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 sometimes 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. Both these options have pros and cons in terms of costs and benefits.

Lining up your project team

You can establish contact with a builder, main contractor or package company during the design and planning processes, but they won’t be able to give you an accurate quote for their 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 — people you know locally who’ve built their own homes will be more than happy to provide recommendations. Much like finding a designer, choosing a builder requires plenty of research. It’s best to meet with them to discuss your project, see if you get along with them and ask for a 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

If you need to get services to your site, the cost could be as little as £500 or in excess of £10,000, depending on the site’s location, what services you need, and the land connections need to be made across. Private land will require a wayleave to grant access, while public highways may involve road digs, which will need to be done 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 self-building. 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 an outbuilding built first.