Choosing to build on a smaller block of land is one clever way to get into the property market. But building on a smaller lot doesn’t mean you have to forgo the luxuries of a larger home or compromise on location. The trick is to build a well-designed home that allows you to maximise the available space. Here are our top five tips to help you achieve just that!
Make the most of your available space
First and foremost, maximising space means open-plan living. By removing extra doors, walls, and hallways, the floorplan will flow better and your family will feel more connected. Open plan living is not a new concept, it’s a popular design tool that has been used for years in many new homes. It helps to ensure your family feels connected without feeling as though you’re living on top of each other. Plus, it makes small rooms seem much larger and allows more natural light to travel through the home.
Get clever with storage
In a smaller home, you really can’t afford to skimp on storage, otherwise, you run the risk of feeling cluttered and messy. Home designs built for smaller blocks will make use of under-stair storage, walk-in robes, linen closets and walk-in pantries to give you ample stashing space. Also, be sure to incorporate clever storage solutions in areas that would otherwise be wasted space – like built-ins or storage under the kitchen island bench.
Be creative with outdoor space
Aussies are all about outdoor living, and even with a home on a smaller block, that lifestyle is still within reach. If you have the space for a courtyard or even a modest garden, enhance the outdoor feel by incorporating a vertical garden, lots of herbs or potted colour to make it feel lush. For bonus outdoor space, choose a block situated near parks or gardens to give you more room to play.
Build up and build smart
You will find many floorplans designed for smaller blocks are double-storey. This opens up a lot of opportunities, especially if you require more room to accommodate a larger family. In a double-storey home, the second floor can be a dedicated sleep zone, which allows you to make the most of the first floor living space.
Not only should you consider a second level when building on a smaller block, but high ceilings and large windows too. These don’t take up extra room on your floorplan, but they are really handy to create a sense of space. Skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows are also great to enhance the flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
And lastly, sliding doors and pocket doors take up much less room than standard opening doors, so definitely look into these options with your builder!
Include multi-purpose rooms
The beauty of multi-purpose rooms is they can change as your family grows. Depending on your needs, you could opt to create a theatre room, home gym, or guest bedroom – the possibilities are endless.
Our last hot tip…if you don’t work from home regularly, don’t dedicate an entire room to a study. Otherwise, it will be an underutilised room that could be better used for something else. Instead, opt for a study nook!
At Ortus, there are block sizes to suit any budget and home design. To explore what is currently available in our final release, visit our Land page.