Self Builders Unite

[faffadoodledo]

I know this has the makings of a ghost thread. There can't be many of us out there. But can we have one?
We've just put an offer in on a plot which currently has a falling down bungalow on it. It's a dream plot though not quite where DH would have liked. We met an architect onsite for our final viewing and he is quite excited in spite of a potentially restictive new neighbourhood plan.
Anyone further along the process than me?
Oh and technically we won't be self builders - there'll be actual builders doing the work!

I’m in my third self build. You are self builders - most people get builders to do the work!

@Runninghappy you sound like you have a self build addiction! Wow! My head is turning somersaults at the thought of our first.
Good to know you've survived two and are poised for a third

Not really! I won’t be doing another after this one. The roof is almost on my current one so I’m almost at the fun part. Make sure your architect knows your budget when he is designing as prices are ridiculously expensive at the moment so you don’t want him to design something you can’t afford to build. Does he work with a planning consultant? They will have more knowledge about the neighbourhood plan, planning restraints etc.

A lot of people are caught out by bats as bat surveys can only be conducted at certain times of the year (think it’s May to September) so may be worth getting that underway. You don’t want to wait, find there are bats and then have to wait 6-9 months to demolish.

Make sure you keep very clear records for your VAT reclaim.

Ah we had a bat problem with our. Barn conversion. Which curiously I don't think of as self build. But I suppose it is!
The architect has suggested a pre planning application as a sensible
move. Good idea I hope!

We're waiting on the planning permission approval - fingers crossed it'll be next month. Our plot has a derelict bungalow to demolish (fortunately no bats!), and we hope to build a replacement 3bed house.

We built our last home 20 years ago, organised trades and project managed ourselves. This time we're using a company for a "flatpack" house, hoping it'll be a smooth process.

Good luck @SunDogMillionaire
Crossing fingers for you!
Would you mine me asking which company you're using? I suspect we'll have to go bespoke because of this blimmin new neighbourhood plan (which has been adopted only in the past few days) and its love of 'vernacular' in a village full of plastic conservatories. But interesting to see the sorts of things goi g before planners at the moment.

You could also look into SIPs. One of my builder friends always uses those. I can’t as my plot backs on to the Thames so it’s too close to water and I prefer traditional builds, but they are good and the house would be built very quickly. You put the panels up and basically build around it.

You will have to build to the new building regs, which are a pain. The old ones were much more lenient! Make sure you register with building control (either with the council or private company) prior to digging your foundations as they need to come out at various points in the build, and one is when your foundations are dug and again when the concrete is poured. Also make sure the site is insured now in case anyone gets in and gets injured and also you will need to register for the warranty. Self build zone are good.

We have just finished our self build. It certainly tested our marriage and I won't be doing a 2nd one!

Where will you live during the build?

Agree with making sure you keep and organise all receipts for the VAT return, we found it a pretty straightforward process but that was because DH was meticulous at keeping all the paperwork.

Plan your kitchen at the earliest stage possible, even before planning if possible, and I mean down to where all the cupboards etc will be. So many people get to the kitchen design stage and wish they had made minor tweaks to their plans to allow for a walk in pantry or to move a window etc.

Expect it to take twice as long and cost twice as much as you originally planned.

I certainly got decision fatigue. I found the kitchen quite enjoyable to plan, but other areas like bathrooms more difficult.

I found loads of local self builds on Instagram, that's where I got most of my inspiration and recommendations for different companies etc.

I'm so glad we're in the house now, but if I'm completely honest, there's part of me that wishes we had just bought a house and done some decorating/put in a new kitchen etc. it would have been considerably less stressful and would not have taken over our lives like the self build did.

I know a couple people who got divorced during the process or shortly afterwards. I’m a single parent anyway and find it easier doing it on my own! Totally agree with the above - make sure you know where everything is going from the start. Then you can make sure the windows are in the right places etc. architects generally go for style and not practicality. Cupboard space etc can often be overlooked.

I love my plot but I do partly regret it as it’s much harder now than when I did my last one. The cost increase is incredible. Most things are double from when I did my last one in 2018/19. Crazy. I definitely wouldn’t do another one now.

Thanks @faffadoodledo We're using Danwood there's a couple that have been built nearby that we've been able to visit as well as the showhouse in Bicester.

We used a standard design, but have modified it to suit us ie increased the size slightly and rejigged the upstairs to give 3 en suite bedrooms.

Fortunately our plot is surrounded by a mix of housing styles, and because the existing bungalow is derelict the neighbours are understanding about it being developed.