Hi All,
I’ve deceived to join the self build journey and we are currently in the process of purchasing a plot of land with full planning permission already granted. I want to get as much prepared while the purchase goes through but not sure on the best course of action. We are opting for a timber frame build and there is no mains gas so leaning towards an ASHP approach.
A few burning questions below but please let me know if there’s anything else I should be doing right now.
1) Searches - the solicitor is pushing for me to complete the full set of searches which is going to cost just over £1.3k but not sure if I need these. Looking at the sample reports, not sure what I’d get from it. I’d still need to do a site investigation, contact energy suppliers etc. Are these searches worthwhile?
2) Planning - attached is the existing approved plans. There is a condition to remove permitted development so we want to submit new plans to convert the garage to a granny annex and make the loft a master bedroom/en-suite. If I plan on a timber build, I believe I only need an update concept plan from an architect rather than the full works?
3) Foundations - we have received a quote from one of the timber frame companies to include an insulated foundation which we hadn’t considered. Anybody any experience on this type of foundation and would recommend? Came in at 36k for the foundation so higher than I expected the foundations to cost.
4) Soil Type - as part of the planning, there was a Drainage Strategy completed which briefly touched on the geology of the site. Attached is the result, I can see it references Till which I’ve read is not good for foundations although wondered if anybody could possibly give some more info on this?
5) Site Investigation/Soil Survey - does anybody have any recommendations on companies based Lancaster/North West to complete a proper soil survey? And what the approximate cost of this would be?
Many Thanks!