Hi!

[Wren]

I'm currently based in Cardiff. Bought my first house in 2017 (but of a mess back then, not anymore!) I built a smallish extension back in 2018, so a little construction experience - but not much. Hints and tips from this forum were very helpful back then, though I've never posted before now!

 

I've been hoping to start from scratch for a while now. Finding a plot and building my own place. Have been looking for land for a couple of years now without much luck. 

 

I'll be aiming for a reasonably modest house, 1000sqft, or thereabouts. More frugal designs than grand ones... I'm mostly interested in ICF or solid walled blockwork with EWI, mostly just because I like solid feeling things. Energy Efficiency will be important to me, I'll be influenced by passivhaus principals, aiming for but not expecting to meet the standard with my budget and relative inexperience. 

 

On the topic of finding land... Whilst I've had little success trying to find a plot for just me, I've found a few potential ones that are 2-3 times the size I need. Does anyone have any tips on how to meet other like minded folk who might be interested in teaming up for collective bargaining power, (and potential efficiency savings for things like utility connections etc.) 

[nod]

You will probably find that the plot you  buy will dictate the size of home that you build Always have one eye on resale 

The fees surveys etc Water electric connections are the same for a small house as a very large house Or something in between 

[ToughButterCup]

46 minutes ago, Wren said:

... Does anyone have any tips on how to meet other like minded folk who might be interested in teaming up for collective bargaining power, (and potential efficiency savings for things like utility connections etc.) 

 

Yes, but , well look at this ......

The Lancaster CoHousing Project solved that problem. Yes, it's quite large  now . But  it started with one or two people talking to one another, and so shows that 

• You aren't the first to face that problem and
• There is a way round the issue.

They have Open Days and are very approachable. Go and see them: we did. (Here)  Lots of help and enthusiasm - even if it's " I don't know, but I know someone who does "

[ProDave]

Before you dismiss alternatives like timber frame as "not solid" perhaps you should have a look at some that other buildhubbers have built.

 

Unless larger plot = more £££ there is no reason not to put a small house on a large plot.  Our plot is about 1/3 of an acre.

[Wren]

1 hour ago, ToughButterCup said:

The Lancaster CoHousing Project solved that problem. Yes, it's quite large  now . But  it started with one or two people talking to one another,

 

 

Amazing! This looks like exactly the kind of inspiration I need. Thank you! 😁

[Wren]

1 hour ago, ProDave said:

Before you dismiss alternatives

Apologies if I sounded dismissive of other build types! - they've all got pros and cons. I'm just personally particularly drawn to those two 🙂 

 

I'll not be ruling anything out until I have a confirmed plot anyway!