I’m on a road of discovery to build my own house.
To find inspiration I review past builds and share my opinion, picking out the features of the buildings, materials and the process.
This is the largest and longest project I have ever undertaken and there will be many lessons along the way. I’ll be sharing them all and creating them as tips that you can use for your build.
Consider utilising historical building techniques that may not be common in your country. Richard’s use of the timber vault technique, traditionally found in Spain, allowed for innovative construction. Understanding and adopting historical methods can lead to unique and efficient designs.
Take an active role in managing the project to ensure that your vision is realised. If possible, learn about the building process so that you can confidently oversee contractors and tasks.
When setting a budget, consider all eventualities, including unexpected repairs and the costs associated with working on older buildings. It’s prudent to set aside a contingency fund to cover surprises that may arise during the build, such as structural issues or rot in old materials.
Incorporate the necessary plumbing, electrical, and HVAC designs into your plans early on. Using known friends or family for trades can save costs but should be factored into your overall timing and planning.
Construction projects often run late due to a variety of factors such as weather, contractor availability, or design changes. Build in extra time for each stage to avoid frustration.
While it’s crucial to have a budget, constraints can lead to creative solutions. Every building project will encounter unforeseen expenses, so be prepared to adjust your budget rather than adhere strictly to an initial estimate.
Conduct thorough geological surveys before construction. The unexpected hardness of the blue slate bedrock significantly delayed the project and consumed the contingency fund, which led to financial strain.
Be flexible with design changes and understand the ramifications of any adjustments. Chris and Kayo’s mid-project decisions added costs and delays due to needing new engineering drawings.
When modifying the structure (for instance, adding new floors), Prioritise the integrity of the original building. Employing experts for significant structural changes may be necessary to avoid future problems.
Don’t be afraid to learn new skills during your build. As Sarah found, engaging with the construction process can lead to unexpected satisfaction and a deeper understanding of building techniques and processes.
Unexpected issues, especially involving structural elements like basements, can lead to costly ramifications. It’s critical to have financial and legal support in place to navigate these challenges.
Ensure that you have a comprehensive budget that accounts for all potential costs, including construction, materials, and unexpected expenses. Understand how to bridge financial gaps early on, and consider multiple funding sources, such as savings, mortgages, and crowdfunding.
Set a budget, but allow for unexpected costs, especially during complex builds. In this case, the electrical costs doubled. Always have a buffer to avoid financial strain.
Integrate nature into the design. A well-planned garden not only enhances the aesthetic but supports a better living environment.
Always ensure that your insurance policies are current and comprehensive. Review the terms and conditions periodically to avoid unforeseen lapses that could result in significant financial loss.
Strive for a cohesive appearance that integrates both old and new areas. Thoughtful planning regarding materials, colours, and styles can help create a harmonious transition between sections of the build.
The pressure to complete the build within seven months put unnecessary strain on Martin and Kae. It’s vital to allow sufficient time for design, construction, and management of a self-building project, keeping in mind that timings can change.
If your existing structure contains hazardous materials like asbestos, plan for thorough and safe demolition. This can take significantly longer and may involve specialised contractors.
Don’t cut corners when it comes to repairs and reinforcements. Tim chose to replace more structural elements than he initially planned, preferring to do so upfront rather than face bigger issues down the line.
Don’t hesitate to consult professionals when faced with complex engineering challenges. Hiring specialists can prevent mistakes that may cost more than the initial consultation fees.
Keep meticulous records of communications, permits, and budgets. This documentation can aid in tracking progress, establishing accountability, and serving as a reference for future projects.
Before starting your build, ensure your vision is clearly defined. Creating a unique architectural style, particularly one inspired by a specific theme, can lead to challenges if not well-planned and articulated.
Recognise milestones throughout the project to sustain motivation and morale. Each completed phase can be a significant boost, helping to keep the vision alive.
Always allocate a contingency fund that is sufficient for unforeseen costs. When dealing with older buildings, expect that hidden defects (like dampness or structural damage) may lead to unexpected expenses that quickly devour your reserves.
Understand that building a home is a dynamic process that may require adjustments to plans. Be ready to adapt to circumstances as they arise without losing sight of goals.
Remain flexible and open to alternative solutions. When faced with challenges, such as large window deliveries, Kathryn devised creative solutions with her team, showing the importance of adaptability in construction.
Building a home is a demanding journey that can lead to fatigue and frustration. It’s essential to find joy in the process, celebrate milestones, and Recognise achievements along the way to sustain motivation.
Take the time to vet and confirm the reliability of all contractors. Having faith in your team is essential, but be prepared to make changes if things are not progressing satisfactorily.
Building a home takes time and dedication. Be prepared for potential setbacks, and allow yourself to adapt your timeline and expectations accordingly.
Implement energy-efficient systems during the build (like underfloor heating). This will save costs in the long run and make the home more comfortable.
No build goes exactly as planned; setbacks are common. Rosa and Craig faced multiple challenges, including financial strains and construction delays, emphasising the need for patience and resilience.
Always have comprehensive soil surveys performed before construction. Hidden soil conditions can lead to significant delays and cost overruns, as seen in Corinne’s experience with sandier soil.
While it’s important to stay true to your vision, be open to adjustments. Flexibility can lead to creative solutions that may enhance your home’s design.
Always include a contingency in your financial plan to cover unexpected expenses that may arise during construction. As seen in this project, costs can escalate due to unforeseen conditions or changes, like the additional £50,000 for soil stabilisation.
Throughout the build process, take time to appreciate the milestones achieved. This helps maintain motivation and morale during long projects.
Restoration often requires negotiation and compromise, particularly with local authorities and conservationists. The Benetts had to adapt to planning restrictions regarding the height and materials used in their restoration, teaching future builders that flexibility is important in achieving their vision.
Lastly, embrace the joy of building and the unique challenges it entails. Maintaining a positive attitude and having fun throughout the building process can enhance the overall experience and create memorable moments.
Engaging directly in the build process can be rewarding. Celia and Diana found value in working alongside their construction team, which not only allowed them to learn but also fostered a sense of ownership over their home.
Before starting any renovation or build, especially in the case of historical or scheduled monuments, check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions. This can prevent unforeseen issues later on.
Spend ample time planning your build, from the initial concept to detailed architectural drawings. Proper planning can help identify potential challenges before they arise, minimising frustration later in the process.
Planning permission can be unpredictable. Prepare for a lengthy process and be ready for potential pushback from council officials who may not immediately understand your design concept. A proactive approach (like pre-planning talks) can help smooth the way.
Consider the lifestyle you want to create with your family when designing your home. Create spaces that allow you to feel connected while also providing privacy where needed.
Living on-site during renovations can be daunting; the Del Tufos ended up in a caravan for two years. Mentally prepare for longer timelines than initially expected and strategise ways to maintain comfort during the construction phase.
Having deadlines like growing family needs or a marriage can help push a project to completion.
Maintaining open lines of communication with your partner (or team) is vital, especially when juggling responsibilities. Regularly update each other on progress, challenges, and decisions to maintain mutual understanding and support.
A lengthy build can be taxing on your mental health and personal relationships. Prioritise open communication with family and partners and allocate time for relaxation to maintain balance throughout the project.
Construction schedules are often affected by weather conditions. It’s important to have patience and prepare for inevitable delays by building some flexibility into your timeline.
Always budget for unexpected costs and challenges. Excavation and foundational work can often consume a larger portion of your budget than anticipated, so add a contingency fund to your initial budget.
When working with new materials or approaches (like lime wash), test on a small scale to understand their behaviour and appearance under different conditions before widespread application.
Invest in energy-efficient options from the beginning. The integrity of a passive building relies on high-quality insulation and airtight construction. Consider the materials and systems (e.g., triple glazing, heat recovery systems) to enhance energy efficiency.
I also create frameworks to help deconstruct the process and provide tools that can help get over project sticking points.
