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.
If your site is hard to access, factor in the challenges of transporting materials. Moving heavy materials across a beach only at low tide required strategic planning, and it was critical to operate within the narrow time window before tides returned.
Ensure adequate insurance coverage for tools and property on-site to mitigate financial loss from theft or accidents during construction.
Self-building is a massive undertaking that requires significant physical and mental energy. If you lack experience in construction, consider hiring an experienced builder or mentor to provide guidance throughout the process.
Understand the emotional journey of building your home. Challenges may arise, but maintaining perspective on the significance of the project can lead to a rewarding experience.
Selecting eco-friendly and locally sourced materials can enhance sustainability while keeping costs down. Research the best insulation and construction materials suitable for your climate and design.
When designing a home for multiple generations, think about the future needs of each age group. The couple designed separate spaces for Nathan’s children and parents, which adds convenience and comfort.
It is stressful even for experienced people.
Maintain open lines of communication with the builders, local community, and suppliers. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings that may cause delays or additional costs.
Be prepared to adapt plans based on the building’s needs rather than fixed ideas. As the condition of the mill became clearer, their plans evolved, revealing the importance of flexibility in such projects.
It’s fine to dream big, but ensure that your ambitions are achievable within your timeline and budget. This helps avoid project fatigue and frustration.
Before adopting innovative building materials such as limecrete and other eco-friendly options, ensure you understand their properties and application requirements. Lack of experience with such materials can lead to costly mistakes.
Understand that achieving a perfect balance of beauty, functionality, and budget is often not possible without compromises. Identify which aspects are essential and which can be adjusted to keep the project within scope.
Recognise that self-building is emotionally and physically demanding. Develop coping mechanisms and systems of support to manage stress, especially if health issues are a factor in your situation.
Before purchasing a rural property, thoroughly investigate any agricultural ties or conditions attached to it. These can greatly influence your lifestyle and financial viability once you move in.
Engaging with the environment surrounding your build can enhance your living experience, as demonstrated by the Randolphs’ plans for a wildflower meadow and lake.
Always prepare for unexpected costs. Rosa and Craig started with a budget of £750,000 but ended up spending around £1.2 million. Including contingencies in your budget can help manage unforeseen expenses.
Consider the long-term sustainability of your materials and methods. Opt for high-performance, energy-efficient solutions to minimise heating and cooling needs, which can lower future living costs.
Striking a balance between design and functionality is crucial. While Andrew embraced modernist design, Deborah Emphasised creating a liveable home, demonstrating the importance of considering how space works for the family.
While setting a budget, anticipate potential overruns from unforeseen complications. Build in a financial cushion for these circumstances, especially for unique architectural features like complex roofs.
Before buying a plot, assess any potential challenges it presents, such as water drainage issues. Instead of seeing obstacles as negatives, consider how they might offer unique opportunities for design (as Dan and Nina did with the pond).
Don’t build a house with a new-born baby. The build needs as much attention as a baby. You’ll be sleep deprived, exhausted and unable to make good decisions. And they’ll be useless at general labour, but they may look cute in a hard hat.
After completing your project, consider sharing your journey with others. Whether through workshops or personal stories, helping fellow self-builders can create a supportive community.
Maintain constant communication with all stakeholders. Regular discussions with architects, builders, and your partner can keep everyone aligned on the vision and expectations.
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.
Keep detailed records of all materials, energy usage, and project statistics. Documentation is not only critical for sustainability compliance but can also affect your ability to move into your home.
If you encounter obstacles, have a strong mindset to keep pushing forward. Fred’s advice of “don’t have a Plan B” Emphasises the importance of commitment and perseverance in realising your self-build dreams.
Consider the ecological consequences when building and restoring the landscape. Patrick’s use of minimal foundations mitigated environmental disruption, showing that it’s possible to build sustainably.
View setbacks as learning opportunities. The process may not go as planned, but flexibility and resilience can lead to innovative solutions and improvements.
When planning unique building projects, engage early with local planning authorities to understand their requirements and gather support. Demonstrating how your project aligns with community and environmental goals can increase the chances of securing planning approval.
Before committing, assess the site condition thoroughly. If it’s near a coastline or prone to harsh weather, be prepared for structural challenges. Tim faced constant battles with saltwater damage and structural integrity issues.
When working with historical structures, maintain detailed records of existing conditions, such as wall measurements and materials. This can be vital when restoring or replicating original features.
If you have other responsibilities (like running a business), ensure there’s a balance between your self-build project and those responsibilities. Neglecting either can lead to unmanageable stress.
Avoid falling into the trap of overly ambitious designs that might lead to financial strain. The journey taught the couple about the value of practical, straightforward designs that fulfil their needs without excess.
Maintain proper documentation of all transactions, including invoices and material orders. This will help manage your budget effectively and keep track of expenses.
Groundwork costs can escalate quickly, especially on challenging sites. Always prepare for worst-case scenarios in your budget, and allocate a buffer for unforeseen expenses related to site preparation.
Stay actively engaged with your designer throughout the process. Collaborate closely to ensure the final design reflects your lifestyle needs.
If opting for a complex architectural design (like the intricate roof), be aware that it may lead to increased costs and construction challenges. Ensure you have qualified professionals managing this aspect of the build to anticipate potential issues.
Aim for a balance between restoration and modern living conditions. While preserving the building’s historical character, ensure that the renovations allow for contemporary functionality.
Understand that finding a suitable plot of land and obtaining planning permission can take years. Monty took four years to find land and an additional two and a half years for planning approval. Patience is crucial.
Combining innovative building techniques with traditional materials can yield positive results. Explore modern insulation and energy efficiency options while maintaining the character of traditional methods.
Lastly, remember that building your home should be enjoyable. Embrace the challenges and have fun creating a space that reflects your family’s unique vibe.
The couple had anticipated finishing their build in nine months, but they ended up taking over 17 months due to various delays. When planning, account for potential setbacks, particularly when managing a construction project alongside full-time work.
Consider how the home’s location affects design choices, particularly regarding natural light and climate. Orientation can play a significant role in energy efficiency and comfort.
Before committing to the use of a specific building material, ensure you understand its properties and whether there are knowledgeable professionals familiar with its application in your region.
Life events (like the birth of a child) and external factors (such as pandemics) can impact your project timeline. Plan timelines carefully and acknowledge potential delays in advance.
Establish a well-defined vision for your build, outlining key design elements and how the house will integrate with the land. Planning is essential to give structure to the building process and to mitigate indecision during construction.
Before going forward with a concept like an uninsulated concrete slab, review all learning and tendencies from case studies similar to your project—perform tests where necessary.
Always allocate a buffer in your budget for unexpected expenses. Celia and Diana exceeded their original budget by £70,000 due to uncontrollable changes and designer choices. This is a common occurrence in self-build projects.
Take the time to research building techniques, materials, and environmental considerations. Kathryn Emphasised that she did extensive reading and sought advice when needed, which helped her make informed decisions throughout her project.
Take modern energy solutions into account. By incorporating features like underfloor heating and insulating lime render, they created a warm, energy-efficient home. Consider landscape and insulation as integral parts of your design.
I also create frameworks to help deconstruct the process and provide tools that can help get over project sticking points.
