Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Designing a Functional Family Home on a Budget, with Tatiana

9 snips
Aug 25, 2025
Tatiana shares her journey of designing a family home while navigating budget constraints. She discusses the impact of a tight budget on disciplined design choices, including a debate about adding a third toilet. The L-shaped layout enhances functionality, and the design process emphasizes collaboration with her builder. They explore entry design and layout features like a mudroom and alfresco space, all while balancing personal ideas with professional guidance. Insights into planning roof options and maximizing space are also highlighted.
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ADVICE

Use A Tight Area Budget

  • Keep a strict square-metre budget to force disciplined design choices and avoid scope creep.
  • Let the builder set realistic area limits early so you don't gradually add costly space.
INSIGHT

One Luxury Item Can Be Pivotal

  • A single 'luxury' item can shape the whole plan and budget decisions.
  • Decide which comforts truly matter rather than cutting everything to save cost.
ANECDOTE

Practical Room Layout And Mudroom Entry

  • Tatiana described the rooms: four bedrooms with ensuite, media/office, laundry mudroom, living/kitchen and alfresco.
  • The laundry sits between zones awkwardly but functions as a practical mudroom entry from the freestanding carport.
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