Tag: self build

9 things to consider when building your dream home

9 things to consider when building your dream home

Close your eyes and imagine your dream home… looks good, doesn’t it? Everyone has a picture-perfect image of what their ideal house looks like. However, few people have the blueprint of how to create their dream home.

If you’re finally ready to start building your dream home, here’s what you should consider…

Self-build project

Budget

Before you even begin to think about your dream home, think about your budget. It’s easy to get carried away when planning properties, so stick to designs that are within your financial reach before you get your hopes up.

Illustration of Google location map

Location

You’ve probably heard this countless times, but it cannot be stressed enough, location is one of the most important factors you can look at when purchasing a property. If you’re not sure where to start, why not take a look at land for sale werribee?

Illustration of house blueprints

Planning permission

Before you begin building your dream home, you’ll need to make sure you can secure all of the necessary planning permissions. Make sure to factor these into your budget as the cost of application will vary in accordance with your development.

Lakeside house

Terrain

Another important consideration when building a home is the terrain of the plot. For example, if your plot of land has a large slope, you’ll need to level this out before you can begin constructing your dream home.

Sunlight coming through window

Sun aspect

Before deciding on the layout of your home, think about the direction of the sun throughout the day. If you want as much natural light as possible, ensure your main living areas are positioned with a north-facing aspect.

Architect outside a house while holding rolled up plans inder his arm

Architecture

It’s all fun and games designing your dream home, but you’ll need an architect to make sure it’s a feasible build. It’s easy to get carried away when designing and creating your dream home. You can still recreate your vision, just get a professional to work out all of the nuances. If not, you risk making some very expensive mistakes.

Builder holding a hard hat

Contractor

Without a reliable contractor, you won’t get very far. The best way to find someone is by asking friends and family for recommendations. Find someone that can give you a good price but most importantly someone that can deliver the project on time and within your budget

Solar panels on a roof

Energy efficiency

Since you’ll be building your home from scratch, it makes sense to create an energy-efficient home from the outset. Think about insulated windows, doors and roof, solar panels and eco-friendly appliances.

CAD drawing of modern house

Climate

Think about the climate of your location whilst you design the features of your home. If it gets a lot of good weather, create spaces that combine indoor and outdoor living. If your area experiences harsh winter months, consider installing a gable roof.

All in all, the most important thing you can do whilst designing and building your dream home is enjoy the process. Construction can be stressful, however, it’s important to focus on the end goal – your dream property. This is the house that you’ll make lifelong memories in and cherish forever.

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Everything you need to know about building your dream home

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The Glen self build by Reid Architectsimage credit: Reid Architects

Did you know that almost 20,000 people a year in the UK fulfil their dreams and construct their own homes? The website Self Build suggests that as long as you follow some basic guidelines this vision can become a reality for all.

Regent Road self build by architecture:mimage credit: architecture:m

Start with a legal search

The budget is always important, but so is the availability of your chosen building site. You may have seen the most desirable plot of land in the world, but it’s no use starting to dream of house building until you have verified that the land can be used for building purposes. If you’re planning to build overseas, then you should use the services of Vanner Perez Notary Services who can offer translation as well as legal services for land and property purchase overseas.

Wedge House by Soup Architectsimage credit: Soup Architects

Set a realistic budget

Don’t just take the cost of the build into account. It’s a good idea to remember that very few building projects run to plan, so, if possible, include contingency funding within your budget. You’ll also have to include the cost of a good architect, planning permission fees with the local authority, as well as your own living expenses while the project is ongoing.

If you’re a good organiser, then by all means take responsibility for project management yourself. If you feel at all uneasy about this role, then appoint a manager for your self build. This appointment could save you money, and you’ll be confident that all aspects of the project are being completed to your satisfaction.

passivhaus self build by Forrester Architectsimage credit: Forrester Architects

Getting a mortgage for your self build

You can’t build your own home unless you have the financial means in place. Special mortgages for self builds are available but you’ll also need to have funds or savings of your own in order to get the project started. The Build Store website is an excellent resource for accessing building societies and other information concerning finance and self building.

The most popular type of mortgage is the ‘advanced stage payment’ that will release the funds before the build starts so that you can get going with the job. Funds will continue to be released at regular intervals throughout the project. The ‘arrears stage payment’ mortgage only allows money to be released after each stage of the build is completed. This might not be such a good option if your workforce needs money in advance in order to proceed with the build. You’ll have to prove that you’re able to maintain the mortgage payments whilst the project is in progress.

New House, Stow self build by Jefcoate Anderson Architects Ltdimage credit: Jefcoate Anderson Architects Ltd

Enjoy your project

Despite worries about finance, builders and a thousand and one other niggles, building your own dream home is rewarding. You’ll end up with a house that you have planned to suit your tastes, and your family’s needs. Many self builders have slashed their utility bills by designing an eco-friendly property; others have created innovative gardens around their new home. The possibilities for creating the house of your dreams are endless. Once the project is completed you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the benefits that come from building your dream home.

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