WE LEARNED...

create something really modern,” says Aileen. However, once the couple received the green light from the planners, they experienced several delays. Not realising they needed a full building warrant before construction led to a four-month hold-up and the other serious delay the project encountered revolved around finances. They were relying on funds from the selling their previous home, but the sale fell through twice; waiting for completion hdeladytehdinthgisnugps.

Unfortunately, these hold ups meant that Fleming Homes’ erection team was no longer available to assemble the structure. Joanna suggested a local builder she’d worked with before, Dryburgh Contracts, to come on board and it was soon full steam ahead.

Progress on site

Another consequence of alterations to the timescale was that Aileen and David ended up taking on the project management. “We didn’t know what the schedule was going to be, so we never had one full contract with Dryburgh. But we’d probably have handed the responsibility over to them if we could,” says Aileen.

The couple also got hands on with the construction work on site – and enjoyed it immensely. “Once we moved up to the area we wanted to get our sleeves rolled up and do as much as we possibly could,” says Aileen. For David, the highlight of the building process was seeing the structure reach wind and watertight stage. “The timber frame goes up so quickly, and then you just want to get the roof on as soon as possible,” says Aileen.

Now the house is complete, Aileen and David are delighted with the fruits of their labours. The couple opted for an upside-down layout to maximise the stunning views over the local countryside.

WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING

TRY AND BRING

SELF BUILD IS

Four Velux windows have been installed overhead to flood the openplan kitchen-dining-living area with sunshine. This spacious zone is the couple’s favourite place. The bedrooms downstairs have a snug feel and a sunroom at the front is flooded with natural light.

Despite some stressful moments on their latest self build journey, Aileen and David don’t have any regrets.“it is hard work – you don’t have anything else on your mind,” says Aileen. “But it’s exciting as well, and we’re definitely addicted. We’d do it again in a heartbeat!”

the ideal plot, you’ve got to be open to ideas. If you’ve got your heart set on a location and only want to be in that particular place, you can wait for years. the local planning department into the process and the fact you want to do a really good job. If you can get chatting and bring them on board as quickly as possible, it can help pave the way for a smoother process. a constantly evolving process. Trying to keep up with the new innovations is exciting, and even though you may love what you’ve got, there’s always more you can create.