The obvious answer to this question is yes, but there are so many more questions to consider when buying a house that we should probably start at the beginning. The first step, even before you begin house shopping, is to look at your budget. Does your life style allow you to purchase a house yet? Next in line is the amount of money you can borrow. This depends on how much debt you have and how good your credit is. Once you have an idea of the amount of money you are working with, you can start visiting banks and financial institutions to negotiate a mortgage. Only then can you seriously look at houses that are within your buying range.

Study the market, look at the selling prices, don’t be blindly seduced by the first house you like without comparing it to others. In this fluctuating interest rate period, play conservative and stay within your means. Once you find a house you like, complete all the building inspections, including a land survey. Then, following the legal proceedings in your selected area, make an offer, and wait. If you are lucky and the stars align, you will soon move into your new house.

Throughout this process, you need to remember that buying a house is possibly the biggest purchase you will ever make. Therefore, you must protect your investment by making sure the house of your dreams does not become a money pit. Your best protection is prevention and this is done through thorough inspections. Money spent on termite inspections, building inspections, drainage surveys, mining surveys and land surveys, completed by a licensed land surveyor, will save you money down the road on expansive repairs or boundary disputes.

Take a minute to consult your local council reports and services as they already have flood maps and bush fire zones you can use to make a sound decision about the house you buy. You might have to consider hydro excavation depending on the drainage condition of the house you selected. If that is the case, use reputable companies that guarantee their work.

Although all these steps might appear tedious and overwhelming, they are considered due diligence when you are ready to take the big step of buying a house. Whether you plan on living in the city or the country, you should know what you are getting into before you commit for the next twenty-five years. From soil or groundwater contamination to land boundaries, you want to avoid unpleasant surprises. Respecting planning controls and building permits will save you time and money. Also, as a buyer, you have rights. Know them well and use them to make your purchase the most positive experience it can be.

When moving day finally arrives, you will be able to enjoy every minute of it. You will spend your time moving furniture around, painting and decorating rather than worrying about all the unknown. That will be the best feeling in the world and you will get there because you stopped and wondered: “Do I need a land survey?”

Whether you are a millionaire or a college student, everyone has an idea of what their dream home would look like. Ever since the idea of becoming a home owner crossed your mind, you think about what your house will have that will make it home. The price, the location, and the number of rooms might differ from one individual to the next as personalizing a house is an excellent way to express oneself; but some features remain similarly important to everyone.

The kitchen is the heart of a home. In a dream house, the kitchen generally boasts a lot of countertop space, many cupboards, and a separate pantry. Most interior designers agree that a dream kitchen should have an island that doubles as a bar seating area. It offers family members a place to sit and eat while meals are prepared. The island or the peninsula also provides additional counterspace and cupboards, both essential features of a dream kitchen. Let’s not forget state of the art, top notch, energy efficient appliances; a dream kitchen cannot be without them. Whether they are stainless steel or embedded in the cabinetry, appliances make a statement about the cooking status of the home owner and must not be neglected.

The next item found in all dream homes is a fantastic master suite. This feature includes a vast master bedroom that becomes the perfect oasis for homeowners, especially when it includes an attached bathroom with spa-like features. Soak-in tubs, separate walk-in shower, heating floors and his & her sinks are the best combination to create a magnificent master in-suite. The final touch is, of course, the walk-in closet. It has space to neatly store all clothing, shoes and accessories, making them easy to find and put away. The master suite is a neat place to retreat at the end of a long day at work.

The final element that will turn any house into a dream home is the outdoor centrepiece. For some, this might be an in-ground pool with water cascade and rock garden. For others, a nice patio with plenty of seating space and a powerful grill will do the trick. Shade is always an important feature to think about and can be provided with a gazebo or pergola. When working with uneven ground levels in the backyard, a combination of decks, pathways, and patios will provide the affluent look a dream home should have. For balustrade ideas, click here. Finally, foliage, plants and landscaping will add a touch of nature to your paradise, but be mindful that low-maintenance is the goal. With today’s busy lifestyle, no one wants to spend their days off pulling weeds or cutting grass.

Whatever you budget and the size of house you will transform into your dream home, remember that the kitchen, the master suite and the outdoor entertainment space are the three features people agree to qualify as most important. If you must make a choice when renovating, focus on these three spaces to turn your house into a dream home.