{This is a collaborative post}
Taking the decision to go down the self-build route to achieve the home of your dreams is an important one. Around 8% of all homes built are self-build according to Government statistics. There are several things to consider if you are going to go down this route; the following should help you make the project as smooth running as possible.
Consider your Budget
While your design is important, if you don’t know the expected cost of building a new home, you may be left with an unfinished property or worse, you need to request a loan to finish the property off. This is especially worrisome if your budget goes way above what you can afford. Things to consider in your budget include professional fees for architects, surveys of your proposed site, fees for planning permission as well as the building materials, tradespeople, and any connections you need to make to utilities. Then, of course, there is the cost of decoration and getting the perfect finish for your dream home.
Consider your Layout
If you are building the house of your dreams then sit down and think of the layout for your home. How do you make use of your space at the moment? What additional space do you need? Do you need heated floors? Do you need to consider how you will regulate home humidity? All of these questions are relevant to ensure you plan your home and layout the way that suits you and your lifestyle. It's no good ending up with one big family space when you actually need separate sound-proof space for both adults and children alike.Consider your Storage Needs
Storage space is so important and is often overlooked when it comes to planning a new build. Again take time to consider your needs and incorporate these into the design at an early stage. Remember to think about what furniture and items you have currently and whether you will be changing or adding to these when you move into your new home. This will allow you to future-proof any storage needs you have.
Start from the top-down, considering loft space, wardrobe room, airing cupboard, cleaning items like vacuums and ironing boards and remember to think about the garden or garage and if they'll incorporate any storage space.
Consider your Building Materials
You will want to consider what building materials you utilize for your new build. This is important if you want to ensure your service upkeep is kept to a minimum and that the materials last. You want to make use of building materials that will stand the test of time without having to be replaced regularly which could cost you more money in the long run. It's often worth paying a little more to start with, to ensure longevity.
Consider your Finish
You may want a high-end finish, but this may not be possible as it depends on your budget. You could decide to go for high-end finishes in the kitchen and bathroom which will be used the most. Or you could alternatively mix and match high-end specifications with low budget items. This will help you stretch your budget to ensure you get what you want in terms of finish. It's a good idea to research to see if there are more cost-effective alternatives to what you want such as making use of natural materials or going to a salvage yard to add features that would be unique to your self-build.
These are just a few ideas to think about when you are considering a self-build home. It’s important to recognise that while you may want it perfect and finished in the quickest time, you may actually need to plan the build in stages to get the dream home you desire, on the budget that you have available to you.
Good luck, happy building!
