SELF BUILD IN SCOTTISH BORDERS

[Torboro]

First timers with a modest budget of £350k (e.g., plot £100k, build £250k).  Doing lots of initial research to see if this is even possible.  Looking to the Hub community for information and advice.  Thanks. 

Edited August 20 by Torboro

[G and J]

Welcome.  Post your plans and I’m sure the grown ups on here will help you get a handle on things.   And by plans I don’t just mean drawings, I also mean whether you’ll be wielding the nail gun or employing or whatever.

[Kelvin]

Welcome. It’s doable but depends on a few things like what the ground is like, what’s the plot like (access, size, is it level or sloping) how easy (as in cheap) will the utilities be to get in, how complicated is the design, what type of build are you looking at, how much will you be doing yourself etc. 

[Torboro]

Thanks for the warm welcome.  Very encouraging.  The plot we’re interested in is a 620m2 serviced plot on a site where other properties have been built in recent years.  I contacted a local Dan Wood representative for a more comprehensive breakdown of costs on top of the turnkey option - but a £40k slab and £40k additional build and specialists costs looked kinda pricey (my lack of experience perhaps?).  I would be willing to do as much manual/non-specialist trade work as possible.  I have a family member who could help with kitchen and bathroom install.  I would be interested to hear what other people feel about the Dan Wood experience, and if there are other options/companies they would suggest.  

Edited August 20 by Torboro

[SteamyTea]

Welcome.

 

59 minutes ago, Torboro said:

have a family member who could help with kitchen and bathroom install

Those are the easy and cheap parts, and can always be changed later.

 

The hard bit is the foundation as that is, at this stage, an unknown. There are also a number of different systems that can be used.

 

On Buildhub, we encourage people to think about the energy usage if a home. In isolation the individual components can seem to be additional expenses, but by designing them in from the very start, savings can be made.

 

KISS is the main thing, don't get carried away.

[Kelvin]

There’s a Dan Wood bungalow near us. Went up quickly and it looks terrific from the outside. I’ve heard other good things about them. I also know someone considering using them. 

[Redoctober]

Hi @Torboro We too are in the Borders and finished our build in 2018 - I have a blog that may be off use to you, albeit the prices etc are dated. Depending upon whereabouts you are in the Borders will determine whether or not any of my recommendations of trades people, will be of benefit. 

 

 

[Stratman]

This chap's Danwood experience is an interesting view. We visited their show home near Bicester; it looks like good option for an easy turnkey project but it felt a bit too factory-made to us.

 

https://m.youtube.com/@myselfbuildjourney1219

[Kelvin]

Danwood can also build to your design apparently.