It is the dream of many builders to create their own dream home from scratch. It can be a daunting task but one that can be well worth the time and effort expended. It is important to know what you’re getting yourself into and plan carefully to ensure the project is a success.
You should begin by knowing exactly what you want and need from a property. Consider the future as well as your current ones. For instance, if you plan to start a family, your house will be different from the one you might build if you plan to remain child-free. This article will discuss some of the most important things you should know when building your dream house.
Find The Right Plot Of Land
Many plots of land are available in the UK, and choosing the right one for your home is vital. You should consider the amenities nearby, the transport links and the location of friends and family. Put careful thought into the size of the plot and the type of land available. It is a good idea to find out about the local area’s geography so that you can build your home with that in mind. For instance, if the area experiences a lot of flooding, you should factor this in when building a house.
Choose An Experienced Architect
You will need an architect to design you a home that will be structurally sound and likely to receive planning permission. Look for architects with experience building private homes and review their portfolios to get a feel for their work. You should have a thorough discussion with the architect you choose to ensure they understand your requirements and can design the right property.
Get Planning Permission
You will need planning permission from the local council before any work can begin. Planning permission can be a lengthy process to achieve, so it is best to start the ball rolling as soon as you can. It can also help to talk to your future neighbours about your plans, as objections from neighbours can delay or derail planning permission applications entirely. Talk to neighbours before you submit your plans so that you can make any amendments.
Be Prepared For Hard Work
As a builder, you will understand the hard work that construction can be. It can feel even more daunting when your own property is under construction, so you should be prepared for the disruption. If you are working while you construct your property, you will have to spend evenings and weekends on the project, so make sure you don’t overextend yourself.
Take Out A Warranty
Taking out a warranty on your construction can give you some much-needed peace of mind and help to reduce insurance costs in the future. You should look for Self-Build Warranty from a reputable company like BuildSafe, which will protect you in the event of major structural damage in the future. This can also be beneficial if you plan to sell the home in the future, as many lenders will view the warranty positively when considering whether to approve a mortgage.
Think About The Items You Want In Your Home
Most people moving into a new home will have to ensure the furnishings they have will fit into the existing property. As someone constructing their own property, you will not have this constraint. You should consider what kind of furniture you want in the property and ensure the dimensions are suited to the things you want.
Know That You’ll Make Some Mistakes
No one that builds their own home comes out of the process without making one or two mistakes. Some may be minor, like realising the wallpaper you’ve chosen makes the living room too dark, while others could be more significant. Some mistakes may end up working out better than your original plan, so it is important not to get too hung up on things that go wrong. Fixes can always be done, and mistakes are rarely the end of the world.
Understand Your Own Limitations
Certain work should only ever be undertaken by experienced and qualified professionals. As a builder, you will have many of the skills needed to do a lot of the work on building your dream home, but you should be aware of the work you cannot do. Work like electrical wiring, plumbing and gas installation should only ever be attempted by trained professionals.
Be Realistic With Your Budget
Construction on a property can often run off-budget. It is crucial to avoid going over budget or setting an unrealistic budget. Carefully review your finances and any kind of financing you could obtain. Avoid taking out loans that will be too much of a strain on your finances in the future. Work out a budget that you can afford without struggling.
