Building Our Own

wynnvegas

Hi Folks,

We're seriously considering building our own house. We're probably 4-5 years away from having the cash to kick the project off (I'm keen to avoid getting another mortgage after this one has been paid off) but, with reference to buying land and getting all the various permissions required and then actually planning and getting the thing done thereafter, we really haven't a clue where to start. An ideal would be a project plan template. If anyone has any advice or experience, all comments would be much appreciated.

Does anyone have any decent and reliable links as to where I should start digging for information as my searches thus far have been all over the place and, from the look of some websites, there are plenty people out there who seem more than happy to take advantage of the ignorance that exists in this area.

Thanks,

Billy

chucknorris

wynnvegas wrote: »

Hi Folks,

We're seriously considering building our own house. We're probably 4-5 years away from having the cash to kick the project off (I'm keen to avoid getting another mortgage after this one has been paid off) but, with reference to buying land and getting all the various permissions required and then actually planning and getting the thing done thereafter, we really haven't a clue where to start. An ideal would be a project plan template. If anyone has any advice or experience, all comments would be much appreciated.

Does anyone have any decent and reliable links as to where I should start digging for information as my searches thus far have been all over the place and, from the look of some websites, there are plenty people out there who seem more than happy to take advantage of the ignorance that exists in this area.

Thanks,

Billy

Opps accidently thanked you (not that it matters, I just meant to hit reply). I spent ages looking for a site but was always outbid. Are you thinking timber frame kit or traditional build?

wynnvegas

Hi Chuck,

We're more enthused by the traditional build but not 100% averse to the timber kit notion. We're really only at the stage of planning the room requirements and it's looking like it'll need to a fair bit of space to fit everything we want in - this will doubtless be pared back a good bit when we sit down with an expert.

Thanks,

Billy

Gwhiz

I should hear about 2 plots of land I have offered on this week - so hopefully will be doing this very soon.

All I can say is read, read, read. Get hold of the housebuilding mags (Build It, Self Build Mag and Howebuilding and Renovating) from WH Smiths and a great book to read is The Housebuilders Bible - available at Amazon etc.

Until you know what plot you are building on there is not a lot you can do as the plot, and the planning dept, will dictate to a large degree what you will be able to build.

HOWEVER - you can start to put together a mood board/scrap book of all the things you want in your house (kitchen, bathroom feel, materials, house designs etc) by cutting out pictures in magazines. This will help a good architect understand what you are looking for in a home.

chucknorris

wynnvegas wrote: »

Hi Chuck,

We're more enthused by the traditional build but not 100% averse to the timber kit notion. We're really only at the stage of planning the room requirements and it's looking like it'll need to a fair bit of space to fit everything we want in - this will doubtless be pared back a good bit when we sit down with an expert.

Thanks,

Billy

If you visit the timber frame supplier websites you can look at lots of different designs, they also have costings, not just for the timber frame but also to complete the development, so it will be a good guide for your cost planning.

Potterton is a good one (or at least it was a few years ago)

olias

Try these sites

http://www.homebuilding.co.uk/

http://www.ebuild.co.uk/

http://www.self-build.co.uk/

http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk

Olias

wynnvegas

Thanks Guys,

I'll kick off the reading tonight. Never to early to start dreaming!

Cheers,

Billy