Deciding between building or buying a home is daunting for most people, especially when on a budget. The cost of putting it all together can be more overwhelming with the former. On the other hand, you may end up with a design that doesn’t match your preference, which later calls for renovations if you choose the latter.
Given the trend towards stylish modern architectural designs, many individuals now prefer building their homes to buying. The good thing is there are several ways to develop and design a modern and affordable home, like home designs by Beechwood. If you’re wondering how to do it, fret not!
Here are five steps to style a modern home on a budget:
- Determine Your Budget
Determining and estimating your budget and the costs is crucial when designing your home on a budget. It ensures the perfect blend of style and affordability, helping to prevent financial stress. A well-defined budget provides a clear financial blueprint and influences your choice of materials, design aesthetics, and functionality.
Consider your financial sources, including savings, loans, and other funding, to create a realistic budget. Next, itemize the costs, differentiating between essentials and aesthetics. Always prioritize functionality and durability over ornamental elements.
Furthermore, getting multiple quotes and conducting market research before buying materials or hiring professionals is wise. Utilizing 3D rendering services can also offer a realistic preview of your home design, allowing for adjustments before construction begins, potentially saving costs on materials and labor. Finally, maintain a contingency fund for unforeseen expenses. Doing so will help you achieve a modern home design without straining finances.
- Consider The Location
The location and space of the lot will influence your home design significantly. Therefore, before building, you should identify where the house will sit. For one, land orientation significantly affects your home’s design. Remember, the layout will influence factors such as lighting.
Furthermore, you must know and adhere to the local building codes. These codes ensure safety, sustainability, and compatibility with the neighborhood aesthetic. Knowing these codes is crucial as there might be restrictions on designing and constructing your modern home.
It would be best to consult a knowledgeable contractor, as their insights can guide optimal home placement and design, enhancing your modern home’s overall aesthetics and functionality.
- Choose A Simple Style
Most modern designs can be complex, containing sophisticated architectural designs and features. These will likely result in additional costs. On the other hand, a simplistic and minimalist approach can create a sleek, contemporary aesthetic without incurring extravagant expenses. This style emphasizes clean lines, open floor plans, and a limited color palette, all contributing to a visually appealing, cost-effective design.
Consider a modern kitchen featuring open shelving instead of costly upper cabinets paired with a simplistic white subway tile backsplash. In living spaces, neutral tones with pops of color through inexpensive accessories, such as throw pillows or art pieces, can provide an elegant yet affordable touch.
For the exterior design, straightforward geometric shapes with uncomplicated roofing structures can be cost-effective yet strikingly modern. Using economical, durable materials like concrete and steel can further enhance the modern aesthetic while ensuring longevity.
Choosing a simple style does not mean compromising on beauty or functionality; rather, you achieve a modern, budget-friendly design.
- Evaluate Building Materials
Undoubtedly, building materials contribute significantly to the high costs of the project. The chosen materials will also impact your home’s overall durability and aesthetic. Therefore, carefully evaluate the building materials and your options to make informed decisions about the quality and cost of these materials, leading to substantial savings without sacrificing the modern look and feel.
Alternatively, you can design your home with cost-effective building materials. All you need to do is choose the building materials wisely. Consider, for example, the flooring options. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) can be an excellent choice, offering the appearance of hardwood or stone at a fraction of the price. LVT is cost-effective, durable, and easy to maintain, qualities that make it ideal for a modern, budget-conscious home design.
Similarly, when it comes to exterior materials, fiber cement siding can mimic the look of wood, stucco, or masonry at a lower cost. It’s resistant to wear and tear, requires less maintenance, and provides a sleek, modern aesthetic. Moreover, using energy-efficient materials, like double-glazed windows, can reduce long-term energy costs. Therefore, careful evaluation and selection of building materials are critical factors in achieving a modern house design that is both budget-friendly and high in quality.
- Create Your Floor Plan
Developing the floor plan is pivotal to designing a modern house on a budget. This blueprint is instrumental in establishing how the space will function and flow, which, in turn, influences costs. Thoughtful floor plan creation can yield an affordable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing home.
Consider, for example, an open-concept layout. This design can save on construction costs by eliminating unnecessary interior walls while creating a spacious, modern feel. Smarter room placements, like situating bedrooms away from noise sources, can enhance comfort without additional expense.
Working with professionals or contractors is beneficial for crafting an optimal floor plan. Their expertise and insight can aid in maximizing space efficiency, ensuring code compliance, and selecting budget-friendly design solutions. So, prioritize careful planning, in collaboration with experienced professionals, to create a modern house design that is both cost-effective and architecturally compelling.
Conclusion
Designing a modern home on a budget is entirely feasible. By having a well-defined budget, carefully choosing the location, selecting a simple style, diligently evaluating building materials, creating a thoughtful floor plan, and consulting with professionals, you can successfully bring your vision of a budget-friendly, contemporary home to fruition. So, follow the steps above to design and build your modern home.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
