If you are planning to build a new house, to alter or extend your present home, either to employ a builder or just do it yourself, it makes sense to consult an architect……..
Self Build house projects
Why should I build my own house?
- Bespoke to your needs
- Freedom of choice of your design
- Individual to you!
- Sustainability and eco friendly
What will I need to build my own house?
- Finance
- Plot of land
- Design
- Building contractor
- Patience and the conviction!
Finance
How can I fund my self build project
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- Specialist mortgage for homebuilding projects
Advice is available from 75.3 financial consultants
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- Using available equity in your current home, savings etc
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- Win the lottery!
Plot of land
Where will I find a plot of land on which to build my house?
- Estate agents
You can register your interest with them and get them to inform you of any development opportunities
- Local architects
They may be able to introduce you a project they have on their client portfolio
- Local news paper
e.g. classifieds under ‘ land for sale’
- Local Auctions
See your local papers/land agents
- Internet
Specialist online plot hunting sites such as wwwplotsearch.co.uk
- Your back garden
Many plots are carved out of existing gardens-your own , neighbours or family!
- Drive around and explore!
Simply spread the word you are looking and get out there and make enquires
Design
I’ve got a plot of land, but what are the basic things I need to know about?
- The land may already come with planning
The land may benefit from outline or full planning ready for you to build-this may need to be altered to suit your brief. An architect can do his for you.
- Apply for planning permission
You will need to employ professional designer such as an architect to design you a house that fulfils your brief and budget and that the local authority will accept!
- Apply for building regulations approval
This is a separate mandatory local authority approval process separate to that of planning. This can also be carried out by an architect.
- Cost the works
- Your architect will initially design within your cost parameters and advise you from there.
- If you want the comfort of establishing your build costs at planning stage, you can employ a quantity surveyor who can do this for you.
- Tender the works
This is the process to establish how much your house will cost to build
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- Selected tender route(3 or 4 builders will price)
- Negotiated tender (negotiate with someone you know or that has been highly recommended)
- Managing the project
- Self project management
- Employ a project manager who will make certain decisions on your behalf
- Employ an architect to oversee the whole project from start to finish from conception, feasibility, tender and site supervision
Finally, have the patience and the conviction.