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With 2018 being forecast as a bumper year for aspiring ‘Grand Designers’, we’ve pulled together our top four tips to help ensure your self-build runs as smoothly and cost-effectively as possible, so you reach the finish line with success and a home you’re proud of.
Find the right spot
First thing’s first, you’ve got to find the right plot for your self-build. It’s important not to rush this part and to do your research. This stage can be overwhelming, as there are a multitude of elements to consider, such as:
• Your ideal location
• Size
• Does it need planning permission?
• Does your budget meet your aspiration?
• Does it have an outlook, ideal neighbours etc?
Create a tick-box based on your key wants and needs. This will help narrow your search.
A particular focus should be on honing in on an exact location, such as a village or town, rather than a larger geographical area. Once you’ve found your dream spot, speak to the locals and leave no stone unturned – there could be the perfect plot masquerading itself with overgrown brambles.
Obtaining planning permission can also prove to be a stressful and confusing process and can, on some occasions, take years. Land with existing planning permission will come at a higher price, but can certainly be the easier (and less stressful) option.
Be budget smart
All too often, self-builders will misjudge costs associated with a project and blow beyond their budget. To avoid this, it is essential to plan carefully. Set a budget and stick to it. Research and calculate all of the costs, both obvious and not, before you start planning a build – accuracy is key.
There are also additional costs which are often overlooked, such as building insurance and legal fees, site preparation costs and Building Regulations fees. Whilst your new home is being built, you may also require somewhere else to live and thus need additional funds for rent.
Get help
Whether you’ve got a good set of ideas and have built your own home before, or are a newbie to the whole process, getting help from an architect or another design professional is a must. After all, they’re the professionals with experience in the field and in a great position to advise you on how to make the most out of your build with the budget in mind.
Not only that, they are able to visualise spaces in a way that’s tricky to the untrained eye and have a solid understanding of planning policy and Building Regulations. In my experience, when a client skips this step and goes it completely alone, the project commonly ends up being more expensive and often meets more challenges. Don’t underestimate the benefits both training and experience can bring to your project.
Think about the present and future ‘you’
This is the fun part – how can you create a house that best suits you? The sky’s the limit – this is your opportunity to express your personality in the home you create.
Whilst it’s easy to get carried away at this stage, it is worth taking time to think practically. Heed the advice from professionals and if you’re using a package supplier, think about using one of their recommended specialists.
Whilst you’re designing a home now, it’s important to consider what you might need in the future, if you’re planning to stay put. Think ahead and include features that will fit your personal needs not only now but in 10, 20 or 30 years’ time.
