Any self builders on here?

Pythagorous

I'm curious what the cost to self-build is like these days? I was interested in going down this route about 5 years ago and it seemed to be around £80/ft for reasonable spec.

Sanddunes_&_Saltyair

I had been going with the rule of thumb that it's about £1000/m2 but I hear that's a bit outdated now and could be more like £1100 -1200. Eeek

Sanddunes_&_Saltyair

I was hoping for some advice about how best to manage self-build bills etc. I was thinking of setting up a new bank account just to keep all costs associated with the build together. Has anyone else managed a build yet and what top tips do you have with regard to money management.

motorguy

Sanddunes_&_Saltyair wrote: »

I was hoping for some advice about how best to manage self-build bills etc. I was thinking of setting up a new bank account just to keep all costs associated with the build together. Has anyone else managed a build yet and what top tips do you have with regard to money management.

I would say allocate a full 20% for contingency up front. You WILL spend more than expected on things you havent even thought of yet.

Also, set aside an amount for siteworks - ie, finishing off the outside of the house. To do the driveway, back yard in concrete, lay the garden, pavers round the house and a patio, gates at the side to the back yard and fencing, we paid out around £23,000 (and that was a number of years ago).

Dont skimp on your heating / insulation. Its not that expensive to give you a lot better insulation in your house which means lower heating bills.

"do your homework" well in advance for each step of the house. A contractor will tell you to do something that benefits him / makes life easier for him, not necessarily what is best for you.