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.
When selecting an architect or builder, ensure they have prior experience with the type of design you want. While familiarity can foster good communication, as seen with Colin (the architect), experience in executing unconventional designs is crucial for success.
While aesthetic considerations are important, ensure that the design serves your family’s functional needs over time. For instance, think about room placement relative to views, privacy, and usability.
Changing designs or major components after construction has started can introduce delays and additional expenses. Finalising designs upfront keeps the project on track.
Balancing your personal responsibilities, work commitments, and building hours can be challenging. Create a realistic schedule that allows for all your obligations, and communicate with family and partners about your time away.
Spend time interviewing multiple architects to find one who understands your vision and respects your budget constraints. Consider their past projects and seek references from previous clients regarding budget management and overall satisfaction.
Incorporating sustainable practices and materials from the outset can create a more efficient and environmentally friendly home in the long term, even if the initial build appears more complex.
Construction delays are common, especially in complex projects. Build in flexibility to your timeline and do not set rigid completion dates without contingency plans.
Before starting your project, create a comprehensive budget that accounts for all potential costs, including contingencies. Tom’s project ended up being three times over budget, indicating the importance of thorough financial planning.
When choosing materials and design, factor in the surrounding environment. Using local materials that blend aesthetically with the surroundings can enhance the home’s integration into the landscape and appeal to future buyers.
Consider creating adaptable spaces that can evolve over time. Alan’s design intentionally included movable internal walls, demonstrating how future needs can be accommodated through thoughtful design.
Treat the build process as a learning opportunity. Engaging with subcontractors not only enriches your own understanding but can also strengthen the team dynamic, adding value to the project.
Choose materials that balance cost, speed, and energy efficiency. Andrew and Deborah used concrete-filled polystyrene (Beco) walls, which allowed for faster construction and increased insulation despite initial concerns about their structural integrity.
Maintain consistent communication between all parties involved—builders, family, and suppliers. As Jimmy became less involved, issues arose, demonstrating the importance of staying organised and informed throughout the build.
Consider how to incorporate modern conveniences in your design. The couple added high-tech systems to make the impractical home functional, highlighting the importance of blending old structural beauty with modern living requirements.
Building a home is an emotional journey. Allow yourself to experience the joy of constructing a space tailored to your family’s needs and aspirations.
Large windows and open-plan designs can significantly improve the ambiance of a previously dark and cramped space. Prioritise designs that enhance natural light and connect with nature.
Recognise your limitations. For specialised tasks (like installation of solar panels or large glass sections), hire professionals instead of trying to do it yourself, as mistakes can be costly.
While aesthetics are important, Prioritise practicality in layout and design. Ensuring your family can use every space efficiently will contribute to overall satisfaction with your home.
Ensure that fresh air can circulate throughout the house, especially in areas that may become stale due to limited external openings. A heat recovery ventilation system can be a great addition to maintain air quality and comfort.
Building a home is an evolving process—stay open to changes as work progresses. Flexibility can lead to better outcomes when realising the practicalities of construction.
Living in a space before finalising finishes allows for better-informed decisions regarding design and functionality. Adrian and Megan only completed their kitchen and other interior details after living in the house for a while, ensuring that the space fit their lifestyle.
Building timelines can be optimistic. Anticipate possible delays with materials and labour; this is especially true for complicated builds or when supply chains are impacted (e.g., during the COVID-19 pandemic).
While building can be stressful, it’s also a creative journey. Celebrate milestones along the way and find joy in the transformation of your space.
While flexibility in design can be liberating, being too permissive may lead to chaos and a lack of cohesive vision. Know when to apply structure to maintain harmony in the project.
Learn from each stage of the building process, treating challenges as opportunities for creativity and innovation in design.
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.
If you have any construction or DIY skills, leverage them throughout the build. Taking an active role can save costs and help you develop a deeper understanding of the construction process.
When costs spiral, don’t be afraid to modify designs for practical and budgetary reasons. Complex designs may appear attractive but can quickly become unmanageable and costly. Simplifying aspects like roof designs or using standard components can keep a project on track.
Depending on the quality of materials, finishes, and workmanship, the overall success of the project can hinge on details that create lasting impressions of beauty and function.
Each build is unique, and there will be moments of trial and error. Document what works and what doesn’t to improve your understanding for your next project.
The Iredales camped in a caravan during their build. Plan your project timeline based on seasonal weather conditions, as construction delays can occur due to adverse weather.
The pressure of balancing work, family, and their build project strained their relationship at times. Clear and supportive communication is essential to navigate stressful situations together.
Keep meticulous records throughout the build process, including contracts, communications with consultants, and details of negotiations. This will safeguard you in case of disputes.
A major building project can strain relationships. Be prepared for stress and discuss how to manage it together. This can help maintain harmony during the build.
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.
Equipment like insulation, plumbing, and electrics are foundational. Do not sacrifice these critical components to save money, as ignoring them can lead to much larger problems down the line.
Document and celebrate important moments during the build process, whether it’s breaking ground or finishing the roof, to keep morale high and maintain enthusiasm for the project.
Consider incorporating eco-friendly design elements, such as high insulation standards and renewable energy sources. This not only benefits the environment but can also reduce long-term energy costs.
View setbacks as learning opportunities. The process may not go as planned, but flexibility and resilience can lead to innovative solutions and improvements.
Building a home can be emotionally and financially taxing. Prepare for the stress involved, and set aside time for family discussions about the emotional impact of the build.
Seek help and advice from friends or acquaintances who have experience in building or home design. Their insights might provide solutions to challenges you face during the process.
Leverage your support networks and involve family and friends during your build. Davi and Matt credited their support system as part of their journey, emphasising the importance of collective effort in high-stress projects.
Set a realistic and detailed budget that includes all anticipated expenses. Allow a contingency fund for unexpected costs, as it’s common for budgets to be exceeded.
Above all, be prepared for challenges and complexities; the journey of self-building can be challenging but rewarding. Maintaining a positive, adaptable attitude will help overcome the inevitable hiccups along the way.
Where possible, engage local tradespeople and builders who understand regional building practices and conditions to ensure both quality and compliance with local regulations.
After moving in, observe how the building performs in terms of energy efficiency and comfort. Understand that some systems (like the wind turbine) may not provide immediate results, and adjustments may be necessary later.
Keeping a record of the ups and downs can provide invaluable insights for future projects. It also offers a meaningful perspective on your journey once the project is completed.
While passion for a project can drive you through challenges, Recognise that such a journey can also be stressful. Balancing emotional investment with practical considerations is essential.
Familiarise yourself with local building regulations and restrictions prior to selecting design elements. Jane had to adjust her roof design to comply with UK standards, showcasing the importance of knowing local requirements.
Before finalising design choices or materials, perform small tests or look for local examples. For instance, ensure that the insulation or finish you choose performs well in your local climate.
I also create frameworks to help deconstruct the process and provide tools that can help get over project sticking points.
