Buying a new home is one of the most important decisions that you make in your life. You have thought the decision through, selected the neighbourhood, contacted the builder and decided on the floor plan. Most builders now offer flexible menu options which will allow extensive customisation and they will also help you with financing. Buying a new home was never easier and there are many advantages associated with a brand, especially when it comes to customising the design so that you get a unique home made just for you, and not just a cookie-cutter house.

Once you buy a new home, you are faced with endless choices and it is up to you to pick the right one. Every room from the living room to the kitchen offers a wide range of design options and finishing touches; you have options for cabinets, countertops, flooring and everything else. The task of selecting the most suitable ones, though exciting, can also be daunting especially for first time new home buyers.

Design consultants advise that the best way to get started is by equipping yourself with as much information as possible. There are several important guidelines that new homeowners can follow to make the experience of designing their homes a lot more fun and a lot less frustrating.

Start off simple.

Starting off simple can help you organize your thoughts and sort out the various choices in front of you. If you spot pictures that reflect your personal style, tear them off from magazines and collect them in a folder. Establish a colour palette and design style. Decide on whether you want pastel shades or vibrant hues, modern and minimalistic or traditional and timeless; or anything in between. Once you decide on the basics, it will then free your mind to concentrate on details like flooring, countertops and cabinets that match your preference and the mood you want to create in each room.

Make it personal.

One of the questions that trouble new home buyers is how they can make a brand new house feel like their own living space. It is possible and easier than you think; all you need to do is incorporate small, personal touches into each room that turns the empty space into a comfortable place that you call home. If you are keeping some of your old furniture, co-ordinating other accessories in the room to match the furniture in itself can personalise the space and make it look familiar and inviting.

Choose paints that reflect your style.

Painting is one finishing touch that can significantly affect the style and feel of a home. Paints can complement and liven up all the other features in a room. A rich colour on the walls can bring about a warm an comfortable feel. The shades can also be co-ordinated with a favourite piece of furniture.

Consider the future.

It is quite important to try and make choices that will enhance the value of your home in future. If in the future you may consider selling your home, invest in fixtures and design elements that are tasteful and durable. Often, when a house is up for sale, the kitchen is one of the first rooms that prospective buyers look at. It is important to have good quality cabinets here, not only because they can have a tremendous impact on the style of the home, but they are also a difficult item to change in the future.

You need to consider a lot of things when you buy a new home. Discuss all options with your builder and make use of all the services that they have to offer. Several builders offer a great deal of flexibility especially when it comes to the design options. Ensure that you select a floor plan that you are comfortable with, customise it as required and start off simple. You are well on your way to living in the home of your dreams.