Jump to content

Help me define "self-build"?


Ferdinand

2255 views

A topic which has been done to death, but student @Lakeside has come up with a short and sufficiently general definition that to me it covers recognised categories of self-builder.

 

Quote

Within my research I have created a definition of a self builder which is as follows:

 

1. they have acquired the land.

2. the risk ultimately lies with the owner.

3. the self-builder is going to live in the property. 

 

 

It is quoted from this thread.

 

(* What does the piccie of 2 cats shooting a cannon have to do with the topic. Nothing. Explosive debate?)

15 Comments


Recommended Comments

Well, that describes me. We even have 2 cats in residence although their kittenhoods are long since gone. I'm not sure about the cannon, though.

Link to comment

1. is the land relevant, i.e. a portable building or if building on land that is leased or tenanted.

2. agree with this

3. but for how long

 

Link to comment

Yes, 3) is more a matter of intent than specific amount of time. If they're just going to live in it long enough for CIL/CGT/whatever purposes then is it really a self-build? It doesn't need to be a “forever” home to count, of course, but some notion that it's to be the home for a while matters.

 

Self-build of a holiday home would also count, I think. That sort of thing's more common in Scandinavia but still…

Link to comment

Surely if I built a house (even employing trades) its a self build even if I build it to sell on?

Link to comment
10 minutes ago, joe90 said:

Surely if I built a house (even employing trades) its a self build even if I build it to sell on?

That has been bigged upped to Property Development.

In the 1960s and 70s, a self builder was someone that could not afford to buy a proper house.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
28 minutes ago, SteamyTea said:

That has been bigged upped to Property Development.

In the 1960s and 70s, a self builder was someone that could not afford to buy a proper house.

 

For some of us it kinda still is...

Link to comment
36 minutes ago, joe90 said:

Surely if I built a house (even employing trades) its a self build even if I build it to sell on?

 

Agree with @Ed Davies. Self-builders build intending to live in it themselves as a home (intent being more significant than duration).  If you build (through whatever method) to sell on, surely you're simply a house builder?

 

Link to comment
12 minutes ago, Roundtuit said:

 

Agree with @Ed Davies. Self-builders build intending to live in it themselves as a home (intent being more significant than duration).  If you build (through whatever method) to sell on, surely you're simply a house builder?

 

 

In sentiment I would agree, (as most of us here are self builders intending to stay, which is why we put in the extra effort to get it right!!!!)  I know two couples that have “self built” their homes, lived in them fir the minimum requirement then moved on to self build again. It has got them up the housing ladder, are they just “house builders?”

Link to comment

This may be controversial, but I also think there's a need to differentiate between a self-build, where the individuals who intend to occupy it have significant input into the design and build (method/specification) even if they're not particularly hands on in the actual construction, and what I'll term as 'custom build commissioners' who purchase a largely off the shelf design/turnkey build package (maybe choosing only the kitchen/bathroom finishes).

  • Like 1
Link to comment

If they've built the 'family home' several times, then I'd say they're 'serial self-builders' rather than 'house builders' (and hats off to their stamina!).  

Going back to the OP,  at the risk of over-complicating things, how about a definition that includes the risk lying with the owner/occupier?  I.e you build it to live in, and benefit/suffer  from any profit or loss incurred?

Link to comment

@Ed Davies That is a really good point. Intent is definitely where the definition is aimed at. Also the holiday home point should also be included. Difficult to define self build succinctly and without so many caveats!

Link to comment

I think it’s more about ‘intention ‘

Self build means to me fighting everyone from planning to trades . Then doing majority of the work yourself ; otherwise you are just the ‘project manager ‘ . To live in it is the goal .

Nothing more primitive but rewarding than building your own cave .

Link to comment
On 05/12/2019 at 22:33, Roundtuit said:

 

Agree with @Ed Davies. Self-builders build intending to live in it themselves as a home (intent being more significant than duration).  If you build (through whatever method) to sell on, surely you're simply a house builder?

 

Not sure . I bought a house to do up and sell that was my intention. Recession pushed that to 10 years later . Then I had changed tactic and went for planning . So my intention changed ????

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...