More than just comfortable abodes, modern houses in Kerala and everywhere have now become a status symbol which many love to flaunt. Many families have fallen neck deep in debt after building their houses in grandiose styles, imitating the rich neighbor’s luxury home. It is not the luxurious features, but the pleasant nature of the family members which fill a house with positive energy.
Most of the designer features are added just to enhance the look of the house. However, one should remember that a comfortable and beautiful house could be constructed even without adding these features. Experts warn against installing such expensive embellishments if it exceeds your budget. Here are 10 common mistakes Keralites usually make while constructing a new house, which could be easily avoided.
» Complex exteriors
Most people want to stun others with ‘over-the-top’ or lavish look of exteriors. They wouldn’t mind flaunting beautiful cement works, exquisite mural decors, expensive claddings or concrete works on the exteriors of the house. These decorative features could skyrocket your expenses and topple your budget. Those who haven’t reserved much money for adding these embellishments should refrain from decorating exteriors in complex designs.
» Changes in plan
There should be good planning before beginning the construction of the house. Else, it would result in great losses. It is quite natural that your relatives and friends share their ideas and opinions about the house as the construction is in progress. It may even force you to budge from the previously approved plan and budget. This would lead to alterations in the plan, destroying structures that are already built or even adding features that weren’t in the original plan. It may completely change your already allotted budget. Unnecessary expenses could be avoided if absolutely no changes are made in the already approved plan.
» Teak wood for security
People believe that the doors and windows made with teak wood are extra strong and thus ensure security. If not all the doors in the house, they would at least build the main entrance doors with teak. However, it should be noted that, for a burglar, who is determined to break into a house, all the doors, whether it is made with teak wood or something else, are the same. So less expensive wood could be used to make the doors in the house and still be safe.
» A museum of curios
Many love to turn their houses into a luxurious museum of exclusive curios and other decor. They are thrilled to fill their homes with imported decorative objects and happily flaunt them. Instead of investing on expensive vases and bowls or crystals, make your home the perfect canvas to showcase your creative talents.
» Power consuming lighting
From the warm lights and the cool lights to the elaborate chandeliers, an array of decorative light fittings is available to make your dream dwelling look heavenly. However, these lights, which are power consuming, could make your electricity bills go up beyond your expectation. Besides, after getting over the initial excitement, many don’t even light up these illuminations later. Those who install too many light points and light fittings cannot foresee extreme power shortages in future. So it is wise to use power moderately and preserve it for the future generations.
» Dark colors
The latest trend is to design each room in different color themes. However, choosing dark shades could burn a hole in the pocket of those who construct houses with a fixed budget. The dark shades cost double compared to the lighter hues. Walls painted in white ensure a unique charm to the interiors. Besides, they are moderately priced. You could contrast the white interior walls with colorful furniture or other decor. It is important to realize that a house could look chic and classy even by spotting white hue or lighter shades.
» Showy kitchen
With a showy kitchen, a working kitchen and then an additional work area, most luxury houses have at least 3 kitchens. The expenses to install the cupboards and other furnishing in all the kitchens would be extremely high. What is important is to keep the only kitchen tidy. An adjacent work area would make the kitchen complete. There is no need to increase the expenses unnecessarily, especially if there aren’t many members in the family.
» Curtains fittings
Most of the people like to deck up their homes with stunning curtains. From the inner curtains and the outer curtain to the elaborate ones with fringes and frills, there are impressive collections in the curtain fittings for the customers to choose from. Simple curtains add an elegant charm to the house. Those who are looking to keep a tab on the expenses can purchase ready-made curtains which aren’t expensive. These ready-made curtains are available in various designs, colors and fabrics.
» Cutting down trees for landscaping
Many think that landscaping is all about growing lush green meadows on the front courtyard. For this, they wouldn’t mind cutting down the trees or plants that already stood on the plot. However, they forget that it is extremely difficult to maintain the meadows properly. They might even require professional support for that. Besides, huge amount of water is required to replenish the meadows and keep them lush and green all the time. Maintaining a meadow surely is an expensive affair, especially when our state is going through severe water shortage. If there aren’t any trees and plants around, the sunlight would directly hit the walls thereby increasing the temperature inside the house. So it is wise to retain the already existing trees and also planting more.
» Huge walls
People don’t mind spending money on building huge boundary walls, often in elaborate and ornate designs. The high walls block the view of the house. Besides, they block the cool breeze from reaching the house. This causes the front courtyard and the walls of the house to warm up, increasing the temperature inside the house as well. Building boundary walls in simple designs would help cut down on the expenses. Using jali works and GI pipes are not only less expensive but also looks more beautiful than the regular boundary wall built with bricks and cement.
