If you don’t take the time to plan out your forever home properly, you’ll wake up each day with regret.
You might sit down at the dining table and think, “Why didn’t we put a window here to look out on the garden?” Or maybe you’ll realise the guest room’s too small for the grandkids to stay over comfortably.
Alone, these details might not seem that significant. But together, they can have a real impact on your quality of life.
Take What Happened to Sam and Kate, for Example
This Bundaberg couple went with a high-volume project builder, expecting that a big, reputable company would get the job done right. And while the result was undeniably impressive, they quickly realised it didn’t suit how they actually lived.
After less than a year, they ended up selling at a loss, realising too late that the builder hadn’t taken the time to truly understand who they were or how they intended to live in the space.
Instead, the builder led them down a path of “Oh, you should have this; you should do that,” suggesting features that sounded great on paper but didn’t align with their day-to-day needs.
In truth, it was a cookie-cutter design the builder had rolled out dozens of times before.
So What Can You Do to Avoid Ending Up in the Same Situation?
The key to a well-designed retirement home is sitting down with a builder who actually listens — someone who’ll take the time to understand what you’re looking for, what your lifestyle is, and how your budget fits in. That way, they can pull together a design and quote that genuinely work for you, without overselling you on things you don’t need.
Here are 3 of the biggest benefits of getting it right:
Benefit #1: A home that suits your lifestyle. When you build custom, it means designing a home that’s actually going to fit how you want to live. Say you’re big on entertaining family and friends — you might go for open-plan living areas or guest rooms with ensuites so visitors have their own space. Or maybe you love cooking and want a walk-in pantry or double ovens. With the right planning, you won’t end up with a display house; you’ll have a home that’s built for you.
Benefit #2: Financial peace of mind. A home designed around your actual needs saves you from spending big down the track trying to fix things. Get it right from the start with durable, low-maintenance materials — like hardwood floors or weather-resistant roofing — and you’ll avoid the constant upkeep costs that come with poorly thought-out builds. It’s about having a place that lasts without turning into a money pit.
Benefit #3: Spaces built for easy ageing. With the right design, you’ll have a true forever home — one that’s as comfortable in 20 years as it is today. Think single-level living, wider hallways, and step-free showers to keep everything accessible and functional as you age. It’s about future-proofing your lifestyle so you can stay independent and continue living in the home you love, without the stress or cost of major modifications down the track.
Now Let’s Look at a Couple Who Got It Right
Ben and Jamie knew exactly what they wanted: a three-bedroom beachfront home with an open, spacious layout, perfect for enjoying time with family and friends.
They didn’t need anything too fancy, but they wanted each bedroom to have its own ensuite so guests could stay comfortably. They also needed a double garage for their weekend car, a bit of storage, and a large living area that would capture the ocean views they’d wake up to every morning.
And hats off to them — with a builder who listened closely and took the time to understand their dream — they got the balance right.
Instead of a big cookie-cutter house or McMansion, they created a home that fit their lifestyle to a tee.
The Takeaway? The Magic’s In the Details
At the end of the day, your home should be a reflection of who you are and how you live, meeting your needs not just now but for years to come. To realise that vision, it’s best to start with a builder who listens carefully and pays attention to the little details that, together, make your house feel like a home.
But there’s much more to building your forever home than finding a builder who understands your lifestyle.
That’s why we’ve put together this free guide for you to download:
7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
It’s loaded with tips to help you sidestep the common pitfalls and build a home you love without blowing your budget.
Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. These stories are based on real events, and any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental.
