WE LEARNED...

dwellings to just 10% larger than the existing house. Leigh’s strategy to overcome this was to apply for consent to extend first and, once this was in the bag, seek approval for the dwelling the couple really wanted. But as luck would have it, building control condemned the bungalow’s foundations anyway, meaning knocking down and starting again was actually the only viable route.

Peter took on the role of project manager. “I was very strict with myself not to let the stress of a self build get to me,” he says. “We lived in a caravan on site so were close by if any problems arose.”

As with any build, there were some hiccups along the way. For instance, the pair forgot to have a gas pipe run into the kitchen – so they had to fit an electric induction hob instead. Perhaps the biggest hitch came towards the end, when the Worthys realised that the landscaping needed to be put in as soon as possible. “We didn’t want to end up with a lot of dirt coming in and damaging the interior,” says Peter. “We had to borrow another £50,000 from our self build mortgage provider to install the patio and driveway.”

Integrated tech

The Worthys’ home benefits from an instant connection with the surrounding landscape thanks to the swathes of large glazed panels, which help to ensure you never feel far from a stunning woodland view. Lifestyle-enhancing technology is incorporated in every zone, allowing the couple to better interact with their new property and creating a unique show house for their company,

THE PLANNING GAME

GO FOR A DISTINCTIVE DESIGN

BE CAREFUL WHEN MAKING BUDGET CUTS

Smarthomes. “We even have bedtime buttons in the children’s rooms to give the right level of lighting and music, which switches itself off after they’ve been in bed for 45 minutes,” says Peter. The family are very happy in their new home – but they wouldn’t rule out taking on another project. “I really enjoyed running the scheme and would self build again, perhaps when I’ve sold my business or taken a step back,” says Peter. A successful project is all about having good professionals and trades around you. You need to trust the people designing and constructing your home, because you’re reliant on them being the experts.” www.self-build.co.uk

can be very frustrating. Many people face delays here and it can cause heartache. My advice is don’t get upset and just stick with it. that captures the imagination. There are some really big houses on our road that look completely different to ours, but the planners and building control commented they enjoyed seeing something bespoke. during a project. We initially planned to use porcelain floor tiles on the master bedroom roof terrace with a flush threshold between inside and out. We later changed to astroturf outside as we realised it would save us over £5,000. But we didn’t consider that there would now be a step down onto the terrace.