Has anyone here ever tried to build a whole house before?

[meadowlarks]

First post; I just wondered if anyone could share my pain. I'm 8 months into the biggest spend I'll ever make, living in a caravan with only builders and an irritable DP for company. The only thing that stops me throwing it all in is the thought of seeing my plans materialise. I'll be so glad when this is over!

Haven't done it myself but meet quite a few people who have through work (I write about property and design). It never fails to amaze me when people live on site in caravans (sometimes with children too) - most people say it was hell but it does become worth it. Quite a few say that they would do it again so I hope that is some comfort. Good luck with it - what sort of house are you building?

I have, twice..... it is worth it in the end

Lived in the smallest satic caravan with a newborn for 2 years. Moved out into the renovation, moved back out into caravan for another year. Moved into house. When pregnant will DS2 moved out of house into adacent property - modern - perfect. House completely gutted again.

The joys of frozen water pipes, blocked sewage, dirt and dust, freezing cold, rocking in the wind then frying in the summer.

Never would I never do this again I think I lost 4 years of my life!

Newbuild is better than renovation as there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Our farmhouse needs prob another £60k and never have the time. To be quite frank I'd be happy to bomb it and forget it.

8 months is a walk in the park!

should have said I never lived in a caravan

I haven't personally, but my friends parents have gutted and renovated properties for as long as I have known them. I think they're in their 4th house now and they have lived in some really basic conditions.

Their last project had them living in a shed at the end of the garden over winter. I remember sitting in the shed for a cup of tea and a chat with my friends mum while she filled a tin bath with pots and ketles of boiling water for her evening bath! It took about 4 hours to fill the bloody thing for a half hour bath! Also everything they ate had to be microwavable.

Their houses have all been beautiful and unique in their own ways and I'd have been over the moon to have lived in any of them. I think it's a real labour of love thing and the thing to keep in sight is the end result and how you'll feel once you're living in your beautiful home and the caravan is but a distant memory.......!

I have done it including the unspeakable living conditions, appalling overspends, expensive disasters, tears and tantrums - and would do it again in a trice. Unfortunately had to sell the dream home when we got divorced...

It WILL finish and it WILL be fantastic and you will live happily ever after.