Considering these few points will give character and uniqueness to your house.

My experience has shown that ideas and inputs from clients will help make a house into a home. These ideas when streamlined and analysed will make a tremendous house.

Every client is different and thus every project is unique. Some clients are very actively involved in the planning and drafting process, while some just trust us to do the best for them. But from my experience I have learned that there are some questions which no one but the client and his family can answer. And only answers to these questions will give character and individuality to a project. I consider these question extremely important and it is only after I get answers to them that I start drafting plans. For the benefit of my readers, I will state these questions and try and elaborate and explain exactly what we need to know.

1) How much carpet area do you actually need?

This question is actually for the client to introspect his needs and analyse whether the spaces that he wants us to draft is actually required or has he missed or underestimated a need that he would regret later. It is seen that in most cases clients would decide to eliminate some portion or drop some ideas. People normally get influenced by what they see, images from the internet of interiors or a friends house inspire them to do the same. But giving it a second taught might change their stand and inputs and estimated costs from us gives them a chance to make an informed decision.

2) Quality and style of interiors.

Just ignore the fact that I have placed this question right after a question that would most probably have saved some money for my clients. Better interiors always have a very positive impact on a house, it also gives some up-gradation to the lifestyle of people living in it. Not to mention the stunning photos for my website and awe of the people visiting, which is the ultimate marketing and good for my business.

Spending money on better products not only gives a better aesthetic appearance, it also last long and will need very little maintenance. And also a little piece of furniture in an unnoticed corner also serves a purpose. Interiors should not be conceived only with an astetic factor, it actually is the interface with which you are attached to your house. Furniture, flooring, faucets, sanitary wares, that island table, lighting, switches etc are things that you would actually touch, feel and see.

At this point I would also like to bring your notice to the myth that actually prevails in society about warranty. Most companies do offer warranty on their products but most of the time there are some charges involved, because sometimes some component is not covered under warranty or there is a service charge you didn't know of. Considering the mere trouble, you would have to go through for availing the warranty, I am telling you that it's not worth it. Always buy products with minimum maintenance.

3) Does your spending actually make a difference in your lifestyle?

An extra square feet in your bedroom or your hall or the passage would most probably make no difference. Think about what the function of the room is and try and weigh your options. Figure out the value for money and then decide. Always choose room size to fulfill functionality and aesthetics you want. 3D modelling and floor plans would definitely give you a better understanding of what I am trying to say.

4) Involve every family member in the planning process.

I always like to talk to more than one member of the family in a client meeting. It gives different perspectives and different people give stress upon different elements. Suddenly there will be a wild flow of ideas which when streamlined and analysed will leave you with more ideas that what your house can inculcate. These ideas of yours gives your house an identity and character which no other person can.

5) Room for future upgrades and expansions.

When you plan a house, always consider the changes that your family would go through, not only in the near future but to as much as you can foresee. Also the changes in requirements of individuals, babies and teenagers have a very different set of requirements. The change in number of members and so on. If you plan better your expenses when you expand would be minimum.

This particular portion needs a lot more explanation and a lot of input from my side for my clients to grasp the idea. So for my readers benefit I have made a elaborate post on this question.

From my experience I know that these questions saves time, money and effort. Feel free to comment or ask questions in the comment section. I would try and reply as soon as possible.