Pre-build essentials
Here are some of the key things you need to consider before ‘going on site’ with your build
Once you have purchased your plot there are a good number of steps you need to take before you can begin building your dream home…
DESIGNING YOUR NEW HOME
You’ll likely need a designer on board to help you formulate plans for your dream home. This might be an architect, an architectural technologist, an architectural designer or an in-house designer at a package company. The design process is likely to take at least a couple of months, possibly considerably longer. Then you’ll need to apply for planning permission…
APPLYING FOR PLANNING PERMISSION
The cost of submitting a planning application varies across the UK, but is currently £462 in England. However, the real cost of obtaining planning permission arguably comes from design fees to prepare plans and documents, as well as any surveys that may be required to support your application.
You should usually find out whether your local planning authority has approved your scheme after eight weeks — although more complex schemes can take longer.
News of approval doesn’t necessarily mean you can start work. The conditions attached to your planning consent might require resolution first. Make sure they are capable of being satisfied, as failure to do so could hold up your build, and in the most extreme cases, invalidate the consent altogether. You may also find that you are required to discharge certain conditions during the build, too.
BUILDING REGULATIONS
All new homes need to adhere to the Building Regulations, and for this reason a building control inspector will visit at key stages of the build to inspect the work and ensure it complies. These stages include: excavation for the foundations, pouring concrete for the foundations, building the oversite, building the damp proof-course, drainage, a visit prior to completion and a final visit on completion. A completion certificate will then be issued following the final inspection.
You’ll need to decide who will carry out your inspections: your local authority building control department or an Approved Inspector from a private company.
LINING UP YOUR PROJECT TEAM
You can establish contact with a builder, main contractor or package company during the design and planning processes, but you won’t get an accurate quote for the work until your Building Regulations drawings have been finalised.
One of the best ways of finding a good builder and subcontractors is through word of mouth — ask people you know locally who’ve built their own homes for recommendations. Much like finding a designer, choosing a builder requires plenty of research. It’s best to meet with them to discuss your project and to ask them to quote (your designer can help you prepare tender documents for this purpose).
The best builders and subcontractors will be booked up months in advance, so start your search early.the same goes for package companies.you’ll likely wait three months or so.
BRINGING SERVICES TO SITE
Getting services to your site (if necessary) can cost as little as £500 or more than £10,000, depending on the site’s location, what services you need, and whether the connection needs to be made across private land (in which case you’ll need to secure a wayleave to grant access) or public highways (which may involve road digs by approved contractors).
If the cost of bringing in mains gas and drainage is prohibitive, it may be time to investigate the off-mains alternatives, such as oil, LPG or a renewable heating and hot water system, and a sewerage treatment plant for drainage.
It’s important to note that, while electricity is not essential during the build, a water supply is often needed early on.
WHERE WILL YOU LIVE?
This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make prior to your build. Some are in a position to remain in their existing homes while selfbuilding. However, many need to consider an alternative.you could stay with family or friends, but remember that the average self-build project takes around a year on site, and be realistic about timescales if you plan to rely on someone’s hospitality. Renting temporary accommodation is another option, but an expensive one. You could also live on site in a caravan, a static or perhaps in an outbuilding built first.