” Budget
Why it matters:
Your budget influences many design choices. Having an understanding of your budget means your designer can give better advice on size, materials, and features.
- Speak to your bank or broker first — get pre-approval or at least a clear borrowing range.
- In Victoria, site costs can vary greatly depending on soil classification and slope.
- Always factor in a 10–15% contingency for surprises.
Even though budgets often shift as the project evolves, starting with a realistic figure is helpful.
2. Room Requirements
Why it matters:
The number and type of rooms is one of the first things your designer will need to know. It’s much easier (and cheaper) to design for your needs now than to add a home office or extra bathroom later.
Action step:
Make two lists:
- Needs: e.g., 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open-plan kitchen/living, home office.
- Wants: e.g., guest suite, rumpus room, walk-in pantry, extra powder room.
Example:
We recently designed a Belmont extension for a family who initially thought they needed a full two-storey addition. Once we mapped their “needs” and “wants”, we delivered the same functionality in a single-storey footprint.
3. Matters of Size
Why it matters:
Size directly impacts cost and energy efficiency.
Are you looking for luxurious proportions with large living areas and high ceilings or would you prefer something compact and energy efficient?. Sometimes zoning, energy rating or budget will impact your options but it is good to know which side of this particular decision you lean early in the process.
Considerations for Victoria:
- Council setback rules can limit your building footprint.
- Orientation and window placement can improve passive heating/cooling — reducing energy bills and helping meet 7-Star compliance.
- Smaller designs often mean less maintenance and lower heating and cooling bills.
4. Your Style & Material Preferences
Why it matters:
Your style influences almost every design decision — from roof pitch to façade materials. When more than one decision maker is involved, clear agreement early avoids misunderstandings later.
Action step:
- Collect inspiration photos from Pinterest, Houzz, or magazines.
- Identify your style: modern minimalist, French Provincial, Scandinavian, coastal, industrial?
- Note specific likes and dislikes: “love timber accents”, “no grey tones”, “prefer low-maintenance cladding”.
Local tip:
Some Victorian councils — especially in areas with heritage overlays or some specific coastal towns — restrict certain materials or facade styles. If this applies to you we will let you know during our obligation free initial consultation.
5. Must-Have Features
Why it matters:
These are the special touches that make your home uniquely yours. If they aren’t factored in early, they can be expensive to add later.
Example from out previous projects:
- Wine cellar in a Newtown complete renovation/rebuild
- Dog washing station in laundry on country property
- Dedicated storage wall in a Torquay townhouse
Other common features:
- Outdoor living requirements (deck, alfresco, pool)
- Sustainability goals (solar panels, rainwater tanks, 7-star energy rating)
- Accessibility needs (step-free entry, wider doorways)
Action step:
Write down the features that would improve your day-to-day life — even if they seem small. A well-placed storage cupboard can make a bigger difference than you think.
Your Pre-Design Checklist
Before your first meeting with your designer:
✅ Speak to your bank or broker for budget clarity
✅ Make your “needs” vs “wants” list of rooms
✅ Decide if you want luxurious proportions or compact and energy efficient
✅ Collect style and material inspiration
✅ List your must-have features
Ready to start your design?
Contact us for an obligation-free design consultation and quote.