Self build - where to start?

Swarmmover987

We have finally decided that we cannot find the house of our dreams. We are considering finding a plot and commissioning our own self build.

I would love to hear any experiences of this. Where do you start? It feels quite overwhelming. Do I find an estate agent? An architect? What comes first. We are in the East of England if that makes a difference.

I would appreciate any recommendations on architects.

dimbo61

Pick up a few self build magazines from WHSmith.
Look for the plot first and save, save, save.
They also do self build shows 

ProDave

Go and register at the buildhub forum https://forum.buildhub.org.uk/

A site dedicated to self builders.

(I have just completed my second self build)

FreeBear

Hopefully, Doozergirl will be along shortly to answer all your questions...

Finding a suitable plot would be high on the list, then locate a decent architect.

theartfullodger

Where to start?  Foundations usually

Doozergirl

FreeBear said:

Hopefully, Doozergirl will be along shortly to answer all your questions...

Finding a suitable plot would be high on the list, then locate a decent architect.

Where to start, indeed.  At the beginning of a processed filled with a few large decisions, but mainly a hundred thousand tiny ones!  

The plot is key.  It could take a long time to find it.  There's a specific 'plotfinder' website that you can subscribe to. It has some plots that you don't see on the open market.  

I'd recommend reading every possible copy of Homebuilding & Renovating. 

And seeing of your local authority has a register for people looking for self build plots.  They should have one and be looking to create space for them. 

Architect - you're goong to get a feel for styles, but in the East of England go and have a look at the Potton showhomes for a start.  They're somewhere near Cambridge, I think and have several house styles on site.  They are custom built so you'll very quickly get an idea for cost. 

You can go off piste with another architect once you get your head around the ones that will package everything up for you - it's far better starting to have an idea of costs before asking a random architect to design you something that you maybe can't afford.     If they don't build the things, they often have strange ideas about what things cost (or don't really care).  

So much homework to do... 

Swarmmover987

Thank you so much, that has really given me a lot to think about and get started.

[Deleted User]

I looked into this but it's often more expensive to self build than to buy. If it was cheaper I'd jump at it, but land anywhere good costs nearly as much as a house anyway and the build cost for a one-off is usually more than buying a similar house.

I thought it would be cheaper with a factory built house but it seems not.