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Original poster

Thinking of self building. Anyone used Border Oak?

26 replies

PictureThis · 20/09/2010 22:07

DH and I have found ourselves in a very fortunate position of possibly being able to build our own home and become mortgage free. I like the look of Border Oak houses and wonder if anyone has any experience of using them.

OP posts:
Sinkingfeeling · 20/09/2010 22:15

No, but am very Envy

rebl · 20/09/2010 22:28

No but there is a beautiful Border Oak house going up on our walk to school. Its so lovely. The frame is up now and I can see how beautiful it is.

Original poster
PictureThis · 20/09/2010 22:42

The houses are beautiful without a doubt and because of that I hope they are a good company to use. It's such a massive undertaking so it's got to be the right company for the job.

OP posts:
frostyfingers · 21/09/2010 08:25

One has just gone up near us - it doesn't seem to take long. They are local to us and are very popular, and do seem well made. You lucky thing. There are other good timber frame companies around too which may be as good and less expensive - have a look in some of the homebuilding magazines, can't remember the exact names as I've given up buying them!

Original poster
PictureThis · 21/09/2010 12:58

thanks Frosty I will. This project is very much still in it's infancy so will keep researching. Problem is we've fallen in love with one of the Border Oak designs and nothing else seems to be comparing to it at the moment.

OP posts:
MollysChambers · 21/09/2010 13:04

Any kit manufacturer will make you a kit to your own specification. If you have a clear idea of what you want get drawings done and put out to a few manufacturers for a quote.

Fizzylemonade · 21/09/2010 13:56

There is a programme with Amanda Lamb called "My Flat Pack Home" it was on one of the property channels on sky, featured about 10 episodes.

One couple used Border Oak.

I can find one episode for you on good old YouTube

It is quite interesting how fast they go up. There is even an episode with an architect who has self built a few times before.

Original poster
PictureThis · 22/09/2010 19:41

Thanks for the link. I'm off to watch with interest.

OP posts:
wigmorewondermum · 08/03/2011 10:42

I believe Border Oak are going to be at the Homebuilding and Renovating Show, at the NEC at the end of the month - I got some free tickets from them, if you give them a call.

I go most years, I think their designs are lovely, to keep dreaming!

One Day!

Monkeytoo · 08/03/2011 14:21

There's a lovely one on the market near us at the moment, it's not quite in the right area for us to buy but very nice and beautifully built.

Ponks · 08/03/2011 23:29

There was a Grand Designs programme with a Border Oak house - Google Ben & Merry - the house looked fab and really high quality. Am very envious if you are lucky enough to have one of their houses!

Haleyco · 27/04/2011 21:59

We have built a border oak home and would thoroughly recommend them. A lovely family company who were a pleasure to work with. I hope your plans come to fruition, please let us know. X

davidwebb1961 · 26/03/2015 07:03

Border Oak!! I would avoid at all costs. The craftsmanship is very good, but their sales team must have so much work that they can be rude and arrogant. They fail to reply to your emails and when pushed reply in an unprofessional manner. I really like the product but the people are pants to work with.

RusselK1 · 12/09/2015 12:13

Hi David webb, endorsing entirely and exactly with what you have said I have embarked on a border oak build that has really been quite a sickening experience. I would like to hear more of your experiences.

Sunnyshores · 12/09/2015 16:50

I think you can spend a weekend in one of their houses. May be an idea to see what the quality is like.

jillwillis · 28/04/2017 22:05

Hi, I've recently moved to a new house which has render on the outside and a red tiled roof. I noticed that lots of the Border Oak houses have grey windows, fascia boards and cream render which look so beautiful with the roof. Would you have any idea of the colours Border Oak uses for their windows and render? Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks! Jill

jillwillis · 28/04/2017 22:07

Hi, I've recently moved to a new house which has render on the outside and a red tiled roof. I noticed that lots of the Border Oak houses have grey windows, fascia boards and cream render which look so beautiful with the roof. Would you have any idea of the colours Border Oak uses for their windows and render? Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks! Jill

Arisaig1 · 27/05/2018 11:37

Does anyone have any experience of building with border oak. We’d want them to do everything - how much do you have to get involved in the build day to day etc

RealityHasALiberalBias · 27/05/2018 12:40

I Worked for Border Oak for a bit, years ago (back when I was temping). They’re a lovely, family company and their buildings are very high quality.

They have project managers who will do everything for you if that’s the way you want to go. Obviously that’s the most expensive way of doing it, but it is an option.

Arisaig1 · 27/05/2018 13:46

Do lots of people go over budget - if you plan with them early on is that avoidable??. If we did it we’d be in a tight budget as we are thinking of buying a plot which is already v pricey. We don’t have the time or expertise to manage it ourselves - any bits we do would be a bonus so we are reliant on them keeping on budget.

Arisaig1 · 27/05/2018 13:48

Hi I saw your review of Border Oak can you give any more feedback - did they manage your whole project /budget well

RealityHasALiberalBias · 27/05/2018 13:55

I didn’t work for them long enough to know whether people often went over budget. Border Oak has been going long enough to stick to a budget I would imagine, and coming from a family of renovators and self-builders I can tell you that what blows budgets is indecision and making changes.

The least expensive way to have a Border Oak home where they are project managing would be to use one of their existing designs and not make significant changes. Or if you do have a custom design, make your decisions at the planning and drawing up stage and stick to them...

LWade · 28/05/2018 19:34

We are about to build another house and have looked at all the options. We've gone for a timber frame, so the groundworks and block work go in, then the timber frame is built of site (Merronbrook) and then the bricklayer and roofers put the tiles on whilst the inside is being finished. I know that it give a brick house look and that might not be what you wanted. I would approach several similar companies and really compare each cost as I know that Border Oak have a big brand name and maybe the costs too match

Arisaig1 · 29/05/2018 06:56

Thanks who are u using?

LWade · 29/05/2018 08:27

meronbrook who just make the frame but they also have a building company who will complete the rest of the house. Flemings also good to speak to.