Diane Posted May 7, 2019 Share Posted May 7, 2019 Hi My partner and I are in the process of purchasing a plot to build a eco friendly bungalow, any advice on pre purchase checks would be most appreciated. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dreadnaught Posted May 7, 2019 Share Posted May 7, 2019 Welcome @Diane. Congratulations on finding a plot! I was in your position about a year ago. In this post I listed some of the things I looked out for: I am sure others will be along soon with more help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temp Posted May 7, 2019 Share Posted May 7, 2019 (edited) Welcome. I recommend "How to find and buy a building plot" by Roy Speer and others. Try for most recent edition but some things may still be out of date. Has the plot already got planning permission? Measure the plot, is it the dimensions claimed on the paperwork/title plan? Are all the features (fence posts, walls, distances to other buildings etc) in agreement with the title plan? Are there services nearby? Who owns any land between plot and services? Any services under or over that will need moving? Who owns any grass verge between plot and road? Are any of the services at capacity/need upgrading before you will be allowed to connect to them? Is it uphill to the nearest sewer? Any restrictive covenants in the title deeds? Any rare animals/wildlife/archeology? Will soakaways work? If not are you allowed to put rainwater into the sewer? For not what will you do with it? Any known ground condition issues? Mine workings, contamination etc Any footpaths or neighbours claiming a right of access? Does the asking price make financial sense? Eg Would the cost of the plot plus cost to build end up more/less than the finished house is worth? Sure there are others. Edited May 8, 2019 by Temp 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToughButterCup Posted May 7, 2019 Share Posted May 7, 2019 Hello, welcome. 38 minutes ago, Temp said: [...] Will soakaways work? If not are you allowed to put rainwater into the sewer? For not what will you do with it? [...] Could I expand on @Temp's comment? What about foul drainage? Where's the soft and smelly going? Have a quick read of this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferdinand Posted May 7, 2019 Share Posted May 7, 2019 Welcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gone West Posted May 8, 2019 Share Posted May 8, 2019 Welcome to the forum Diane and good luck with the project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newhome Posted May 8, 2019 Share Posted May 8, 2019 Welcome. Another one for the list. Does the planning permission have a CIL payment attached to it? As a self builder you can apply for an exemption but you MUST apply for it before you start any work and follow the rules to the letter otherwise the exemption can be cancelled. And another. Do you know what the ground conditions are like? Estimating foundations can be one the the biggest unknowns in a build and the costs can mount up. It will also be worth trying to get some indicative quotes for connection of services as sometimes the costs can be eye watering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epsilonGreedy Posted May 8, 2019 Share Posted May 8, 2019 Does the plot have any physical access constraints? A weak, steep or narrow approach road. Overhanging trees or power lines. A loaded concrete wagon is about 30 tons. Roof trusses and picture windows are awkward and delivery of a 38' long static caravan can cause high anxiety when delivered down a narrow country lane. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diane Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 On 07/05/2019 at 17:25, Dreadnaught said: Welcome @Diane. Congratulations on finding a plot! I was in your position about a year ago. In this post I listed some of the things I looked out for: I am sure others will be along soon with more help. Great, thank you. We welcome any advice / information :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diane Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 On 07/05/2019 at 17:25, Dreadnaught said: Welcome @Diane. Congratulations on finding a plot! I was in your position about a year ago. In this post I listed some of the things I looked out for: I am sure others will be along soon with more help. Great, thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diane Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 On 07/05/2019 at 17:36, Temp said: Welcome. I recommend "How to find and buy a building plot" by Roy Speer and others. Try for most recent edition but some things may still be out of date. Has the plot already got planning permission? Measure the plot, is it the dimensions claimed on the paperwork/title plan? Are all the features (fence posts, walls, distances to other buildings etc) in agreement with the title plan? Are there services nearby? Who owns any land between plot and services? Any services under or over that will need moving? Who owns any grass verge between plot and road? Are any of the services at capacity/need upgrading before you will be allowed to connect to them? Is it uphill to the nearest sewer? Any restrictive covenants in the title deeds? Any rare animals/wildlife/archeology? Will soakaways work? If not are you allowed to put rainwater into the sewer? For not what will you do with it? Any known ground condition issues? Mine workings, contamination etc Any footpaths or neighbours claiming a right of access? Does the asking price make financial sense? Eg Would the cost of the plot plus cost to build end up more/less than the finished house is worth? Sure there are others. Wonderful Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diane Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 Thank you guys. We need; Topographical survey –to establish boundaries etc, & location of Oak tree in next doors garden close to our boundary Trial pit & percolation survey – for surface and foul water treatment, as no suitable mains sewerage, therefore a domestic sewerage treatment plant is required. If anyone could recommend a company in Shropshire or Staffordshire, the plot is Market Drayton area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonshine Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 18 minutes ago, Diane said: Topographical survey –to establish boundaries etc, & location of Oak tree in next doors garden close to our boundary Depending how close your works are to that oak tree, you may need a arboriculturalist, unless it has already be dealt with in the planning for the plot. The tree will have root protection area, which is calculated based on the requirements of BS5837-2012, basically find out the diameter of the oak tree trunk about 1.5m off the ground, multiply the truck diameter by 12, and that is the radius of circle of the root protection area you have to observe around the tree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diane Posted May 11, 2019 Author Share Posted May 11, 2019 On 10/05/2019 at 15:51, Moonshine said: Depending how close your works are to that oak tree, you may need a arboriculturalist, unless it has already be dealt with in the planning for the plot. The tree will have root protection area, which is calculated based on the requirements of BS5837-2012, basically find out the diameter of the oak tree trunk about 1.5m off the ground, multiply the truck diameter by 12, and that is the radius of circle of the root protection area you have to observe around the tree. On 10/05/2019 at 15:51, Moonshine said: Yes they did say in the opp that we will need a arboriculture report because of the oak. Thank you we will check the diameter of the tree, that will make a difference to where we can put the garage. Soooo glad I found this forum, you've all been so helpful already! 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