The decision to start or raise a family is a life-changing one.
Numerous factors must be taken into account to provide the best possible life for everyone.
This includes, of course, finding a place to call home, which is one of the most significant financial commitments anyone will make.
When discussing a perfect home, every family may have different ideas and fantasies about what it would look like.
Some people may want a spacious landed house, a condo with numerous facilities, a nice home that can accommodate a small family or a variety of other options.
Whatever the case may be, making a list of what will be required is the first step in searching for the ideal home.
There are various things to think about, particularly for those who intend to have children or who already have a young family.
A key question to consider is, “How can I ensure that the house I’m buying will still be suitable for my family in two, five, or ten years?”
If you’re still baffled or unsure where to begin, worry not.
Here are three major elements to be aware of and to keep on your radar when looking for your ideal family home:
Location, Location, Location
Any real estate expert will tell you that location is by far one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a home.
It is critical to conduct extensive research to determine which neighbourhood is a safe place to care for and raise a family.
Some of the things that can be done are:
- Check to see if there are good schools and amenities in the neighbouring area
- Find out the proximity of public transportations
- Drive around to see what the area is like at different times of day
- Look for recreation options nearby such as recreation centres, parks, gyms, and pools
When you’re looking at different locations, assess all of your options carefully.
Buying a home in a good location not only means you’re getting a perfect family house. But there’s also a good chance the home’s value will increase as the years go by.
Comfortable Home Size
There are so many different house sizes available, ranging from one-storey to three-storey, 450 to more than 3,000 square feet (sq. ft), so how do you know which is the best size for your family home?
This is determined not only by the number of family members but also your budget and the location in which you intend to live.
Let’s take a look at it from the standpoint of built-up size.
A 450 sq. ft average size studio could comfortably accommodate a couple, so each person requires at least 225 sq. ft. This means that a 700 sq. ft house is ideal for a family expecting one child.
However, if a family is expecting two or more children, the house should be 900 sq. ft or larger [Calculation: 225 sq. ft x (the number of persons living in the house)].
The number of storeys of your house should be decided by your preferences.
If you don’t like going up and down the stairs, especially when you have small children, it’s best to get a one-storey house with bedrooms and additional spaces, such as the kitchen, living room, and dining area are all on same floor.
On the other hand, if you want a separate area for bedrooms and additional spaces, a two- or three-storey house may be a good option for your family.
Nonetheless, this may be negotiable depending on your budget, as larger houses are more expensive.
Furthermore, if you plan to live in the city, the cost will be much higher than if you live in a rural area.
What matters is that the house size can accommodate everyone in your family.
Optimal House Layout and Features
The appropriate layout of your home depends on the activities performed regularly and the number of people in your household.
Essentially, you’re deciding how many bedrooms and bathrooms you should have, as well as the size of the other spaces you’ll use daily.
A two-bedroom house would be ideal for a small family with one child. However, if you plan to have more children, you’ll eventually need more bedrooms, assuming your budget allows for it.
In addition to the needs of your immediate family, you should consider having an extra guest bedroom if you frequently have extended family or friends sleeping over.
Also, if you work from home, you may require a private office with a door.
When looking at houses, it’s also a good idea to look for the following family-friendly features:
- Ample storage space
- A gated and secured housing area
- Stairs that can be easily and safely gated
- An open floor plan with the kitchen overlooking the family/living room
- The ability to extend and expand for more space
Choose a Home Based on Your Family’s Wants and Needs
Since finding a home can be a time-consuming and lengthy process, it’s best to start looking for a family home as soon as possible.
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, this can be both exciting and intimidating. It’s essential to make a list of your family’s wants and needs and to proceed with enthusiasm while sorting out the details along the way.
Make sure to select a home that will provide your family with long-term comfort and wonderful memories. You’ve got this, mummies!
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