You've Made the Decision - You are Going to Build a New Home!

Keith Sawlor, June 28, 2013 | Posted in Build; Tagged Interior Selections, Design Considerations

You know what you want and you know what you need in your new home, but have you thought about how to put it all together?      

A few suggestions to help you get started with your Builder.

• Lighting: Natural Light vs. Light fixtures. Natural Lighting should be the main source of lighting. Light fixtures must be sized appropriately for the room.
• Bedrooms: Bedrooms should be far from the central living areas. If you plan on building a 1 level home, your bedrooms should be on the far end of the home, furthest from the garage or main entrance. If your home has more than one floor, bedrooms should be on the top level. Spare bedroom can be incorporated on the main level in case of a temporary or permanent health issue.
• Storage space: Too many closets and cabinets can take away from the living space, be careful where you place them! One closet in each bedroom and one in the main hallway is recommended, and for guests, a closet near the front entrance. 
• Kitchen: The kitchen tends to have the most traffic so it would be best to have access from a main entrance to avoid constant foot traffic in the main living areas.
• Garage: Access to the garage should be on the main level, near a mm and kitchen. This prevents any chaos and dirt from spreading from the mudroom and kitchen into the main living areas.
• HVAC System:   A model that is too small for your home will not heat and cool your home efficiently.  A model that is too big will use too much energy. Choosing the wrong system for your home can lead to moisture issues and mold growth.
• Furniture: Ask your builder if they have a computer program to create a digital version of your home so you can look at each room and lay out your furniture on your plan, before you start to build.
• Budget: A good builder will advise you when a chosen product will put you over budget or is not suitable for the intended use.

Your Builder should have the expertise to help you make the best decisions when it comes to building your home. They will guide you through the planning, designing and building phases. They will advise what works and what will not work and do their best to prevent any surprises during the process.

Keith Sawlor

Keith Sawlor is the second generation Owner of Sawlor Built Homes. With more than 35 years experience building custom homes in Nova Scotia, Keith has built a team that mirrors his professional knowledge and values.

Keith is a Certified Residential Builder who is also certified with many leading industry organizations. He is a Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) Certified Builder, a Net Zero Energy (NZE) Certified Builder, a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) R-2000 Certified Builder, and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).

Keith is a Board Member of the Atlantic Home Warranty Program as well as the Canadian Home Builders' Association Nova Scotia. He is involved in many other industry programs and associations, such as the Canadian Home Builders’ Association National, Safety Services Nova Scotia and Better Business Bureau.