Building a new home is a huge undertaking filled with exciting decisions — unlike when buying an existing home, you’ll have full control over the look and feel of your future living spaces. That being said, the overwhelming number of new home technologies and trends can make it hard to know what’s worth including in the new designs, and what you can leave off.

If you’re building in Queensland, the heat, rain, and wind of the tropical climate are the main factors to keep in mind when planning for your new home. To build a home in Queensland that feels comfortable all year round, you’ll want to consider including these 8 must-haves for a new home build. 

 

1. Sustainable design

A sustainable design incorporates climate-appropriate design features to maximise the natural resources around you. The use of quality building materials, careful orientation of spaces, and other considerations are core parts of a sustainably designed home that can keep you comfortable throughout the year without compromising future generations. 

Climate-appropriate design features like correct orientation, ventilation, thermal mass, insulation, and shading will cater for the temperature, heat waves, and rainfall variability of QLD. In addition to your comfort, your bank account will also benefit as a sustainable design will minimise the use of high-cost features, like air conditioning.

2. Storage solutions

To enhance the overall functionality (and aesthetics) of your new home, an important factor to consider is storage. Efficient storage not only maximises space, it also makes day-to-day life a little bit easier – when everything has a place, things are less likely to go missing.

Storage solutions to incorporate into your new home include wardrobes in all bedrooms, walk-in linen cupboards and kitchen pantries, overhead cabinetry, garage and outdoor storage, dedicated workspaces, and appliance storage.

By integrating storage solutions into the initial design of your home, you can consider its visual appeal in addition to its function – ensuring a cohesive and organised home.

3. Eco friendly appliances 

Choose eco-friendly appliances that are energy efficient, long-lasting, and made from environmentally friendly materials. These appliances can reduce your home’s energy waste, have less impact on the planet, and save you money in the long run.

Eco-friendly appliances perform better for longer and consume less energy and water. To find the right appliance that is energy efficient, look for the red star energy rating. While high energy ratings aren’t needed for all appliances, it’s best to prioritise them for high-energy consumption appliances like refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and TVs. The higher the red star rating – the more eco-friendly the appliance is. 

4. Plenty of power outlets throughout the house 

In the last few decades, the use of appliances and technology devices has significantly increased – meaning the need for power points has risen exponentially. While the National Electrical Code (NEC) has guidelines on how many powerpoints are required in an Australian home, we have additional recommendations.

Bedrooms

A bedroom should have at least 2 wall-mounted duplex outlets connected to separate three-way switches. In addition, installing powerpoints on each side of the bed for lamps or extra charging stations, and at least 1 in the wardrobe, will add function and convenience in each bedroom.

Kitchen

The kitchen will require an ample number of power points to support many culinary appliances. A kitchen should have at least 1 outlet every 122cm. The placement of power points will depend on how you use your kitchen, so be sure to consider where you’ll be using charging stations and appliances.

Home Offices

Like a bedroom, home offices require at least 2 wall-mounted duplex outlets placed on different walls. However, as offices typically draw heavier electricity loads, placing outlets every 120 to 150 cm will provide flexibility and prevent power issues. 

Bathrooms

Bathrooms should have at least 1 outlet, preferably located at a safe distance from water sources. Depending on your personal needs, such as if you have an electric toothbrush or use the hairdryer regularly, you may wish to consider including more power points.

5. Functional kitchen and bathroom spaces

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most used spaces in a home, so it’s important that these spaces are practical and functional for everyday use.

When designing your home, focus on practicality and consider how you currently use your kitchen and bathroom spaces. This will guide your choices for key elements like layout, storage, lighting, materials, powerpoints, and appliances – all of which will heavily impact the long-term living experience of your new home. 

6. High quality fittings and finishes

It may be tempting to opt for the cheaper alternative when it comes to fittings and finishes, especially when you might be looking to cut costs – however, investing in high-quality materials will influence the overall aesthetic and functionality of a space.

The durability offered by a high-quality fitting and finish is well worth the investment. Lower quality, cheaper options are prone to snap, grow mould, and leak, among other problems when exposed to steam, humidity, water, and high traffic. To avoid costly repairs and replacements in future, opt for high-quality fittings and finishes that can withstand frequent use. 

7. Smart heating and cooling solutions

With advanced technology, like smart heating and cooling solutions, you can live comfortably no matter how hot, humid, or stormy the Queensland climate gets. Smart heating and cooling solutions are designed to automatically adjust the temperature based on your patterns and preferences. Smart heating and cooling technology helps to keep the home at a comfortable temperature without excess heating or cooling – significantly reducing energy consumption and lowering your bills.