New Build

For the privileged few, the opportunity to build a home from scratch is an exciting, expressive but pretty daunting experience.

Popular TV shows like channel 4′s Grand Designs highlight some of the most ambitious and imaginative self-build projects undertaken and have inspired more and more people to take the plunge and create their own dream home.

They say what can be imagined can be achieved, and that’s certainly true when it comes to building a new home. If you have the vision – and the funds – in theory you can be as creative and inventive as you want or dare to be.

Of course your plans will have to adhere to building regulations and planning permission, but in return you’ll be able to build a totally bespoke property and a home far more spacious and luxurious than the majority of unimaginative and repetitive houses currently being built by housing developers. Developers whose only goal it seems is to knock up as many characterless new builds as quickly as possible using the least amount of land.

How to go about your new build project

• Find a suitable plot of land – which can be a difficult task in itself. Check out the local estate agents, search the Internet and drive around the local area – these are all viable methods to help you find that elusive perfect plot of land.

• Commission a design from an architect – ideally try and find a firm that is experienced in new builds and is fully aware of the pitfalls and perils associated with this type of project.

• Make sure you’re on top of planning permission requirements – there’s a lot of rules and regulations that come in to play when building a new property. An architect will be able to help in this area, particularly when it comes to lodging applications. But it’s always best to do your own research, so get in touch with your local authority to find out where you stand.

• Source a suitable builder – as with an architect, finding the right builder for the job is extremely important.

Why it can pay to build your own home

Make no mistake; building your own home is hard work, stressful and all-consuming. The construction can be slow – influenced not least by the elements – and it’s a huge commitment. You may even find yourself having to embrace caravan living in the long term, as it’s quite common to sell the family home and move into a caravan on the plot of land you’ve purchased to erect your dream home. Obviously it’s a way to free up cash, but living in situ also reduces the amount of site insurance you’ll pay.

However, in the case of new builds you really do get out what you put in. With time, persistence, enthusiasm and hard work, at the end you’ll be left with a tailor-made space and a truly bespoke and individual home that reflects your lifestyle down to a tee. Not to mention a property that’ll be worth considerably more than it cost to originally build.

Furthermore, a new build property has the potential to be highly energy efficient, utilising a wealth of renewable energy technologies such as solar PV and heat pumps making it all the more cost effective.

At Builder Guide we have many registered building experts capable of carrying out all aspects of the job to your requirements and specifications.