That’s why we created this guide to demystify self-build costs, planning and more...
There are several factors to consider when outlining the cost of self-build homes...
The first step is finding a plot of land to build on, as this can help you to plan your budget. There are many ways to find land for self-build homes, from plotfinding websites to property auctions. You should also make sure you’re on the self-build register with the local authorities.
Arranging the finance for your self-build house is crucial. You might decide to pay via a lump sum or by the sale of your current home. There’s also the option to apply for a self-build mortgage.
Before you start on the design phase, you’ll need to plot out a specific budget to adhere to. This will cover a variety of expenses, including everything from the initial site investigation and demolition to developing the substructures, walls, flooring, heating and insulation, among many other costs.
Make sure you factor in a contingency of around 10-20% of your overall budget. You should also factor in expenses such as the stamp duty tax, any legal fees, as well as the costs of setting up plumbing and electricity.
Once you’ve factored in all your costs, it’s time to get to the nitty-gritty of self-building your home...
Before you start building your property, you should ensure that you’ve been given proper planning permission. You’ll also need to meet the requirements for building control approval, as well as any other specialist permissions.
An architect can help you ensure your property fits within local authority guidelines, along with any other regulations you should follow. You should also make sure you have self-build insurance before developing your property.
The right architect can turn your dream home into a reality. Don’t be tempted to settle for the first architect you come across, instead give yourself time to choose an architect who aligns with your vision.
Once everything is in place, it’s time to hire builders and contractors to work on your project. You might decide to manage the self-build yourself, or hire a project manager to handle this time-consuming work.
The plot will need to be prepared for building, and you’ll need to choose a construction method – which could be anything from brick and block to structural insulated panels.
When the building’s complete, it’s time to check for any last issues through the ‘snagging’ process and make sure you get a completion certificate from building control. If your property is intended as your main residence, you could also claim back VAT.
Self-building your home can be a complex task, which is why it’s important to have an experienced architect on hand to make the process run smoothly.
At CODA Bespoke, we have over 40 years of collective experience in creating show-stopping self-build homes. With RIBA accreditation and whole host of awards under our belt, we’re the perfect choice to bring your vision to life. Contact our helpful team today to get started on your self-build journey.
If you’re looking to build an eco-friendly home, then you might have heard of the term “passive house”, also known as passivhaus. But what do these terms mean and how do they differ?
And, more importantly, how can building a passive house benefit you and the environment? Read on to learn more...
So, what exactly is the difference between these two terms? Well, they actually have the exact same meaning. “Passive house” is simply the translation of the original German term “passivhaus”.
Passivhaus is a construction concept that is used to plan and create new homes that are both energy-efficient and eco-friendly, without cutting back on comfort and affordability. It also refers to the set of building standards that need to be followed to produce these uber enviromentally-friendly properties.
To be classed as a passive house, your new-build home will need to meet these set criteria:
The energy required to heat (or cool) the rooms should not exceed 15 kWh/m2 per year within the living space. This is also limited to 10 W/m2 at peak demand.
This should be renewable, with the total energy for domestic applications (hot water, heating and domestic electricity) not exceeding 60 kWh/m2 per year within the living space.
Passive houses should be extremely airtight, limiting the number of air changes within the living space by a maximum of 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals of pressure.
Passive homes need to be comfortable to live in through all the seasons. So, the living spaces should not exceed 25°C for more than 10% of the year.
Whether you’re interested in small passive house plans or a giant passivhaus construction, there are five key principles that should be incorporated into the design...
The insulation in a passive house should allow the property to hold in as much heat as possible. This means that all the opaque components of the property’s exterior should be covered in the insulation, without interruption, where possible.
Thermal bridges should be avoided. These occur where one of the external materials is less well-insulated than the rest. Special care should be taken with any corners or edges of the property.
Windows with high energy-efficiency should be used, as windows are often a point of weakness for letting out heat. Using windows with low-e glass coatings can help to reduce heat transfer.
Airflow between the interior and exterior of the property should be minimised during the construction of the property.
You can learn more about the specific requirements of the passivhaus principles on the Passivhaus Institute website.
If you want to build a passivhaus that suits both you and the environment, then you need a passive house architect with extensive experience to guide you through the process.
Whether you have questions about the cost of a passive house or simply want to discuss your plans, get in touch with our experienced team at CODA Bespoke. Or take a look at our extensive portfolio of self-build properties to get a feel for what we create.
