I LEARNED...

TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS before you start. By discussing your plans and ideas with them early on, you can gauge their reaction and avoid local issues when it gets to planning.

ASSUME GETTING PLANNING permission will take longer than you anticipate. The same goes for organising service connections. Work out how long you think these will take, then double it, and maybe even add a bit more time!

USING A PACKAGE design and build company like Hanse Haus can take away a great deal of the challenges and stresses usually associated with self building. They can deliver your property at the quality and price you have agreed and there will be no hidden surprises.

DON’T BE CONSTRAINED by traditional ideas because 21st century building technology makes many more things possible than in the past. Use your imagination, engage with your suppliers and make use of the experience of your workforce – there will probably be a way to turn your ideas into reality.