Complete Home

Tip No. 1 - Setting your budgets

For most people, building their own homes means commissioning architects, builders and other sub-contractors. It also relies on private finance - a mixture of cash and mortgage. Before falling in love with a potential project, have a definitive budget in mind, then add 10% as a contingency - realising dreams is not an exact science and costs have a habit of escalating. Establish just how much of your own money you can put into the project. Work out how much it is going to cost to live during the building process. Living in a caravan on site is not the only option. Renting or even staying put are alternatives but do come at a price. Find out from mortgage providers what they are prepared to offer. More and more building societies and banks offer self-build mortgages.

Tip No. 2 - Finding a Plot or Project

Finding the plot or project for your dream home is a challenge. Prices vary enormously and it is difficult to compare like with like values as you would for similar existing houses. If you decide you want to live in a particular area, it pays to do some legwork. Obviously, sign up with local estate agents for details but also ask around in local pubs and shops - maybe put an ad in the local store or newspaper.

TIP 3 - The Design

Building for yourself requires passion, time and energy, as well as good management skills and a huge amount of forward planning. The best and cheapest builds are those that take years to plan and only months to build. The early stages of the project are crucial because at this point the architect translates dreams into elevations and the planners have their say. Finding the right architect or package build company is so important. Work with someone who has relevant experience and sympathy for your ideas. Interview architects and visit package build companies. Look at examples of their work and choose the one you get on with and who shares your view of the world.

TIP 4 - Planning Permission

To get planning permission your design needs to fit in to the landscape and local building pattern. You may need to do some persuading. It can be a good idea to take photographs of the neighbourhood to show the local styles to support your case. It may be worth contacting a planning consultant if you want to build in a particularly sensitive area. This service can be well worth the money as they will usually be able to give quite clear guidelines of what the local planning authorities are likely to consider. Remember that the planning authorities are a service to the local community and not the enemy - the idea is to work together!

TIP 5 - Material Matters

Having the opportunity to specify the materials and the aesthetics of a building is tremendously appealing but, be warned, the choice can be daunting. Your architect should advise you and the planners will have their say but you will have to decide which roof tiles, floor coverings, window frames, etc, you want for your house. Look into the cost, quality and availability of materials, and how easy or problematic they are to work with. Do this before the build starts. Problems with lead times and availability from different sources are major reasons why builds run late.

Tip 6 - More budgeting

A written budget is essential. It should be drawn up as early as possible and include every expense, from the greatest to the smallest. If there is no definite price, put in an estimate - but always try to get quotes and contracts. When you have included everything, add a contingency fund to cover the cost of problems - at least 5-10% of the total. When new costs arise (and they will), amend the budget and calculate the new total.

TIP 7 - Getting Quotes

It can be a good idea to employ a quantity surveyor to price the building work required. Three quotes are standard for each piece of sub-contracted work. These can then be compared to the surveyor's estimate. Study these carefully, don't necessarily go for the cheapest, and find out how long each contractor is likely to be on site.

Tip 8 - Working with sub-contractors

Treat them with respect - after all, these are the people who will make your dream a reality. Set out a plan of works and be prepared to be flexible. There will be problems - the weather and suppliers letting you down are typical. Keep the contractors informed, let them know when you expect them to be on site but expect the unexpected and update everyone of any changes.

TIP 9 - Quality Control

Be on site as much as you can, even if you have appointed your architect or builder as project manager. This keeps the communication flowing and ensures that decisions are made without costly delays. Choose kitchen and bathroom fittings and measure carefully to make sure they fit. Compromises will undoubtedly need to be made during the design and build. Establish early on what your priorities are.

Tip 10 - Homework

Do your homework. Get as much information as possible by buying specialist magazines, Visiting leading self-build exhibitions and Shows, taking place around the country where you can find all the expert advice, ideas and products you need to build your new home.