Self build is an increasingly popular path to homeownership in the UK, but recognition of its benefits here are still often overlooked compared to other parts of the world, including mainland Europe, where building your own home is far from a novelty.
Not only does self build offer the chance to create exactly the house you want and need, it's likely to end up netting you a larger profit if or when you come to sell, while affording you more space for your money and the chance to live in a more sustainable home.
However, that's not to say that self build doesn't have its challenges. But, if you have the time, energy and emotion to pour into building your own home, the results can be magical.
Self build homes are an option for all kinds of budgets too, so don't rule it out as an option for yourself if you're not working with a Grand Designs budget.
如果你在考虑自身建设,引导你tlines all the practical considerations for planning, alongside the options available to you, ensuring you've got all the information to hand to embark on the journey of building your own home.
What is a Self Build Project?
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Self build refers to when an individual commissions a house to be built on a piece of land that they own to live in. Self build usually encompasses a process where the would-be homeowner has control over the build, and can work with an architect, architectural technologist or design and build team to create a home that fits their specific requirements.
Self build is often lumped together withcustom build, but the terms aren't interchangeable as, and differ by the amount of involvement the individual has in the build and in theself build project management. While approximately 11,000 self build homes are built each year, less than 10% of those homeowners were physically involved in the process by taking on the building work.
Self builders choose to be much more involved in the creative process than those who choose a custom build, taking part in the design stages, choosing tradespeople and deciding on finishes without the limiting scope of a developer's involvement.
Is Self Build Right for Me?
It would be unfair to say there aren’t any restrictions for a self builder – budgets and constraints by the local planning office can often jolt a project off kilter – but in terms of the layout, location and look, self build is all about building a home that’s right for you. Not buying something someone else has built that doesn’t quite hit the mark: not enough bathrooms, box room bedrooms, no separate office. All things you have to compromise on when buying an already built house.
And that’s why people choose to self build. For some, it can be the best way to live in the type of home that’s out of reach financially (building your own means you’re effectively avoiding having to pay the developer’s profits). You might like contemporary builds but aren’t keen on developer estates, or you might want to live in a cutting-edge sustainable home.
Whatever the reason, any self build project will demand so much of your time, energy, brain and, of course, money, you will have to be passionate about wanting to build your own home. If it was easy everyone would be doing it. So when you find yourself on a dark dreary day in December, standing on site in a soggy mud pit, freezing cold, you’ll want to be able to remember the reason why you’re doing it!
What are Self Build Schemes?
In the UK, self build still only represents a fraction of the new houses being built each year, while over in continental Europe, as much as 50% of new houses built are by self builders.
However, the government is hoping to grow this small sliver ofself build homesbuilt in the UK by introducing new infrastructure to help those in the UK interested in building their own homes have better access to finances, self build plots and more.
Ideas such as the soon-to-launchHelp to Buildscheme and existing projects likeSelf Build Walesare great news for would-be self builders, but they're just the first steps.
How Much Does it Cost to Self Build?
How much does it cost to build a house? A question that doesn't have a simple answer. You'll need to keep in mind that every self build house is different. However, one way to measure a potential cost is to look at a breakdown per square metre. On average, it will costbetween £1,000 and £3,000/m²to build.
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There are some key considerations which will affect which end of the scale your build sits, including:
- Location: Not only do land prices vary across the country, but the cost of labour does also. Building in London, as just one example, will come with a premium in plot and labour.
- 大小: Largely, the bigger the house the more expensive, however, in some instances, economies of scale can work in your favour to reduce the cost per square metre.
- Plan, shape and layout: The more complex your layout, the more expensive the build. A simple, square build will be the least expensive.
- Number of storeys: While you'd assume that building more storeys would add significantly to your build cost, it can actually reduce your overall cost per square metre, as additional storeys don't require the same expense on foundations for all the additional space it creates.
- Specification: Basic, standard products are easier to source and fit. Anything bespoke or requiring specialist installation will add to your costs.
- Involvement: The more people you employ on your build, the higher the costs. What parts of the project are you willing, and importantly able, to contribute to?
How Much Profit Could I Make on a Self Build?
A self build project could make as much as 25% profit in the final value of the home in relation to the build costs.
Is Self Build Cheaper Than Buying?
As previously mentioned, the average profit on a well-managed self build project is 25%, meaning you'll get more house for your money if you build rather than buy.
However, self build mortgages are less widely available, meaning there may not be products offered to suit everyone's financial situation.
This may mean that traditional self build routes require time and financial input that is unfeasible for many first-time buyers.
However, where self build is not viable for some people, the idea ofcustom buildmay suit. This route removes some of the obstacles faced by self builders, including finding land, securing planning permission and getting services to site.
This is also a more hands-off approach, but still offers the chance for an individual home that meets individual needs. Custom build sites are usually managed by developers who can give you more information on the financial requirements.
How do you Fund a Self Build?
You’ll need access to money to buy a building plot, to pay for professional services such as architectural designers’ fees and any site surveys required, and to fund the build itself.
The money may come from savings, equity in your existing home, through aself build mortgageor a combination of all three.
Surprisingly few high street banks provide formal facilities for self build finance so you’ll likely need to approach a specialist provider.
Self build mortgages tend to follow one of two structures, an arrears-type mortgage and an advance-type mortgage. An arrears mortgage are more common, but will require you to front money for a stage of the build yourself, but will pay you back at the end of that stage. Advance mortgages pay you ahead of each stage, but will generally offer less favourable rates.
The basic formula you need to stick to is: Build cost + plot cost + contingency < the value of your finished house.
Remember, you’ll also need to account for the cost of your plot, which will consume a sizeable chunk of your budget and set aside between 10% and 30% of your budget as a contingency.
For those that have the option,building on a garden plotor any other kind of existing plot that you (or family) already own can be an attractive option for this reason.
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How to Find a Self Build Plot
Specialist plotfinding services (likeplotfinder.net) are incredibly useful when it comes tofinding a plot, but you should also be proactive in trying to find land. Explore the local area, visits auctions, and use word of mouth to let friends and family know you're looking for a plot, as you never know what this will turn up.
Also, make sure you register with your local authority under theRight to Build, which requires local authorities in England to keep track of the demand for serviced plots in their area.
However, plots will rarely fall into your lap, so you’ll often need to be savvy to secure one.
When assessing your plot, look out for:
- planning permission that has expired, or is about to expire
- any access issues
- any covenants
- services — are they already in place?
- title deeds — make sure these deeds are ‘absolute’ rather than ‘possessory’ or negotiate on the plot price accordingly
Which Self Build Route to Choose?
Worried you don’t know much about construction? Don’t let that put you off. You don’t need to know the ins-and-outs to be a successful self-builder. Only around 40% of self builders actually manage their own projects, with the rest using builders or package companies to run it on their behalf.
While the majority of projects are made up of a main contractor and subcontractors, self-managed overall by the would-be homeowners, this isn't the only option for your build, and depending on your budget, and even your own skills, it may not be the best fit for you.
A professionally managed build may call on aproject managerto oversee the site and schedule. The benefits of this are not only the experience of someone who manages builds for a living who may be able to predict any potential pitfalls, taking the responsibility off busy homeowners, but also providing a little distance between the self builders and the house during the construction process — helping to manage conflict on the site (and with neighbours).
Other options includepackage buildsand custom build, which use experienced companies to manage the build, find tradesmen and look after the site from start to finish.
Finally, if you have comprehensive building skills, you may choose to take on the build as a DIY project. Bear in mind your home is still subject to Building Regulations and certain elements will be required to be installed or signed off by a competent person.
What Self Build Construction Systems are Available?
While your choice of superstructure material will have little impact on how your finished self build looks, it is well worth considering the available construction systems:
- Masonry
- Timber frame
- Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
- Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF)
- Oak frame
- Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)
- Natural building materials, using such materials as straw bales, hempcrete and cob
Some self builders are less concerned with how the house looks ‘under the bonnet’, and are happy to leave the decision with their architect or structural engineer.
It's worth considering that while some construction methods may outwardly appear more expensive than others, they may reduce costs in other areas, such as time spent on site, or the overall build time, which all need to be considered in the final budget for your construction system.
Do I Need an Architect for a Self Build?
While some self-builders do design their own homes, you’ll more than likely need a designer on board to help you formulate plans for your dream home. This might be an architect,architectural technologist, an architectural designer or an in-house designer at a package company.
It can be tough tofind an architector designer you have the right rapport with, so expect to spend at least a couple of months searching for one. It's better to hold off starting your build than to start it with the wrong architect or designer.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Self Build?
When you self build, you’ll have to apply to your local authority forplanning permission. The cost of submitting a planning application varies across the UK, but is currently £462 in England.
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However, the real cost of obtaining planning permission arguable comes from preparing the plans and documents (the design fees) in readiness for submission and any accompanying surveys (such as ecological surveys) that may be required.
You should find out when your local planning authority has approved your application after eight weeks — although more complex schemes can take longer.
All planning permission is granted withplanning conditionsattached. Failure to address the conditions will invalidate your consent, making any work done unlawful.
Self Build and Building Regulations
All new homes need to adhere to theBuilding Regulations, and as such, a building inspector will visit at key stages of the build to inspect the work and ensure it complies.
The build will usually need to be inspected at the following stages during a self build:
- excavation for the foundations
- pouring concrete forbuilding foundations
- building the oversite
- building the damp-proof course
- drainage
- a visit prior to completion
- a final visit on completion
How to Find a Team for Your Self Build
You can establish contact with and line up a builder, main contractor, package company and/or subcontractors during the design and planning processes, but you won’t get an accurate quote for the work until your Building Regulations drawings have been finalised.
在e of the best ways tofind a builderand/or subcontractors is through word of mouth — ask your designer, friends, family or neighbours who’ve undertaken projects, and anyone else you know locally who’s built their own home, for recommendations.
Much like finding a designer, choosing a builder requires plenty of research. It’s best to meet with them to discuss your project and to ask them to quote (your designer can help you to preparetender documents). It’s also a good idea to visit a project they’ve completed and to talk to previous clients.
The best builders and subcontractors will be booked up months in advance, so it pays to start your search as early as possible.
Do I Need Insurance for a Self Build?
As soon as contracts are exchanged on your plot, you will need to haveself build insurance— usually a specialist policy for self builders. A comprehensive self build policy is advised and will cover any public liability, building works, employers’ liability and personal accident.
Get a quote now to protect your self build.
How do I set up Utilities When Building a House?
Getting services to your site (if necessary) can cost between £500 and £10,000+, depending on your situation and whether the connection needs to be made across private land (where you’ll need to secure awayleaveto grant access to dig) or public highways (which may involve road digs).
Though gas andbringing electricity to siteis not essential during the build, a water supply is needed early on.
Where Should I Live During a Self Build?
很少有自我建筑商在瑞玛的位置in in their existing homes while building a new one, so you will need to consider where you are going to live while you build your dream home.
- Staying with family/friends: the average self build project takes around a year on site, so if you are planning on staying with friends or family, make sure that you are realistic about the timescale of the project
- Renting temporary accommodation: this is an option, but an expensive one (even more so if your project hits any unforeseen delays)
- Living on site: erecting a temporary home on site, or staying in a caravan or mobile home, offers an opportunity to keep an eye on the site during the build, but may take its toll over a longer build time.
How Long Does it Take to Self Build?
在ce you’re finally ready to start on site, you’ll need to know what happens and when, regardless of how physically involved you are in the process. This typicalself build schedulewill give you an idea of what to prepare for and when.
The time your build takes will depend on the construction method you choose. Some modern methods of construction, particularly those that are made offsite, require less time than traditional block construction. On average for a typical two-storey, three-bedroom house, you're looking ataround40 weeks, while some methods, such as structural insulated panels, can reduce this timescale by as much as eight weeks.
What is a Snagging List?
Despite lacking a concrete definition and not being part of theJCT suite of building contracts, it’s generally accepted thatsnaggingconcerns identifying parts of the work that have been completed, but may require remedial action prior to official sign-off.
Do I Qualify for CIL Exemption?
Is Self Build Exempt from the Community Infrastructure Levy?
TheCommunity Infrastructure Levy(CIL) imposes a fee on the creation of new homes, which is determined by the local authority and is based on the size of the house.
The good news is, subject to criteria, self builders are now exempt from paying CIL. However, the four-stage exemption process must be followed to the letter.
How Long do you Have to Live in a Self Build?
While there's no limit on the amount of time you have to live in a house before selling for the likes of reclaiming VAT on your build, if you've obtained the Community Infrastructure Levy exemption, you'll need to live in the property for a minimum of three years. If you sell up and move on, you'll be required to pay CIL in full.
Can you Reclaim VAT on Your Self Build
在e of the major benefits of self build is that you canreclaim VATon most of the building materials. VAT-registered builders and subbies should also zero-rate their invoices (while, of course, if they’re not VAT-registered, they shouldn’t be adding it to bills in the first instance).
In general, you can reclaim for all materials that are fixed into the house, although interpretation of this can be quite complex.
You can only make one claim (using theVAT 431NB form) and that must be made within three months of the project completion.
Obtain and keep hold of all VAT receipts to submit with your claim. Don’t underestimate the time you’ll save by keeping your VAT receipts safely in one place as you go along.
