Functionality
Room placement, furnishings, indoor and outdoor living, privacy, security and comfort.
Sustainability
Structural components, upkeep.
Future worth
Area value – then and now, trends, future conversion possibilities, saleability.
Style
Suitability for the environment, eco-friendly construction, modern trends, energy conservation and containment construction.
Cost-effectiveness
Locally available materials, self-built or project managed, sourcing materials and labour competitively, cash vs loan.
In addition to these considerations, think about the phasing of the building operation. Not everyone can afford to – or needs to – build a dream home in one go.The layout above shows the three phases that can be employed. These can be rearranged; phase 2 can be omitted and phase 3 put in its place, or phase 3 can be left off and the study can be a third bedroom. Garaging can be placed either at the back porch side or on the kitchen scullery side. The layout and roof styling lends itself to more possibilities.
