How to create your dream self-build home

Is it your ultimate dream to one day design and live in a home that you’ve created yourself? But perhaps the thought of going into the unknown is putting you off making it happen?

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the journey of a self-build project so you can easily see the steps you need to follow in order to turn your dream into a reality!

Find the plot

Some people find the first step the hardest part. Finding the perfect location for your dream home can take time, and it’s important that you take the time to explore all these options rather than rushing into the first thing that you find. Think about what is most important to you. Do you want to be far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, or do you want to be in the countryside but only a short car journey away from local amenities, such as shops and restaurants? There are various different online search functions that can help you find the land for your project, such as PlotSearch which offers a free subscription. 

Get your finances in order

Funding is crucial when it comes to executing your own self-build project. Not only will you need to have the money upfront to buy the plot of land, you’ll also need a pot of money to build, renovate and furnish the property.

Finding out how much money you can borrow is the first step to sorting your finances out. Mortgage Advice Bureau can help you find the right self-build mortgage that allows you to create the home you’ve always dreamt of.

Be in control of your budget

Once you have your finances in order, the next important thing is to control the budget very carefully. If budgets and costings aren’t managed properly, self-builds can soon turn into money-pits, which is why they require expert planning from the outset.

Keep a record of all your expenditure and add to it as you go along. Receipts and invoices get lost along the way so it’s always a good idea to keep an electronic record of these.

It’s also important to have a contingency fund in place, just incase things don’t go to plan. You should be very strict and not touch this money, incase you really, really need it. If at the end of your project you haven’t had to use it, you can always put it towards upgrading the furnishings.

Find an architect

You can either choose to go for a package that includes the design and build of your home, or you can find an architect and a separate builder. Whichever you decide, it’s important that you determine from the outset whether they can do exactly what you want.

Planning permission and approval

Before you can start any work on your project, you need to have the correct planning permission, including building control approval. Now is also a good time to consider what insurances and protection you might need to take out. Your contractors/builders will already have their own insurances but you may still need to take out your own insurance from your provider.

Prepare the groundworks

You’ll need to prepare the ground for the work that’s to commence. Sorting out the groundworks includes clearing the ground of any vegetation, plants, weeds etc. and digging out the trenches. Either your ground worker or contractor would carry out this work, followed by any drainage that is needed.

Start building

Now the groundworks are sorted you can start with the exciting bit - the actual building of your home. The creation of your house will typically follow these stages:

1. Foundations
2. Wind and weather tight (roof, doors and windows in)
3. First fixing (electrics, carpentry, plastering)
4. Second fixing (electrics)
5. Final decoration

You’ve done it!

Well done! You’ve made it through to the end and now you can sit back, relax and enjoy all your hard work. And if you have any energy left, you can spend it putting those finishing touches to your decor.

Here at Mortgage Advice Bureau, we offer mortgages for all circumstances, including those that are a bit more specialist, like self-build.

For expert advice from BuildStore Mortgage Services on how to finance your self-build or renovation project, please complete the enquiry form by clicking here and we will introduce you to our specialist self-build mortgage brokers, BuildStore Mortgage Services.

Alternatively, you can download Buildstore's Self-Build Finance Brochure here.