Kuro507 Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reddal Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Welcome! You will find lots of help and advice here. I had finished my house before I discovered this place (its predecesor actually). It would have saved me a lot of money and grief if I had used it from the start. Even so it has been really helpful with all kinds of questions and issues I've had. Where are you thinking of building? What kind of house? - reddal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferdinand Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Welcome. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickfromwales Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Hi, and welcome aboard . 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Hi and welcome to the forum. Finding a plot is always the crux, that needs to be your main priority. Until you get that, then detailing the plans is not a priority and should be regarded as just putting ideas and concepts onto paper. Until you find a plot, you won't know what size and shape the house will be, and how you want to orientate the house with respect to views, sun, neighbours etc. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kuro507 Posted May 23, 2017 Author Share Posted May 23, 2017 1 hour ago, ProDave said: Hi and welcome to the forum. Finding a plot is always the crux, that needs to be your main priority. Until you get that, then detailing the plans is not a priority and should be regarded as just putting ideas and concepts onto paper. Until you find a plot, you won't know what size and shape the house will be, and how you want to orientate the house with respect to views, sun, neighbours etc. 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kuro507 Posted May 23, 2017 Author Share Posted May 23, 2017 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:- 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kuro507 Posted May 23, 2017 Author Share Posted May 23, 2017 1 hour ago, reddal said: Welcome! You will find lots of help and advice here. I had finished my house before I discovered this place (its predecesor actually). It would have saved me a lot of money and grief if I had used it from the start. Even so it has been really helpful with all kinds of questions and issues I've had. Where are you thinking of building? What kind of house? - reddal Hopuse concept shown below, location will be somewhere between Worcester and Stratford. (Hopefuly) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferdinand Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Just now, Kuro507 said: 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 havign some idea of build cost. Unless I mis-understand the process? I think you *may* be underestimating the numbers of rocks and ruts normally encountered on the smooth road of self-build, and the time required to circumvent them or prove they are mirages. Trying to do things too quickly *can be* (sometimes) a very good way of spending more money than you may actually need to do. Ferdinand 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kuro507 Posted May 23, 2017 Author Share Posted May 23, 2017 10 minutes ago, Ferdinand said: I think you *may* be underestimating the numbers of rocks and ruts normally encountered on the smooth road of self-build, and the time required to circumvent them or prove they are mirages. Trying to do things too quickly *can be* (sometimes) a very good way of spending more money than you may actually need to do. Ferdinand 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) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickfromwales Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 One tried and tested method here is to get a weathertight and certified 'airtight' structure from one source. That leaves you dry, secure and free to complete the internals by yourself, at your leisure whilst having an incredibly fast build time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamiehamy Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Welcome. One thing I would say is that is someone tries to imply there is a queue for the plot and you need to act fast - walk away. Never be rushed into anything - if you do, there are things that will be missed. There's alway some sort of 'gotcha' involved - not a problem but you need to know in advance. I would also say that I like your design on the other thread, however be mindful that often you have to build for the plot - i.e take into account the local plan, surrounds etc, which may mean you end up with something that looks nothing like what you had in mind. It's a complex process buying a plot of land - you should be able to get an agreement in principle on a value to borrow and then work out the finer details once you've found a plot. Otherwise as you say, how can you look if you don't know if you can get the finance. And I may as well say it - the main self-build mortgage broker are very...very...very slow. SO don't think you'll get a mortgage in a hurry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bitpipe Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Welcome, you have two similar threads running so will probably get doubled up comments Always consider the option of buying a tired property and demolishing. Advantage is that services and access are already in situ, plus you can usually replace whats there with something 50% bigger and potentially more, still VAT free. Downside is that you're knocking down something you've paid for, and there may be more planning pressure to 'fit in' with the local vernacular. However given how long it takes to get planning etc, you can live in the property during that phase and save money. Also considering living on site during the build to save even more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickfromwales Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Ok folks, let's continue the chat her please Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kuro507 Posted May 23, 2017 Author Share Posted May 23, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kuro507 Posted May 24, 2017 Author Share Posted May 24, 2017 Anybody else from around the Worcester/Stratford area? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterW Posted May 24, 2017 Share Posted May 24, 2017 On 5/23/2017 at 14:18, Kuro507 said: 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. You may struggle to get a mortgage company to accept that. Ours would accept minor amendments as agreed with the council but not a reapplication especially if the existing PP was going to expire. Land with PP is worth significantly more than land without..! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trw144 Posted May 24, 2017 Share Posted May 24, 2017 10 hours ago, Kuro507 said: Anybody else from around the Worcester/Stratford area? Hi, I m over in Hereford. Have almost completed my build (been painting my fence tonight). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kuro507 Posted May 25, 2017 Author Share Posted May 25, 2017 (edited) 12 hours ago, Trw144 said: Hi, I m over in Hereford. Have almost completed my build (been painting my fence tonight). Hi, what did you build? Do you have a thread? (My Parents and Sister are in Hereford ) Edited May 25, 2017 by Kuro507 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trw144 Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Hi - I built a contemporary flat roof place in a village just outside Hereford. I ll be publishing the worst house building blog in living memory shortly..... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
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 accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now