Photograph: Onal Kothari
Designing your dream home is what everyone wishes for. It is one of the milestones in everyone’s life and nothing beats living in your own space. Architect Onal Kothari gives you the checklist before you freeze the design of your home.
- Elevation
This feature adds character to your home and is one of the first visible structural things. It reflects your lifestyle and attracts natural light and makes or breaks your connection from interior to exterior and vice versa. - Plan and family size
Most of us get so excited about the concept of having our own house that we probably forget to add space according to our celebrations, growing kids or for the guest visiting every alternate month. - Flexibility and extension
This is an important question to ask your designer, especially if you are involved in designing a residential cum commercial home. Firstly, ask the designer about the necessary laws and paperwork. Then enquire about the space that has limitations and cannot be extended in any case. - Provision for investment- rentals or built house
Once you have finalized your decision on the plot for your home, check whether the plot can be utilized as an investment piece. Also see if the space can make your life comfortable as far as your standard of living is concerned. - Environment-friendly - green rating
This is another feature that is welcome these days. Smart building or green buildings is not a new concept to people anymore. If you love to lead a healthy and happy life with eco- friendly features in it, you must ask questions about green buildings to your architect. - Materials used
Materials create a bridge between the exterior and interior frame. It plays a key role in styling your home and making it complete and refine. - Budget
Review the budget of your home according to the changes recommended by your architect keeping in mind your choice.