30 May 2017

Parents inspire couple to self-build rather than buy

When David Smith’s parents built within the grounds of their garden, David realised he had a similar opportunity on his hands.

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My parents inspired me to embark on my own project rather than buy,” comments David. “They lived in a home with a large garden and realised that they could build another in a part that was underused. They organised everything themselves, and it was this that inspired myself and Robyn to take on our own self-build.”

David and his wife Robyn opted for the self-build route as, like many people, they appreciated the control they had over their own home and the active role they played within the design and build.

Working around the clock

“We had some initial ideas of what we wanted to achieve. We were both working full-time, so we looked around for a company that would be able to provide a full architectural service and provide help and guidance – both from the outset and during the build stage. We came across Design & Materials’ website and did some background research. Their Regional Manager, Ian Watson, came to visit us to explain the process. After appointing them, Ian returned with Beverley Pemberton, Design & Materials’ Head of Design, who led us through the details to establish a detailed design brief. Two weeks later, we were looking at the first draft of the design. From then on, Beverley was in regular contact over any changes and other suggestions we might like.”

Like many self-builders, David and Robyn sought for their home to accommodate for their needs – both present-day and future requirements. Working with Design & Materials, the couple considered how the layout of the internal rooms would work for their lifestyle as the years passed by.

A bugbear amongst many self-builders, planning permission for David and Robyn’s home took longer than the pair initially expected. “Beverley worked closely with our case officer for our first application,” explains David. “Unfortunately, it turned out that design changes would be required that could not be dealt with within this submission. We and Design & Materials then closely worked with our case officer with site visits to amend the design, which we were happy with.

“During our second application, comments made during the consultation stage meant it was ‘called in’ to be decided by the planning committee. Despite being recommended for approval, this was rejected and refused. Design & Materials quickly assisted us in obtaining fee proposal quotes from specialist planning consultants. We were extremely happy that our appeal was upheld and permission granted. In all, we think this added around 10 months to the time frame.”

The build

Commenting on the assembly of his home, David said: “Access into the plot was difficult. We originally wanted to have two separate entrances, but due to a busy road and a nearby corner, we were persuaded that slightly widening the existing entrance for both houses would be the solution.

“We wanted to retain most of the surrounding boundary planting and protect our trees which our builder took on board – this, however, limited his available space to use. “We appointed local Builder, Les Foreman of Croft Developments, who built the shell for us and assisted with some of the internal trades and external works. We then took on the management of the internal trades, fixtures and finishes and external works. This included relaying the driveway and a new garage for our existing house.”

David and Robyn made use of Design & Materials’ in-house architect for the design and build of their home. “Design & Materials’ in-house architect takes an overview of all the company’s projects. He worked closely with Beverley at all times.

“Design & Materials also have Dan Mutti, their highly experienced Materials Manager. He reviewed the design brief and provided guidance and advice on the choices of the materials, for both the external and internal materials. Items like the brick choice, for example, were difficult for both Robyn and I to visualise and choose. Dan discussed our requirements whilst being mindful of our budget and arranged for samples to be delivered to us. Our final choice reflected what we wanted, were affordable and, importantly, were available to meet the builder’s programme.”

David and Robyn chose not to use any renewable elements in their project, as David explains: “We decided to invest in increased levels of insulation and airtightness to the full masonry construction to ensure that our new home used less energy from the start. The SAP and EPC certificate confirms this was a good option for this project.”

All in good time

Overall the build took a little longer than David and Robyn planned. “As we were looking after the management of the internal trades, we wanted to make sure all the trades had the information they required. Living next door, we could answer any questions and make quick decisions when they arose.

“By carefully choosing a good builder for the shell, self-managing the internal trades and final finishes with the assistance of Design & Materials and good local contacts we had made, we came in just under our target budget. We had a separate amount set aside as a contingency against unforeseen costs – especially below ground. Uncovering an unknown Victorian sewer and a manhole under the corner of the new foundations used some of the contingency to appoint an engineer to redesign the foundations and divert the pipe.”

The interior

Talking of the interior of his new home, David said: “Our brief to Beverley was for an executive-style family home that would complement the eclectic mix of houses surrounding us and, importantly, relate to our existing home. It was also important to us to keep our established landscaped borders.

“Beverley added ‘kerb appeal’ to the list should we ever wish to sell. We worked closely with Beverley to ensure the room sizes and orientation made full use of the target floor area we agreed. She suggested and added a number of features during the design process which we were closely involved in.

“Externally, the build responds very well to its surroundings. We have added new planting to the existing borders and regraded the lawn around the new south-facing terrace. Our new plot has now taken on a character of its own. It was hard work, but we could not be more pleased.

“We are both interested in gardening so it was just a matter of refreshing what we already had and worked with a family friend to bring to life our own vision of the new garden. Today, the exterior is already a seamless junction between old and new.”

A family home

David and Robyn have received innumerous compliments about their new home. “When we have been out walking our dog, Archie, we have been surprised how many positive comments we have had. The design plans and discussions with the planners always intended the view of the house from the road to be very restricted. Now the work has finished, I’m sure many passing by are unaware of our new home.” The house is simply everything the couple had hoped for. After uncovering unexpected sewers and manholes within their site and a longer-than-expected wait for planning permission, all David and Robyn’s hard work has paid off and they now have a cosy family home to enjoy for the long-term.

“My favourite room within my home has turned out to be the open-plan family room and kitchen with the French doors leading out onto the sunny terrace.”

When asked if he would have done anything differently, David replied: “Yes, we both wish we could have started out on this journey years ago. We may look for another plot in the future. Having learnt so much, we would ask Design & Materials again to help us with the design and their advice and guidance throughout the build. We might even be tempted with their help to fully self-manage next time. We love the area and will keep our eyes open.”

David’s advice for other budding self-builders is: “If your life is spent working, then you do need to employ a company who you can work with to provide the architectural services and be on hand during the build to help with the unexpected questions. Also, read about other people’s experiences of self-building and ask questions at every opportunity.”

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