Have you ever wondered what makes a house a home? Simply defined, a house is a building where people live. Add a sense of belonging, mix in emotional connections and memories, and sprinkle some personal style, and now we have a home. 

Whether it’s for a first home or forever home, everyone has imagined their dream home at some point in time. But your dream home can be more than a dream. Here are some tips to help make it a reality.

Start with a brainstorming session

While you may have been thinking about your dream home for years, have you ever written down its characteristics or a description of how it looks? As you begin the process of making the home of your dreams a reality, a brainstorming session is an important step. Browse through magazines and photos for inspiration, making notes of what you like and don’t like. Consider the number of rooms and bathrooms, layout and, important for our region, climate smart characteristics such as natural ventilation and lighting, as well as wind and impact resistant features. Be as thorough as possible in this stage, even making notes of finishings and fixtures. Don’t be afraid to put it all down; this is your dream home wish list! 

With your wish list complete, the next step is to prioritize the list by identifying your needs and wants. Essentially, you are separating the must haves or non-negotiables from the nice to haves. For example, a home office is a must have if you work remotely, but a separate entertainment centre is probably just nice to have. 

Set a realistic budget

To set a realistic budget, you must know how much things cost. Research all the associated costs, keeping your wish list in mind, and have a discussion with your financial advisor to establish a reasonable and realistic budget. You may have to revisit the priorities on your wish list and adjust the plan, for example, to scale down the building’s size or leave some features for future projects. 

Work with the right team

The process of building your dream home can be stressful. That’s why it is necessary to engage the right team to execute your vision. Retain an architect and contractor whose style and experience match the home you want to build and who communicate well with you. If you are a first-time builder, consider adding a project manager to the team to help you navigate the process. Also, be cautious of short cuts and promises to do things cheaply; it might cost you more in the long run. 

If you’re hoping to buy your dream home rather than build, these tips still apply. Put together your wish list and prioritize based on needs and wants and set a realistic budget. Then, as you begin the house hunt, work with a trusted real estate agent who understands your vision. 

You may not be able to build your home exactly as you dreamt it, but you can still bring elements of it to life. Make an appointment with one of our officers to explore our financing options to see how we can help you bring your dream home to life.