Size Really Does Matter: Rethink Your Home Design

When designing your home, the principle of “less is more” is a valuable guide. It’s not just about the overall floor area but also about thoughtful planning for your driveway, outdoor living spaces, and even storage solutions. Question whether you truly need expansive decking or extensive paving. By focusing on what’s essential, you can save significantly on costs and create a home that feels spacious yet efficient.

Crafting a Compact Yet Spacious Floor Plan

The key to a cost-effective and functional home lies in creating a compact floor plan that minimizes unnecessary circulation space while maintaining a sense of openness.

Hallways

Think about this: a 2-meter-wide hallway stretching 15 meters equals 30 sqm. At a cost of $5,000 per sqm, that’s $150,000 spent on a passageway. Wouldn’t it make sense to reduce the hallway size or explore alternative layouts that eliminate the need for long corridors?

Spare Bedrooms or Study Rooms

Do you really need a dedicated spare bedroom for occasional guests? A 3.5 x 3.5-meter room adds an additional $61,250 to your build cost. Instead, consider a multipurpose space—a rumpus room or study that doubles as a guest room. This approach ensures that every square meter of your home is used effectively year-round.

Walk-In Robes

Walk-in robes are a luxury, but they often come with hidden costs. The extra circulation space required, usually 90 cm to 1 meter, adds up. A long built-in robe within the bedroom’s existing floor area can serve the same purpose without the extra expense. Evaluate if walk-in robes are essential for every bedroom in your home.

Laundry

Reimagine your laundry space. A European laundry concealed in a cabinet can be both practical and space-saving. Alternatively, combine the laundry with the pantry, creating a shared space that optimizes functionality and circulation.

Cars Don’t Necessarily Need a Garage

While a double garage might seem like a must-have, consider whether it’s truly necessary. Cars don’t require garages to function; they do just fine parked outside. A carport can provide adequate shelter from the elements at a fraction of the cost.

Clients often express the need for garages to store bikes, tools, and garden equipment. A more cost-effective solution is to build a shed. By choosing an off-the-shelf shed, you can create dedicated storage without the high cost of constructing a garage.

Stay Focused on What Matters

By questioning traditional design elements and focusing on functionality, you can create a home that’s cost-effective, energy-efficient, and perfectly tailored to your lifestyle. Whether it’s reducing hallway space, rethinking your laundry, or simplifying your garage, every decision adds up to significant savings and better usability.

If you’re planning to build or renovate, let us help you design a home that works smarter, not harder.

At Reimagined Habitat, we specialize in creating energy-efficient, sustainable designs tailored to your needs and budget.

Contact us today to start building the home of your dreams!