How to kick-start your project
The Build It experts and editorial team reveal what you need to know when you’re starting out on the self build journey
IS SELF BUILD FOR ME?
start to finish. Anamika Talwaria, Build It editorial assistant
There’s no substitute for getting face-to-face with products and suppliers, so head to the Build It Live shows (www.builditlive.co.uk), where you can gain advice from seminars, workshops and book oneto-one consultations. Emily Smith
This is probably going to be the most involved project you will ever take on, so do lots of research. As well as reading this magazine, head to www.self-build.co.uk where you can find lots of advice and inspiration. Lucy Aplin, Build It digital editorial assistant
Don’t worry if you haven’t got any experience of taking on a major project. Every year, over 12,000
Get familiar with the type of house you want by gathering pictures and considering what it is you like about them. Would a singleor two-storey best suit you? What kind of materials do you prefer? Don’t pin your hopes on a design just yet – but if you’ve got a vague idea, you’ll be better able to picture how a plot might work for you. Tim Doherty
Maximise your chances of finding land by letting friends, family, estate agents etc know you’re looking. Drive round the area searching for infill sites, side gardens or unused buildings. Keep an eye on planning applications, and register with Plotsearch.co.uk. Chris Bates
Sign up to your council’s Right to Build register. Every local authority must run one – and is then obliged to permission enough serviced self build plots to fulfil the demand identified on its list within a certain period. Anamika Talwaria
Allow plenty of time to get planning consent. Applications should take eight weeks but it can be longer. Once you have permission, you may need a month or so to agree conditions. Mike Dade
Take pre-application advice from the planners. Some councils charge, others don’t – but it will help identify potential stumbling blocks before you submit your scheme for scrutiny. Chris Bates
DESIGN IT
Not sure where to start with designing your new home?
These ideas will help you narrow down the options and come up with the right brief:
You don’t have to spend a fortune to add wow factor. Features such as upside-down layouts that maximise views are pretty straightforward to integrate, for instance. Maybe focus your budget on key statementmaking elements, such as a doubleheight
Keep things in proportion to your budget: work out what can be achieved for the money you have, rather than stretching funds. In my experience, self building always costs more than you think, so be pragmatic with your decisions. Running out of money halfway through is no joke. Mike Hardwick
The high street banks don’t tend to understand the needs of self builders, so visit a specialist broker, such as Buildstore (www.buildstore. co.uk) for advice on the best option for you. Find out more at www.self-build.co.uk/ mortgages. Emily Smith
Keep at least 10% of your project fund back as a contingency buffer. This will cover you against the inevitable unexpected stuff that crops up along the way – such as when the first shovel hits the earth, costs for materials and labour, which allows you to understand what your scheme will cost and where you could make changes. Lucy Aplin
BUILD IT
Every self build comes with a number of choices, from specifying materials to coordinating trades. Ensure a smooth project with these tips:
Consider taking on more of the risk by managing the project yourself. By co-ordinating the trades, you can eliminate a general builder’s profit margin and save money. Remember that this will be at the expense of your time and – in all probability – your stress levels. Mike Hardwick
Protect your investment by taking simple, smart steps. Get references from trades and be sure to follow them up. Put decent contracts in place, too. And don’t skimp on a self build insurance policy: if you need it you’ll be grateful you didn’t try to cut back on what’s a relatively small