JK Ro

Agreed with some of the others get an architect. Cost wise they're approximately 10% of the build cost but they save you that money many times over. Try out the link. Please PM for more info.

Nooooo, that's not right. Make sure you get an architectural specification telling the builder exactly what to use. [Link to specifications article by architect removed] But we've done a couple projects one without the specification and one with. It makes so much difference to have a spec as it dictates the quality of your build. Your builder will always use the cheapest materials otherwise which will kill your project... But! The only items which were up to the builder in the project we did with the spec were items we couldn't see and did not worry too much about in terms of quality e.g. pipework, underfloor heating system, type of studwork. That way we got cheaper spec and items on things that didn't bother us.

Make sure your architect offers concept to completion including technical design and especially specifications! We did a project before where the architect didn't do specifications and therefore the quality of the build was upto the builders choice!! Not a good place to be... [Link to specifications article by architect removed] Otherwise, ask for their insurance details and whether they have a list of approved builders or not.

Architects usually charge around 60-90 an hour so that doesn't sound far off at all. It's probably a days work.

Congrats on your buy and good luck on your journey! Weve just finished our new build house too! To be honest we're complete newbies and the learning curve was extreme to say the least!!! Be prepared for stresses emotionally, financially and physically! But it's so worth it when you're in. Never shall we move again!! Main learning points were - set a budget and then allow for a backup fund for those unexpected surprises and maybe some nice to haves on site! Get a good architect and team behind you, we used [architect name removed by mods - please PM poster for details] who were awesome. Make sure you're happy with the design! Turns out it's more expensive to change things after they've been built!! Who would've thought eh? Good luck!