Self build house

Phil_rich

Afternoon all,

Sorry if this is the wrong place but I am interested to find out peoples experiences for building your own homes. We have a plot of land we could build on but have not even thought about a design yet.

So is there anyone out there who has built their own? How did it go? did you design yourself or use an architect?

Any more thoughts then please do post them up as I am fasinated to hear about them.

Thanks

Phil

Debt_Free_Chick

Phil_rich wrote:

We have a plot of land we could build on but have not even thought about a design yet.

First thing that springs to mind .... do you have planning permission to build a residential dwelling on the land?

fbrj

Phil_rich wrote:

Any more thoughts then please do post them up as I am fasinated to hear about them.

Thanks

Phil

I don't have any first-hand experience at self build - but I believe these people have a good reputation.

http://www.potton.co.uk/

Phil_rich

Debt_Free_Chick wrote:

First thing that springs to mind .... do you have planning permission to build a residential dwelling on the land?

We have spoken with the planning office who seem to think there would be no problem with getting permission. But before we can apply we need to think of a design so I can do some drawings that we could submit.

Acc72

Interesting thread.

I have been thinking about self build myself - unfortunately, the biggest problem is finding the land !!

How did you go about finding and securing your plot ? - did you use one of the many internet sites or land agents ?

Debt_Free_Chick

Phil_rich wrote:

We have spoken with the planning office who seem to think there would be no problem with getting permission. But before we can apply we need to think of a design so I can do some drawings that we could submit.

You can submit an application for "outline" planning permission, which will tell you whether you are likely to get a 5 Bed "executive mansion" or a simple "2 bed cottage". You don't need detailed plans for this, but you will get "planning permission, in principle".

You will later need to submit more detailed plans, but there seems (to me) to be no point in spending money asking an architect to draw up plans for a "5 bed executive mansion" if you are going to be limited to a "2 bed cottage".

As you seem to have opened a dialogue with the planners, you could ask them what is likely to be acceptable.

To be honest, without knowing what the planners would approve - or reject - I think any money spent on an architect is probably overkill, at the moment.

You need a feel for the scope of the property, so I'd suggest you speak to planning again.

HTH

lush_walrus

Phil_rich wrote:

We have spoken with the planning office who seem to think there would be no problem with getting permission. But before we can apply we need to think of a design so I can do some drawings that we could submit.

Well that depends really on how you want to approach it. I am an architect, so I won't comment either way on whether you should have an architect or not!

But, the first thing to check is what the land use is listed as, just call the planners for that one. If it is anything other than residential use listed at the moment, then your first step will be to apply for change of use. There is a fee attached to that, but you will not require a design as such.

Then unless you are in a rush, or want to proceed at risk wait until the usage has been changed.

Just for your info, do not ever go on what the planners say in a casual conversation like that, it really is no indication. If you do not need to change the use, the next step I would recommend would be to ask for a pre application meeting on site. Then meet them, and discuss a rough idea of size of dwelling, postiioning within the land, if you have any idea of whether you want it to be a bunglow or block of flats tell them and then you will get a better idea of what their objections will be. On the phone like that you really will get a generic answer, not one that will ultimately help you at all, other than you have got.

If you don't get an architect on board, you will need someone to both design and draw for you later on. A good architect will be more than capable of assessing the planning restraints for you pre drawing any design. Architects are experienced in planning, and some specialise in getting difficult cases through planning (the thing you need to remember is that if you can prove that it doesnt go against their policy, then you are in with a good chance of getting the size you want). There are plenty of documents that are produced by local authorities with regards to what they are encouraging within the borough at any particular time (search your borough and UDP it will bring their current document up for you). There are some design and build type companies that offer off the shelf pre- fab units that may be an option. And there are some builders who offer the service, but really it comes down to whether you are building your drema house or something Barrett homes as to which route you choose.