Davies Design & Construction
Extracted from Dream Home by Luke Davies — the exercise that saves thousands.
The most common reason dream-home projects go over budget is that needs and wants get mixed up. Use this worksheet to separate them, prioritise each item, and give your design team a clear, actionable brief.
How to use
| Item / Feature | Need or Want? | Priority (1–3) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| e.g. Walk-in pantry | Need | 1 | Big family, weekly shops |
| e.g. Heated towel rails | Want | 3 | Luxury, not essential |
Review your list above. Circle or write your three highest-priority needs — these are the non-negotiables your design team must deliver.
Davies Design & Construction
A room-by-room analysis of your current home — carry forward what works, fix what doesn't.
Walk through every room in your current home. For each space, write down what you love and what frustrates you. Be specific — the more detail you give your designer, the better your new home will be.
How to use
| Room / Zone | What I Love | What Frustrates Me |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | e.g. Large island bench | e.g. Not enough pantry depth |
| Living | ||
| Dining | ||
| Main Bedroom | ||
| Ensuite | ||
| Bedroom 2 | ||
| Bathroom | ||
| Study / Office | ||
| Laundry | ||
| Entry / Hallway | ||
| Outdoor / Garden | ||
| Garage / Storage |
Elements you must carry into your new home.
Problems your new design must solve.