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Hi everyone, Just a quick introduction to our project - we're doing our first self build and will be project managing ourselves. We've got lot's to learn as we go, and so would love to connect with others who are also along the journey or recently completed. If you're interested in following our journey, we're documenting everything on instagram which has plans and more; our profile is here: @thefoxesmaltings Below is a 3D render our architect produced of our project. If anyone has questions on any part of our process so far (securing planning in an AONB/Green belt etc.) feel free to ask and we'll help if we can.

Hi all, Hoping I could share some more detailed info of the project we're just embarking on and also request for some general self build advice from more experienced individuals. We're a couple in our late-twenties and have finally got into a position to undertake a self-build. The project is a Paragraph 79 approval in the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The goal is to reinstate the historical context of our site; where a malthouse was once present in the 18th century. The overall footprint is approx 400sqm and we are adopting passivhaus principals and eco technologies (PV, ASHP, UFH, Battery Store). There is no mains gas/drains and so we'll be using a sewage treatment plant. We've thought about other technology such as rainwater harvesting, but are thus far unconvinced. Enjoying reading through all the posts on here already - it's great to hear people recommending products, suppliers and also sharing DIY tips. I'll be project managing the entire build myself with everything already budgeted. The aim is to 'simplify' getting the build to watertight stage by minimising the amount of companies and trades involved; groundworkers for foundation, package timber frame company for the superstructure, window & door supplier and roofing contractor. - Not awarded any tenders as yet, so any recommendations for all aspects would be appreciated. Our thought process is that once it is watertight, we can (somewhat) move in and tackle the rooms one by one with individual trades and DIY. For anyone on Instagram, we've started to keep a diary of progress - https://www.instagram.com/thefoxesmaltings/ As a newbie self-builder, I've read 'The Housebuilders Bible', by Mark Brinkley, which I found fairly informative, particularly when it comes to the foundations and superstructure; of which we have no hands on experience with. Aside from that, I'm generally pretty hands on with experience in renovating. In addition to this, I'm looking for recommendations on accompanying books, resources and any individual pieces of advice which you think would help, and perhaps you wish you knew before starting your self build? Hopefully this doesn't sound like one of those Grand Designs episodes... Thanks. G

Hello everyone, We are attempting to embark on our first self build in the Scottish Borders. We are at the stage where we are about to make an offer on a plot of land and doing as much research as possible. I found this forum when I was researching Watching Briefs as I found out there was an Archaeological Condition on the plot we are interested in. I found some great information and look forward to learning a lot more here. Best wishes Sarah

Thank you for allowing me to join the forum, I can see already from a couple of posts that this was certainly the right thing to do. Our hope, that being my wife and myself, is to move up to the Highlands, find a plot of land and build a house on it. Seems easy....not! So I am going to rely, a lot I think, on the wealth of experience of the forum members. We had a preliminary search of the area surrounding Inverness, which is close to family and the Cairngorms for all the other stuff we do and decided that a radius of 15-20 miles from Inverness would be about right. My first question is does anybody have any advice, or experience, of finding land and going through the purchasing stage and applying for planning permission. From what I have seen a land owner quite often gets outlying permission for land that they want to sell which immediately adds a price premium. This is something I want to try and avoid! Any advice on land buying or contacts for land in the Inverness area would be greatly appreciated. Secondly we have looked at Scotframe as a supplier of a kit. Is there any experience out there of them and what do you think. Thanks in advance!

If anyone can spare 2 minutes to complete this questionnaire (for my MSc) regarding self-building for first time buyers in London it would be much appreciated. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/R5SMWSC Thanks in advance. Matt