The perfect home can be hard to come by, and this leads to many people choosing to build their own rather than to compromise and buy a home that isn’t suited to them. Another reason why building a home yourself is a good idea is the fact that it is a great investment – your home will be worth more than what it cost you to build it once it is complete.
If you plan on building a home that is truly your own, then firstly you need to think about what it is going to cost you. It is not as straightforward as buying a home that is already built, and there are lots more ways that you can run into unexpected pitfalls that can bump up the price.
Planning your project is the first thing to do and you need to consider pretty much everything! You need to buy a plot of land that you can get planning permission to build on (although you can also buy land that comes with planning permission which some people prefer to do).
You will also need someone to help you plan your home and the design. Finding an architect who you are happy to work with is important, so take some time to look around to find someone who shares your ideas and style. If you are wanting a home that is environmentally friendly for example then sustainable architects like this www.quattrodesign.co.uk/architectural-services/sustainable-design/ are what you want.
Once you have planned all of the costs, you will have a much better idea of how much you need to finance the project.
Choosing the right plot of land
Before any design work can begin, a self builder needs somewhere to build, and the plot matters as much as the house itself. Where it sits will shape daily life for years, so it deserves the same careful research as the floor plan and the budget.
Start with the planning regulations set by your local authority and look at planning maps for the area. These show what has been approved nearby and can flag restrictions that might affect what you are allowed to build.
Then look beyond the boundary of the plot. If you have children, or plan to, check which school catchment areas it falls in. Find out how close the local amenities are and look at crime rates for the neighbourhood. Visiting at different times of day helps too. Building your own home gives you control over almost every detail, but the location is the one thing you cannot change later, so it is worth getting a rounded picture before you commit.
Finding a plot and keeping to budget
Self-building can be stressful for anyone who has not done it before, so go in with your eyes open. If you know someone who has built their own home, ask them about the problems they faced. Their experience will help you prepare and decide whether a self-build is really for you.
Finding a plot is often the hardest part. Land is in high demand in the UK, so be ready to compromise and think creatively. Talk to people locally to hear about land that may come up for sale, and use resources such as planning maps to research what is available.
Budgeting is another common stumbling block. Unless you are a qualified builder, plumber and electrician, much of the work will be done by contractors, and on top of that come materials and the land itself. Get quotes before you start and plan carefully, so you do not run out of money halfway through the build.