WE LEARNED...

DON’T BE BAMBOOZLED by the planners. Getting what you want can be a bit of a nightmare, but we hired a specialist consultant who fought our corner and helped us with all the jargon.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE how much your build will cost. We’ve come to learn that, whatever the size of your budget, unforeseen work will arise at some point and the allure of luxury items can easily send you off track.

PACE YOURSELF because otherwise the self build process will take over your life and consume your thoughts for the best part of two or three years.

BITE THE BULLET. Yes it was hard work, but creating our own home is probably the most satisfying thing we’ve ever done – it’s been incredibly rewarding. If you’re toying with the idea, just go for it!