Pre-Fabricated House Self Build

pennypincher64

Hi everyone. I'm exploring self building and using a reputable pre fab company (any suggestions would be great). Not sure whether to buy a plot or a derelict building that has already got access to utilities. Not sure how it all works but I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or advice please? 

Thank you

lincroft1710

It won't be cheap! 


Professional developers are always on the lookout for potential sites and they tend to get their money back by either squeezing 2 or more dwellings on to the plot or building 5/6 bed detached mini mansions.


If you haven't already you need to read at least a couple of relevant books on self build, preferably at least one by someone who has been through the process. As it's a pre-fab, you need to discuss your intentions with the local planners as some have negative attitudes to anything non traditional 

ProDave

Where in the country are you?  Some places are easy and cheap to find a building plot, others are near impossible and very expensive.

Have a look at the buildhub forum specifically for self builders.

I have just finished my second self build in Scotland.

FreeBear

Much easier to get planning permission if the plot has already got a building on it. With virgin sites, PP is not always guaranteed.

pennypincher64

Thank you everyone. Super helpful so far. 

pennypincher64

lincroft1710 said:

It won't be cheap! 


Professional developers are always on the lookout for potential sites and they tend to get their money back by either squeezing 2 or more dwellings on to the plot or building 5/6 bed detached mini mansions.


If you haven't already you need to read at least a couple of relevant books on self build, preferably at least one by someone who has been through the process. As it's a pre-fab, you need to discuss your intentions with the local planners as some have negative attitudes to anything non traditional 

I was thinking that regarding the negative attitudes so thanks for reiterating that. I might pick up a book or two then actually, thank you. That development concept is a big reason why I want to do this... The house I'm in is nice but the partition wall and privacy could be much better. 

pennypincher64

ProDave said:

Where in the country are you?  Some places are easy and cheap to find a building plot, others are near impossible and very expensive.

Have a look at the buildhub forum specifically for self builders.

I have just finished my second self build in Scotland.

Congrats on your two self builds. I'm in the north east of Ireland. I will check out buildhub for sure. Every so often a good plot comes up, sometimes a run down home which is cheap and I would ideally just replace with a high quality pre fab (I get I'm simplifying it)

pennypincher64

FreeBear said:

Much easier to get planning permission if the plot has already got a building on it. With virgin sites, PP is not always guaranteed.

That's really helpful to know thank you I was thinking that. Great advice 👍

hpsauce86

There’s lots of information on the national custom and self build associations (NaCSBA) website.

pennypincher64

hpsauce86 said:

There’s lots of information on the national custom and self build associations (NaCSBA) website.

Brilliant, thank you, I will check that out 😄 I appreciate the advice. Has anyone any ideas on what to be wary of?

user1977

I would consider what future buyers/lenders will be looking for - often a general concern about any non-conventional build methods or a lack of "normal" newbuild warranties if selling within the first ten or so years (fairly frequent type of query here on the latter point).