Before we even start sketching floor plans, I ask people to sit down as a family and talk honestly about how they actually live. Do you entertain often, or is it mostly the two of you most nights? Do the kids do homework at the kitchen bench or disappear to their rooms? Do you need a formal lounge you'll use twice a year, or would that space be better as a decent home office or a bigger laundry? These conversations matter more than any brochure of inclusions.
I always encourage a proper brainstorm early on. Get everyone in the household involved, even the kids, and write down what a normal week actually looks like in your home. From there we can design around how you live rather than around a generic floor plan that looks good on paper but doesn't quite fit your family.
The other thing I always raise is orientation and your block. A well designed, well oriented home that's a sensible size will often feel more comfortable and cost less to run than a bigger home that ignores the sun, the breeze, and the shape of the land. Good design beats sheer size every time, and it's usually kinder to your budget too.
If you're starting to think about a new build or renovation and want a chat about getting the design right for how your family actually lives, give us a call or head to inh.com.au/perth-north. I'm always happy to talk through it with you before a single plan gets drawn.
