So, do we need these elements in a new home? More importantly, do they fit within our budget?
Today we’re going to discuss some of the key things you’ll need to think about before you begin the process of building a new home to help determine your priorities – like what’s coming in your future, what location will serve you well, and what kind of home your current lifestyle requires. Keep reading until the end of this post to download a printable checklist to help get you started!
Homes built for your future
Consider your life now: do you have a partner you’re moving with? Children? Pets? Will your answer change in the next five years?
The first question to ask yourself on this journey is how long you plan to live in this home, and how it will fit your life now, but also down the road. A 2-bedroom condo may be perfect for you and your fiancé, but will it work if you both want to add 2 children and a great dane? Does that 3,000 square foot home make sense if your children will be off at university for the next few years?
Ask these questions now (and throughout this process), and save yourself the stress of moving later. But remember, there’s no right answer! Each person is unique, which is why we offer a diverse choice of homes and communities at Activa.
Location, location, location
One advantage of building a new home is being able to choose your perfect neighbourhood, but what does that include?
Start by visualizing how you enjoy spending your free time. Are you a bird-watching enthusiast that needs to be by greenspace? Vista Hills might be perfect for you. A foodie who prefers to walk to their meal? Consider Trailside at Grey Silo Gate. Or a family who wants to stay in the same school district, but gain a little more space? We think you’d love Doon South.
Take a moment to think about what you need, and how far you’re willing to travel to get there. Are perks like living in the city where you work, being within a 5-minute walk to a park, or living close to your parents’ house a need or want?
Try making a top five list of what you need to live within a ten minute drive of – those items will help guide your decision; everything else is a bonus.
Homes that suit your lifestyle
You likely have an idea of how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want in your home. You also probably have a list of features you want: granite countertops, a luxurious ensuite, and a chef’s kitchen with a huge island.
Building new means that you’ll be able to choose the features you want, making sure your new home is exactly how you envisioned. With some Activa homes, you’ll even be able to choose from layout options to adjust the kitchen, increase the size of your bathroom, or add an extra bedroom.
But what about the less exciting (but no less important) elements of your home? Storage space, parking, maybe a home office? Do you need an outdoor space for your dog? Will you need accessibility features or space for your in-laws to move in to? Have you considered the energy-efficient elements of your home?
Thinking about these aspects of your home, while keeping in mind how long you’re likely going to live there, is a strategic way to make sure you get the perfect home for your family.
Learning to prioritize your needs and wants will help ensure that you get a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful – right in your budget.
Now you know what questions to ask as you start looking for a home. Want more specifics? Sign up here for our ActivaLearn mailing list and you’ll receive a printable checklist to get you started, as well as other handy tips for your homebuilding journey! We recommend filling it out digitally, then printing additional copies for each family member and comparing notes.
Once you’ve determined your needs and wants, it’s time to discover which Activa community will be best for you. Explore all of our current communities here!