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

1. • Specialist mortgage for homebuilding projects

Advice is available from 75.3 financial consultants

1. • Using available equity in your current home, savings etc

1. • 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

• • 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.

Latest Projects

Recent News

Policy Statement - Welsh Assembly Government announces target for first changes to Welsh Building Regulations May 25, 2011
With the Building Regulations powers set to transfer to Wales on 31 December 2011, Welsh ministers h...more

TJA unveil plans for the Aberhod Old Hall in Rhos-On -Sea May 3, 2011
Matt Jones, director of Tarmaster Jones architects comments...'We are really excited to be project a...more

Planning approval -residential development Trefnant Denbigh March 17, 2011
TJA are really excited to finally achieve outline planning permission for a residential development ...more

Design Surgery Q and A

Q: I’m thinking of carrying out my own self-build. Will the work be subject VAT?

This is a common question and VAT on building works can be a bit of a minefield…

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