Building a new home is one of life's biggest adventures, but before you dive into floor plans and colour schemes, there's some important groundwork to do. Think of this as your pre-planning phase – a chance to really visualise what you want your new home to feel like, not just look like. These moments set the tone for your entire day, so your home should support them perfectly.
Here are the top five things you should imagine before you pick up that first brochure or meet with a builder.
Close your eyes and imagine waking up in your new home. Are you someone who loves a quiet cup of coffee while watching birds through large windows? Or do you prefer bustling around a spacious kitchen, preparing breakfast for the whole family?
Maybe you’d like to step straight from your bedroom onto a private deck for some morning yoga. Or perhaps you're craving a luxurious ensuite with a double vanity, where you won't have to fight for mirror or counter space.
Think about practical elements too. Do you need a walk-in wardrobe? Do you want the master suite away from noisier open-plan areas for weekend sleep-ins? These details make a huge difference to how your home actually functions.
After a long day, how do you like to relax? Your answer will significantly influence your home's design. If you love curling up with a good book, you might want a cosy reading nook with built-in shelving and perfect lighting.
For those who unwind by cooking, imagine a kitchen that's not just functional but genuinely enjoyable to spend time in. Perhaps a central island bench where you can prep meals while chatting with family? And what about a separate scullery for serve ware, small appliances and wine storage?
If relaxation involves entertaining friends, imagine where those gatherings would happen. Seamless indoor-outdoor flow for barbecues? A dramatic dining area for dinner parties? A media room where everyone can watch movies together?
New Zealand's climate varies dramatically throughout the year, so your home needs to work beautifully in every season. Picture yourself in your new home during a crisp winter morning – are there cosy spots to curl up? Is there good natural light to squeeze more sunshine from shorter days?
Now imagine those glorious summer evenings. Can you visualise yourself relaxing outside after dinner? Is there good cross-ventilation to keep the house cool? Do your outdoor areas have enough shade, or will you be squinting into the western sun?
Think about wet weather too. Where will muddy boots go? Is there covered space for kids to play when it's pouring? These considerations make your home much more liveable year-round.
Homes need to evolve with their occupants. If you have young children, picture them as teenagers – will they have enough privacy and space for friends? If you're planning a family, imagine where a nursery could go or how your office might become a playroom.
Consider retirement too – could you live comfortably on one level if stairs become difficult? Are doorways wide enough for mobility aids? If you're planning your forever home, consider every life stage.
Your home is part of a community. Imagine looking out your windows – what do you want to see? Some crave privacy while others love watching neighbourhood life unfold.
Consider street appeal as well. Imagine driving up after work – does it feel welcoming and reflect your personality? Your home's exterior is the first thing you'll see daily, so it should make you smile.
Once you've worked through these visualisation exercises, you'll have a much clearer picture of what you actually want from your new home. This isn't about specific room dimensions or particular fixtures – it's about understanding how you want to live.
When you do sit down with your builder, you'll be able to communicate your vision clearly. Instead of saying "I want a big kitchen," you can explain "I love cooking Sunday roasts with all the trimmings while the whole family hangs around chatting, so I need a kitchen that can handle both the cooking and the socialising."
That's the insight that leads to homes people absolutely love. To get started, contact your local GJ’s team today.