1. Area
Do you want to live in the city/town where there is generally easier access to amenities, shops, schools etc; or do you prefer the tranquillity of the countryside and surrounding yourself with a few acres of land so that neighbours are not an issue? Ensure you check the requirements of Planning Policy Statement 21 before you purchase a site in the countryside to ensure that you will meet the criteria and planning permission will be forthcoming.
2. Access
Is the site easily accessible from a public road and utilities? If so, this will save on expensive long avenues and driveways and allows you to concentrate your budget on better finishes and furnishings for the actual house.
3. Views
What are the views from the house; a coastal location can give you a dramatic ever-changing seascape; or perhaps you get a glimpse of a local landmark from your upstairs living or bedroom; maybe peaceful, lush unending green rolling valleys, a babbling brook? Also check that any view will not be compromised by later building developments outside of your control and remember in planning law – nobody has the right to a view.
4. Orientation
Check the sun path from morning until evening and see what rooms you want it to shine into – it is nice to have the morning (east) sun come into the bedrooms and afternoon (south, south/west) sun into your living/dining rooms. The sun and natural light can have positive effects on our well-being and remember that the sun does not always shine at the front of the house – so think carefully before you put all your main rooms to the front if it has a north facing aspect. An additional word of caution, if you have any precious paintings or photographs ensure that you plan a suitable space in which to hang them out of the sun otherwise, they will fade.
5. Privacy
Everyone enjoys the privacy of their own home and garden therefore think about how you position the house on the site so that it affords you maximum privacy from any overlooking properties. A well-considered landscaping scheme can also provide screening from prying eyes.
6. Difficult sites
Architects prefer the use of the word “challenging”- as sometimes the constraints imposed by a particular site can result in a very creative and unique solution.
Equipped with these top tips, your search is sure to be straightforward. Choosing the right place for your own home is naturally exciting and an architect can help you get the most out of your project and reduce the stress. Which lets you focus on the exciting part. You can find out more about what an architect can do for you at www.rsua.org.uk and www.traceyarchitects.com
