Visiting display homes is an exciting and informative step in planning your dream home. These homes offer a real-world glimpse into design possibilities, layouts, and finishes that can inspire your own build or renovation project. However, to make the most of your visit, it’s important to approach these tours with a clear plan and critical eye.

Here’s how to use your display home visit to gather valuable ideas while keeping your goals and budget in mind.

Define Your Priorities Before the Visit

Before stepping into a display home, take some time to think about what you want from your new home. Having a clear idea of your priorities will help you focus on the features that matter most.

• Layout Preferences: Consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need, as well as other spaces like home offices, playrooms, or entertainment areas.
• Lifestyle Needs: Think about how you use your home daily. Do you prefer open-plan living areas for entertaining or separate spaces for privacy?
• Future Growth: If you’re planning for a growing family or hosting elderly relatives, you may need additional bedrooms or adaptable spaces.

Having a checklist of priorities will make your visit more productive and help you avoid getting distracted by features that don’t align with your needs.

Evaluate the Layout and Flow

One of the main advantages of touring a display home is experiencing the layout in person. Pay attention to how the spaces flow and whether the layout feels intuitive and functional.

Key Considerations:

• Zoning: Look for logical divisions between living, sleeping, and utility areas. A good design minimizes noise and enhances privacy.
• Room Sizes: Assess whether the size of bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms matches your needs. Keep in mind that furniture in display homes is often scaled to make rooms appear larger.
• Storage: Check for built-in storage solutions like walk-in pantries, wardrobes, and linen closets. Ample storage can make a big difference in daily convenience.
  

  

Walk through the home as if you’re living in it. Think about where you’d place furniture, how you’d move between rooms, and whether the layout suits your lifestyle.

Inspect Materials and Finishes

Display homes showcase a builder’s best work, making them a great opportunity to explore material options and craftsmanship.

• Flooring: Look at the types of flooring used, such as hardwood, tile, or carpet. Consider their durability, maintenance needs, and aesthetic appeal.
• Cabinetry and Countertops: Inspect the quality of cabinetry, countertops, and fittings in the kitchen and bathrooms. High-quality finishes are worth investing in, as they endure daily wear and tear.
• Lighting Fixtures: Notice the placement and style of lighting fixtures. Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Take note of the materials you like and ask the builder about other available options within your budget.

Take Inspiration from Design Features

Display homes often include innovative design ideas and trends that can inspire your own build. Look for features that enhance the home’s functionality or aesthetic appeal.

Features to Observe:

• Smart Storage Solutions: Built-in shelves, hidden cabinets, and multi-functional furniture are practical additions for maximizing space.
• Outdoor Living Areas: Check out alfresco areas, decks, or patios. Outdoor spaces can expand your living area and are great for entertaining.
• Energy Efficiency: Look for energy-efficient features like double-glazed windows, solar panels, and LED lighting. These can lower utility bills and reduce your home’s environmental impact.

Keep your phone or notebook handy to jot down ideas or take pictures of features you’d like to replicate.

Ask Questions and Clarify Costs

While touring display homes, it’s important to ask questions to understand what’s included in the base price and what comes as an upgrade.

Questions to Ask:

• What’s Included? Clarify whether features like flooring, landscaping, or kitchen appliances are part of the standard package or additional costs.
• What Can Be Customized? Ask about customization options for layouts, materials, and finishes. Builders often have a range of packages to suit different budgets.
• What Are the Upgrade Costs? If you love specific features in the display home, ask how much it would cost to include them in your build.

Having this information will help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses.

Consider Practicalities

Beyond aesthetics, think about the practical aspects of the home design. A beautiful house is only as good as its functionality.

• Energy Efficiency: Is the home designed to take advantage of natural light and ventilation? Features like large windows and well-placed skylights can improve energy efficiency.
• Maintenance Requirements: Assess whether the materials and finishes are easy to clean and maintain. Some surfaces may look stunning but require frequent upkeep.
• Accessibility: Consider features that improve accessibility, such as wide doorways, step-free entries, and single-level designs.

Practical considerations can significantly impact how comfortable and cost-effective your home is in the long run.

Compare Multiple Display Homes

Don’t limit yourself to visiting just one display home. Touring several homes from different builders gives you a broader perspective on design possibilities and price ranges. Compare layouts, finishes, and upgrade options to find a builder that aligns with your vision and budget.

As you compare homes, think about which designs felt the most natural and aligned with your priorities. This will help you narrow down your choices when it’s time to move forward.

Make Notes and Reflect

After your visits, take time to review your notes and impressions. Reflect on what stood out to you, both positively and negatively, and whether the homes you saw align with your vision. Organizing your thoughts will make the decision-making process easier. Touring display homes is an exciting way to explore ideas and clarify your preferences for your future home. With careful observation and thoughtful questions, you can walk away with valuable insights that will guide your journey to building your dream home.

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