Kuro507

Morning All We are looking to self-build, I don't fully understand the process of raising funds to purchase the land and self-build. We can find 25% deposit on total land and build costs, but we would need a mortgage to purchase the land. We would only look to purchase land with PP, although it's likely we would need to amend the plans to build exactly what we want. We have 2 houses, I would sell mine to release the equity which would give us most of the 25%, before we start looking seriously at land. How should we go about this?

Hi, what did you build? Do you have a thread? (My Parents and Sister are in Hereford )

In fairness, I tried to get one installed at my current house via Ovo, two cancelled installation appoinjtments later, was then told by installers they have nobody to cover my area... no further date can be given. I thought it would be a good idea for me with a electric car on order, to have been visibility and more accurate billing.

Anybody else from around the Worcester/Stratford area?

That is me to a T! The problem is I am a very capable person, I can turn my hand to pretty much anything (Apart from plastering and rendering). Which in turn means I really resent paying somebody else to do something I can do for free But of course, on a project of this size, with a full time job that can be stressful, I have to realise that my time has a value and that I cannot do everything. I initialy wanted to build with ICF, so I could do it myself, but lets be realistic, It would take me years... So instead, I'm costing the build up based on using trades, I will definately use a builder/Company to build the base and shell up to watertight. Then I will decide how to proceed with the internals, some DIY and some professionals depending on how much I want to do. Any DIY equals some saving I can use for something else. Budget will be done on mid-range stuff, if the other half wants to up the spec, then that decision has to be made on a case by case basis and the extra money found from somewhere else. Its likely she will keep her apartment during the build, selling my house to fund it. Living in a caravan is not really an option.

It would be interesting to read a thread on what lessons you learnt from your last self-build? (Might also give some of us cause to smile)

Thats what I'm trying to understand By modeling this in a spreadsheet, using the latest v12 housebuilders bible figures, I'm hoping to be in a place where I can quickly cost up different options. For example building with ICF or traditional block and block with render. Once I understand things like insulation costs, I can work out different cavity gaps, different cost for the build with more insulation etc. Once I have a final cost, I can work backwards to see where value eningeering can be done. MAking the core structure smaller for example.

So, if planning self build and have 25% deposit for the completed building and land, whats the process to buy the land? I assumed that once you found a plot, you would make an offer, once its accepted you would speak to a mortgage broker and secure an agreement in prinicipal. I assumed for that they would need to know what you planned to build and approximate costs? The plot would already have planning or outline planning, but unlikely for what we wanted to build. So we would obviously have to re-submit plans etc.

£1,300 /m2 would probably be impossible for us. We are West Midlands based and need to be much nearer £1,000 per m/sq. Its downstairs space thats important, we will probably end up sepending £200-£250k for a 1acre plot, leaving £200-£250 for the build.

To be honest, Architects are not cheap. I've had some involvement in appointing one for a Commercial building (new Head Office) and I influenced most of the designs. I found them to be quite unimaginative, whereas we are more than capable of playing with designs ourselves. Finding concepts online that we like and reverse-engineering them.

I will have a look through those, certainly the upstairs landing area would have a relaxing chair next to the window. The island would be U shaped, somethign I saw in a store, it would probably have the sink and hob and maybe even a fridge. So most of your day to day stuff would be within a turning circle.

I've read a few builds on here, I understand that it will not be an easy road. I'm very hands on and find it difficult paying somebody to do somehting I can do myself The few plots we have seen have been snapped up quickly, so we know its important to get enough of our ducks in a row to be able to proceed quickly if we find one. (With the land purchase, not necessarily the design and build) If anybody has advice on this, it would be welcomed We don't want to fall in love with a plot, but be unable to get the money together and complete quickly. Most around here seem to go to sealed bids... (Which must include method of paying, solicitor etc)

No, I think we totally get all of that. But I needed a model to cost up, I have now put together a complex spreadsheet based on this design, so I can cost up all of the bits required. With such a variation in building materials and finishes, we need an accurate idea of what the design features we like would cost. I need to understand if it will be £900/m/sq or £1,300. I have designed and built a large double storey house extension on a previous home. I had a local family builder build the shell (I was left with bare block walls and floor joists) and then completed all the internal work myself. It nearly killed me as I was going through a divorce in the middle of it too. But, it hasn't put me off the process and I now know which bit I would hapily do myself vs paying somebody. I already have a large pintrest site

Great minds think alike The starting point for this house design, was actualy a plot we looked at, but we were not in a position to purchase yet. But it was my intial impetus of designing something that would fit on there and that was not dramiaticaly different in size to the one agreed in planning. I would love to hear how you get on with your layout?

Hopuse concept shown below, location will be somewhere between Worcester and Stratford. (Hopefuly)

We are looking to build a contemporary house, white render, some cladding (probably one of the new cement composite ones) and a flat'ish roof. Downstairs entertaining space is important for us, we want open-plan. Concept:-

Agreed, but once we find a plot, its likely we will have to purchase it quickly, which means getting a self-build mortgage, which means having some idea of build cost. Unless I mis-understand the process?

Very early days, haven't found a plot or sold my house yet, but trying to get concept plan more fully defined and decide on building materials so I can get accurate costs together. Fully appreciate that the plot will drive the design, but have to start somewhere and would need some figures to give for a mortgage when purchasing the land. I'm still getting used to sketchup, so appologies for the crudeness of the drawings. We would likely not use an architect, instead taking the time to design it ourselves. We do lots of entertaining, so the downstairs space is important to us. the 2d drawing is slightly different to the 3d, I haven't updated the sketchup with the latest ideas I was playing with. The plan would be for a house built to passive house recommendations, but not certified, primarily to ensure sensible running costs for the future. Construction materials is still up for discussion, it will be primarily based on achieving the look we want, with good insulation at the best price possible. Thanks in advance for any ideas and suggestions

Morning All We are seriously thinking about doing a self-build in the next 12 months (subject to finding a plot!) I have already started drawing up some concept plans and investigating building materials and costs. I will be asking lots of questions over the coming months, thanks in advance for your help