Looking to design and build a house from scratch? You’ll want to get a better idea of what’s involved. Read on as we go through the design, planning and contracting stages that turn your design into a buildable reality.
Your head might be full of creative designs for your new house and that is all part of the excitement when it comes to self-builds. Maybe you have always longed for an open-plan ground floor. Or perhaps you’re hoping to incorporate as many eco-friendly materials as possible.
The best chance you have of your ideas becoming a reality is to consult an architect who knows how to work with their clients to accomplish their vision. Working with an experienced architect will ensure that your house will suit your style and give you the best design for your lifestyle.
When building a house or any other structure, planning permission will be needed if your plan is for a new build or large extension. Provided by local authorities, it allows changes to a building or gives permission for a brand-new structure.
It is essential that you find out if planning permission is needed for your project before you begin. No one wants to have to demolish a house just after it is built due to non-compliance. So, make sure you are following building regulations carefully to avoid this type of disaster.
Using an architect will be valuable when it comes to planning permissions. They will be very au fait with the details of building regulations and will design your house with compliance firmly in mind. With their expertise on your side, you’re much more likely to get approval at the first time of asking.
Choosing the best contractors for your build can’t be overstated. It can mean the difference between the success and failure with the timings and quality of your build.
Ensuring that you have a good rapport and open communication with contractors is essential – especially if you are managing your build personally and will be in touch regularly. There are a million elements to think about when designing and building a house. Coordinating with others involved is vital to ensure that everyone is on the same page and things progress smoothly.
An experienced architect is a great asset when it comes to tendering and finding a contractor. Using contacts from past jobs and connections in the industry, an architect can advise you on reputable contractors and review proposals on your behalf.
The house of your dreams is possible to achieve when you have the right guidance and practical advice. If you are beginning on the road to designing and building your own home, CODA Bespoke are here to help.
As RIBA-accredited professionals, our team can show you how to take your vision through every step of the design and self-building process. Having one of our creative and talented architects involved in your project will make the entire process easier and add value to the end results.
Contact CODA Bespoke today and talk through your requirements with our friendly, knowledgeable team.
Self-building can be a complicated business. The dream of your ideal home designed to your specifications can be derailed very quickly. Progress can be slow, whereas money moves too quickly. How do you guarantee that you won’t run into any issues?
The answer is, you can’t. But by preparing as much as you can before you break the ground on your vision, you are increasing your chances of success. Take a look at these four things you need to figure out before you begin your self-build journey.
Before you even begin your project, plan your budget carefully. Don’t rely on guesses or rough estimates and get quotes for as much of the work as possible. That way you can keep a closer eye on finances as the build progresses.
Remember, the budget can easily get out of control when building your own home. Hidden costs can suddenly appear, from surveyor fees to extra labour costs if there are any delivery delays. Holding tightly to the purse strings isn’t as foolproof as you may think. Having a healthy contingency of 10-20% will ensure that you don’t get stung by unexpected costs.
If you really want to ensure you are being cost-effective, consider getting expert advice from an architect. Consulting an experienced professional on budget can help you stay realistic and keep your project affordable.
How long does it take to build a new home? This is one of the most important questions when someone wants to build a house. But it is also the most difficult to answer as it depends on a multitude of factors.
That said, an average can be estimated, depending on the size of the house. A realistic time frame is around 24 months, from conception to completion. Keep in mind this is just a ballpark estimate and there are factors that you need to take into account:
Having an architect to help you with your self-build can be invaluable. They can keep you on the right track with your budget and support you in sticking to deadlines.
Before you begin your build, it’s important to recognise how many different parties are involved. You will need an electrician, a plumber, kitchen and bathroom fitters, brick layers and a plasterer – to name a few.
A big factor in the success of your project is how you find, select and manage these contractors. If your budget allows and you would prefer to be less hands on, you can employ a project manager to oversee the site schedule.
Around 40% of self-builders manage their house build, the rest preferring instead to employ an experienced builder or company to take care of it for them. There is a lot of coordination involved when employing different tradespeople with various companies. Your project manager will happily take this task on to save you the hassle.
Architects offer invaluable expertise and support when you are self-building. You may want an architect to be involved throughout or hire one only for the design stage. Either way, they have excellent industry knowledge and can advise you on a myriad of areas, including:
The team at CODA Bespoke has over 40 years of experience in designing unique self-build homes. Our RIBA-accredited architects will work to understand your vision and bring your dream home to life. Contact our friendly team today to begin your self-build journey.
