Building your own home is a remarkable journey, ensuring a bespoke, dream home property that aligns perfectly with your vision and lifestyle. This comprehensive guide outlines the 10 crucial steps to follow in creating your perfect home.
1. Find a Suitable Self Build Plot
Embarking on the journey of self-building begins with securing the ideal plot. Here are some tips to maximize your chances:
- Location Focus: Narrow down your search to the desired location.
- Scouting Strategies: Explore potential infill sites, side gardens, and unused buildings.
- Network: Inform friends, family, local establishments, and estate agents of your search.
- Planning Permission: Exercise caution with plots lacking consent; cheap land may have hidden challenges.
- Online Resources: Leverage platforms like PlotBrowser for a wide range of self-build opportunities.
2. Organize Your Self Build Finances
Securing the right funding is crucial for a successful project. Dedicated self-build mortgage products, available through brokers like BuildStore and Mayflower Mortgages, offer funds at different project milestones, avoiding financial pitfalls.
3. Finalize Your Self Build Budget
Establish a realistic budget considering project management routes, materials specifications, and contingencies. Allocate 15-20% for unforeseen costs, ensuring financial flexibility throughout the project.
4. Engage a Professional Home Designer
Collaborate with a designer who understands your vision and budget. Seek recommendations, ensuring they possess relevant experience and qualifications. Consider architects, architectural technologists, or design specialists based on your project’s complexity.
5. Talk to the Local Planners
Engaging with local planners is a crucial step in the process of self-building your dream home. Local planners are representatives of the local government or municipal authority responsible for overseeing planning and development in a specific geographic area. Here’s a more detailed exploration of why and how to talk to local planners during your self-building journey:
Why Talk to Local Planners?
- Understanding Regulations: Local planners are well-versed in the zoning regulations, building codes, and planning policies specific to your area. Consulting them early helps you understand the constraints and possibilities for your self-build project.
- Viability Assessment: Seeking pre-application advice from local planners provides valuable insights into the feasibility of your plans. They can highlight potential issues and suggest modifications that might improve the chances of formal planning approval.
- Policy Compliance: Local authorities have policies in place to guide development. By discussing your ideas with planners, you can align your project with these policies, making it more likely to receive approval when you officially submit your planning application.
- Changes in Personnel: Planning departments might experience changes in staff, including case officers. Consulting with planners early ensures that even if there are changes, you’ve received advice under the current regulatory framework.
How to Talk to Local Planners:
Pre-Application Advice:
- Schedule a Meeting: Contact the local planning office to schedule a pre-application meeting. This can be done in person or virtually.
- Provide Project Details: Clearly present your proposed project, including architectural plans and any relevant documentation.
- Ask Specific Questions: Seek clarifications on any aspects of your project that might be unclear, and inquire about potential challenges or modifications required for approval.
Understanding Local Policies:
- Research Local Policies: Before the meeting, familiarize yourself with the local planning policies to ask informed questions.
- Policy Constraints: Inquire about any specific constraints or requirements related to your chosen plot or the type of construction you are planning.
Building a Positive Relationship:
- Be Transparent: Provide honest and accurate information about your intentions for the project.
- Address Concerns: If planners express concerns, be open to addressing them and modifying your plans if necessary.
- Seek Recommendations: Ask for recommendations on how to improve your proposal to align better with local regulations.
Community Engagement:
- Informing Neighbors: Letting your neighbors know about your plans before the official application can mitigate potential objections. Planners may appreciate community support for your project.
Research Previous Approvals:
- Review Similar Projects: Research other self-build or development projects in the area that received approval. Understanding precedent can inform your approach and expectations.
6. Decide on a Building Route & System
Choose a building approach that suits your preferences:
- Hands-On: Act as a project manager, overseeing trades and suppliers.
- Main Contractor: Employ a professional to manage works, reducing individual decision-making pressure.
- Shell Build Specialists: Collaborate with companies for the structural phase, taking charge of the fit-out.
- Turnkey Packages: Delegate the entire project to home specialists for a hassle-free experience.
7. Confirm Building Consents & Contracts
Ensure all necessary permissions, contracts, and approvals are in place. Address planning permission, building control, reports, warranties, insurance, and health and safety, mitigating potential issues before construction.
8. Prepare Your Self Build Plot
Preparing your self-build plot is a critical phase in the construction of your dream home. This stage involves various tasks and considerations that set the foundation for the actual building process. Here’s a detailed exploration of what it entails:
1. Clearing Vegetation:
- Purpose: Before construction begins, vegetation on the plot needs to be cleared. This includes trees, shrubs, and any other plants that might interfere with the construction process.
- Considerations: Check local regulations regarding tree removal and ensure compliance. Some areas might have restrictions or require permission for cutting down certain trees.
2. Leveling the Plot:
- Purpose: Achieving a level surface is essential for the stability and integrity of the construction. Leveling also helps in accurate measurements and the placement of foundations.
- Site Appraisal: The type of soil on your plot influences leveling decisions. Information gathered during the site appraisal phase guides this process.
3. Marking Foundation Spots:
- Precision: Accurate placement of foundations is crucial for the structural integrity of the building. Marking the spots precisely is necessary for compliance with approved plans.
- Consult Professionals: Engage with architects or structural engineers to ensure that foundation positions align with the approved design.
4. Soil Analysis:
- Purpose: Conduct a thorough soil analysis to understand the composition of the soil on your plot. This analysis helps determine the appropriate foundation type and depth.
- Engineering Input: Involve a geotechnical engineer to assess soil conditions. This step ensures that foundations are designed to withstand the specific soil characteristics.
5. Infrastructure Planning:
- Utilities Placement: Plan the placement of utility lines, including water, electricity, and sewage. This involves coordination with relevant service providers.
- Future-Proofing: Anticipate future needs and plan for potential expansions or modifications to utility connections.
9. Get Building & Create Your Dream Home
Select a build system – brick and block, timber frame, SIPs, or ICF. Progress from structural shell to wind and watertight, addressing airtightness and infrastructure work. Complete the finishing touches during the second fix stage.
10. Enjoy Your New Self Build Home
With the completion of construction and interiors, relish the moment of moving into your dream home. Obtain completion certificates, address snags, and consider VAT reclaims, marking the end of your self-build journey.
Embark on this transformative experience, turning your dream home into a tangible reality with careful planning and thoughtful execution.
