Ah, the allure of a brand-new home. Gleaming countertops, flawless paint, and that intoxicating "new house" smell—a siren song for many. But as an interior designer who has seen the good, the bad, and the baffling of developer-built homes, let me pull back the curtain just a smidge.
Moving into a new-build house is not quite the fairy tale you might imagine. Behind those pristine facades lie challenges that can test even the most patient new homeowners. When we moved into one of these new build homes 3 years ago, it was a lot (I mean A LOT!) of work to make it... well... livable!
Our friends and family was so desperate to come have a look and didn't quite understand how we were not ready yet. "It's a new build! What would you possibly need to work on that much?" Well, you won't know it until you tried!
Here are just a few things that you will face (because, believe me, I could write a novel 😉)
1. The Great White Wall Epidemic
Let’s start with what you’ll see immediately—white, white, and more white. Developers have a love affair with sterile, blank-canvas interiors. It’s practical, sure, but it’s also devoid of personality. Living in a sea of white can feel like residing inside an unpainted dollhouse.
And the worst part? It’s not just the walls. Cabinets, tiles, countertops—it’s like a monochromatic tidal wave. Personalizing such a space can be daunting, especially when you’re already knee-deep in moving chaos. Do you embrace the blank slate or start wielding paintbrushes immediately? (Spoiler alert: hire a designer.)
Now, if you are lucky and bought from plan, you will have the opportunity to choose from a limited amount of finishes that is offered, but the walls and ceiling still be just white.
In our home, it was almost painful. You couldn't see the corners or the lines between ceiling and walls, as everything just looked like a see of white with no horizon!
So, yes, we immediately started painting. On the day of getting the keys!
A "shiny" new build home on moving day!
2. A Floor Plan That Doesn’t Quite Add Up
Developers are fantastic at designing spaces that look amazing on paper, but the reality of day-to-day living can leave you scratching your head. That massive open-concept living area? Stunning in brochures but less practical when you realize there’s no logical place for a TV or an outlet for your floor lamp.
Don’t even get me started on storage. Many new builds prioritise "wow factor" (if that...) over functionality, and that walk-in pantry you dreamed of? Poof! Replaced by a lonely cupboard masquerading as storage.
Somehow, also, I haven't seen a proper hallway in new build homes in YEARS! Whatever happened to hallways??? Where do we keep shoes, bags, coats, keys, mail, a nice wall mirror? Don't even dream about a nice inviting console table with flowers and a nice lamp on it. Won't fit.
Our house is a 3 bedroom semi-detached and advertised for young families. Well, let me tell you, I have to keep my baby 's pram in the boot of the car just outside the front door.
3. Fixtures That Flatter to Deceive
On the surface, developer finishes often sparkle. But it doesn’t take long for the shine to wear off—literally. Fixtures that looked high-end during the tour might not hold up to actual use. Flimsy faucets, hollow-core doors, and light fixtures that scream builder-grade can be a rude awakening.
Of course, upgrading these items adds to the already significant cost of moving. The trick is balancing what you can live with for now and what needs replacing before you even unpack the good china.
We did upgrade our kitchen partially by the developer, for extra cost, but they are usually super overpriced, so we left a few things - like kitchen tap - for us to replace it after moving in.
4. Landscaping Left to the Imagination
The front yard might look like a charming spread of green, but the backyard? That’s another story. More often than not, it’s a sad stretch of dirt, a patchy lawn, or—if you’re lucky—a token sapling.
Creating an outdoor oasis requires time, money, and a hefty dose of patience. And let’s not forget that you’re competing with every other homeowner in the development for landscapers. Suddenly, that Pinterest-perfect yard feels like a distant dream.
Usually these gardens our quite small, but it isn't all that bad! Small means you can make it nice for reasonable cost. Small spaces (indoor or outdoor) are often challenging to design to perfection, so this is another area you may want to get professional help.
5. The Cookie-Cutter Conundrum
There’s something comforting about a neighbourhood of new builds—uniform, tidy, and cohesive. But that uniformity can quickly turn into monotony. The moment you invite friends over, there’s a good chance they’ll say, “Oh, this looks just like our neighbour's house!”
In our development there are about 10 types of houses, depending on size and layout, but they all are in the same style, without being the same. It's actually quite nice here.
Personalizing a space that’s designed to appeal to everyone can be a creative challenge. It’s about finding ways to make your home stand out without disrupting the overall harmony of the development. Think of it as styling your home for its best Instagram moment. Make your front garden stand out, or install a nice front door wreath and tadamm, you are different!
6. The “Almost There” Syndrome
Perhaps the most maddening part of a new build is that everything feels almost perfect—but not quite. Doors that don’t close flush, tiny gaps in the trim, or cabinets that don’t quite line up. These are the quirks that remind you this house wasn’t lovingly custom-built for you—it was constructed for efficiency and speed.
These “minor” imperfections can pile up until your new house starts to feel like a list of unfinished business. Learning to prioritize fixes and embrace the quirks is all part of settling in—or hiring a designer who knows how to smooth those edges.
We were lucky, that we didn't have a long snag list, to be honest. There were minor things we could fix ourselves easily so we didn't wait for the builder to come out.
But the almost there syndrome is still here with us. It would be unfair to complain about our home, but I also can't LOOOOVE it. There are things I would like different, but it isn't worth the hassle, so we live with it. It isn't our forever home and it is very nice, so we are almost there 😂
Final Thoughts
Don’t get me wrong: new builds have their appeal. They’re fresh, modern, and filled with possibilities. But moving into one requires a little perspective and a lot of patience. The key is to see beyond the builder’s vision and create a home that truly reflects your style and needs.
So, to anyone embarking on this journey: know the challenges, embrace the imperfections, and don’t hesitate to call in a professional. After all, turning a house into a home is where the real magic happens.
I have worked on numerous new build homes - houses as well as new build apartments - and I kinda enjoy the challenges they present you with. There are limitations that require creativity to overcome, but it is so satisfying to enjoy the end result.
Until later, x Agi
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