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.
Ensure that basic living needs are addressed as early as possible. For example, having a functional bathroom became a priority, and moving into the new build while it was still a construction site was a strategic way to improve their living conditions.
Keep a stringent timeline in mind and ensure all parties are on the same page about goals to avoid bottlenecks, especially when nearing critical deadlines.
Living in temporary accommodation while building can be challenging. Evaluate your family’s needs and how long you will be living in tight quarters. It’s not just about the inconvenience; it can also affect family dynamics and well-being.
Be genuinely engaged in the built environment, from understanding structural issues during excavation to the details of the finishes. Each step enriches your connection to the home.
Ensure that a detailed, professional structural survey is conducted before purchasing an old property. Initial assumptions can be misleading, and structural integrity issues can lead to significant unforeseen costs and extensive work.
Prioritise the quality of materials, especially in harsh environments. In Andy and Jeanette’s case, high-quality waterproofing components were essential for the longevity of their build.
Rushing to complete a build can compromise quality. Ensure that all details are well thought out and built to the desired standards, even if it means extending the timeline.
Establish direct and open communications with all contractors involved. Misunderstandings can lead to delays and disputes when multiple teams are working together. Regular meetings can help keep everyone on the same page.
Before starting, fully grasp the properties and requirements of your chosen building material—cob, in this instance—especially its dependence on weather conditions for proper setting and curing. Knowledge of the material can help prevent delays in the building process.
Consider using salvaged materials where possible. This not only cuts costs but can add character and history to your build, as well as being more environmentally sustainable.
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.
Be clear about roles in the project, especially when working with partners. The differences in vision between Simon and Jill exemplify the importance of communication and understanding regarding how each person’s preferences are incorporated into the final design.
While attention to craftsmanship is crucial, it’s also important to maintain momentum. Focus on completing the core structure before getting lost in details that can wait until later.
Flexibility can be beneficial in self-building. Plans may need to change based on materials or circumstances, so being adaptable will help you make the best decisions for the project as it progresses.
Utilise online resources, such as instructional videos, to gain knowledge about specific building techniques, especially if you have limited experience. However, ensure that any plans followed are suitable for your specific project.
You can perform simple labour tasks yourself to save money, such as stripping wires ready for second fix or filling Deltalok soil bags for stabilising embankments.
Don’t overlook interior planning; it should run parallel to exterior work. A thoughtful design for interior spaces ensures that aesthetics are coherent and reflective of the chosen architectural style.
Ensure all aspects of your build comply with local regulations and codes to avoid future legal issues or construction setbacks.
Always approach your budget with a sense of reality. Be aware that the final cost can significantly exceed initial estimates, and consider a contingency fund to cover unexpected expenses.
Understand that even with a well-defined schedule, delays can happen. The Iredales had to wait four weeks for their house to arrive after preparing the foundation.
Advanced ordering of materials, like windows and roofing before site preparation, can lead to fitting problems if construction timelines shift. Davi and Matt ordered windows too early, which added pressure and complications during installation.
Find an architect who not only understands your vision but also has expertise relevant to your location and building type. Trust is critical; in this case, the Offleys chose a familiar architect but faced complications when he left the project.
Tailor the design of your home to fit your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. The Iredales’ integration of personal art reflected their passions and made the space truly their own.
Adverse weather can significantly delay progress, as seen with the wet winter that halted building. Self-builders should plan construction phases around local climate conditions and have strategies to manage unexpected delays.
While negotiating costs for materials is important, approach it with caution. Going for the cheapest option can sometimes lead to poor quality, as seen with the roof decision. Ensuring quality should be Prioritised, particularly for crucial components like roofing.
Regular inspections during the construction process can catch issues early. Engage professionals to ensure everything meets code, minimising costly adjustments later.
When working with designers or architects, ensure that all aspects of the design are meticulously thought through, particularly details like load-bearing structures and window placements. Changes during construction can cause delays and additional costs.
Regularly review design samples and materials to ensure they align with your vision. Relying too heavily on contractors’ representations can lead to disappointment if the final result doesn’t match your expectations.
Always conduct in-depth research on the property’s legal and structural aspects before making a purchase, especially with properties at auctions. This can prevent unexpected issues down the line.
Ensure your design accounts for natural light, especially in windowless designs. David and Michelle used roof lights and large south-facing glazed areas to compensate for the lack of front-facing windows, enhancing the internal ambiance.
Even if you avoid worrying family members, maintaining open lines of communication with those directly involved in the building process can help manage expectations and garner support—especially for unconventional projects.
Design should be adaptable to site conditions. The couple’s original ideas evolved throughout the project due to tree root preservation needs and planning feedback. Always have a Plan B for design decisions to avoid last-minute pressures.
Understand when a task is completed and don’t over perfect.
Before making any significant changes, especially those that require permission (like the thatched roof), understand the local building regulations to avoid potential fines or requiring costly demolitions.
Evaluate the accessibility of your building site carefully. If your plot is on a steep hill or narrow route, consider how materials will be delivered and how workers will access the site. Kathryn had to wheelbarrow materials, which required creative solutions to delivery problems.
Lastly, remember to enjoy the process. Building your own home is a significant endeavour that can be rewarding. Embrace the experience rather than just focusing on the end result.
Create areas within the house that reflect your family’s personalities and needs, like the unique central staircase that serves multiple functions, combining aesthetics and utility.
Establish clear communication channels with any contractors or builders. Misunderstandings about architectural drawings or project specifications can lead to costly mistakes and delays.
Juggling project management alongside family responsibilities can be overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to delegate or seek help when needed to maintain balance.
Plan for consistent design choices throughout to create a harmonious space. This can be a mix of colours, materials, and textures that flow well together, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Keep thorough records of all decisions, changes, and expenditures throughout the building process. This documentation can serve as reference material for future projects and help resolve disputes.
Although Richard and Felicia initially relied on their skills and engineering knowledge, their eventual decision to involve an architect proved valuable. Early engagement with professionals can help inform design and safety considerations that may not be obvious to a self-builder.
Always conduct a thorough ground survey before any demolition or construction work begins. Understanding the ground conditions can help properly design foundations and avoid unexpected expenses.
Construction can disrupt neighbours’ lives; maintaining good relationships and open communication with neighbouring properties can help manage expectations and reduce conflict.
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 build process can be overwhelming, so it’s important to celebrate milestones—this can keep you motivated and focused on the project’s ultimate completion.
Ensure clear communication about project requirements with tradespeople to prevent mistakes, such as using the wrong concrete mix, which can lead to costly delays.
Be prepared for risks when engaging in self-build projects, especially in terms of financial investment and timelines. Assess the risks thoroughly and weigh them against the potential benefits.
While it’s important to have a visually appealing design, it must also function effectively as a home. Always keep the practicality of space use in mind to avoid uninhabitable or underutilised areas.
While DIY enthusiasm is commendable, know when to enlist professionals to avoid costly mistakes. The Iredales benefited from professional workmanship, which was evident in the quality of construction.
I also create frameworks to help deconstruct the process and provide tools that can help get over project sticking points.
