Know exactly how to start your self build journey
Reseters Architects gives you peace of mind while building the home for your future
What is Self-Build?
Self-building means designing and building your own home from scratch or making major changes to an existing structure. It’s a chance to create a home that’s truly yours tailored to your needs, style, and budget.
Why Consider
Self-Build?
Building your own home comes with many advantages that can improve your life and bring long-term benefits. You can design your home exactly how you want it, from the floor plan to the smallest features. Building your own home can also be cheaper than buying an existing one, because you control the materials, size, and labor expenses.
Sustainable
You can create an eco-friendlier home by using sustainable materials and energy-saving methods. This not only helps the environment but also cuts down on your utility costs. Lastly, a home you build yourself can increase in value over time, making it a wise investment for both your comfort and future financial gains.
1. Research & Plan Your Budget
Before you begin your self-build project, it's important to do a lot of research and planning. This will help you understand everything involved in the building process, from finding a plot of land to moving into your new home. Create a realistic budget that covers all costs, including land, materials, labour, and any unexpected expenses. Make sure to include a reserve fund for unforeseen costs, usually about 10-20% of your total budget. Understand the timeline and important steps, like how long each part of the project will take. Having a clear plan will help you stay organized and avoid surprises during the build.
2. Find Land
The next step is to find the ideal piece of land for your home. Look for areas that fit your personal needs and are within your budget. Think about how easy it is to get to the land, how close it is to nearby services, and what transportation options are available. Check local zoning laws and any restrictions on the land—some plots might not be good for building. You can find available land through local government listings, online real estate websites, or real estate agents. Make sure the land has utilities like water, electricity, and sewage, or find out how much it would cost to connect them.
3. Design Your Home
After you’ve bought the land, it’s time to plan your house. Work with an architect or designer to turn your ideas into a clear, detailed plan. Think about what you need in your daily life, any future changes (like a bigger family), and ways to save energy. Make sure your plan follows the rules for building in your area. Talk about using green materials and energy-saving designs to make your home comfortable and good for the environment. Make sure the plan also allows for any future repairs or additions if needed. This step makes sure everything is carefully planned before building starts.
4. Planning Permission
Before you begin construction, you need to get planning permission from your local council. This step makes sure your project follows zoning laws, building codes, and environmental rules. Send detailed plans, including architectural designs and site layouts, for approval. The council will check your plans to make sure they meet the area's appearance, infrastructure, and safety requirements. If your land is in a conservation area or close to historic buildings, there might be extra rules to follow. You might also need approval for building regulations, which focus on safety, structure, insulation, and energy efficiency. Getting planning permission can take a few weeks, so apply early to prevent delays. If your application is denied, you can appeal or change your plans and try again.
5. Build Your Home
Once you have planning permission, you can start building. First, hire trustworthy contractors for different parts of the project, like plumbing, electrical work, and construction. Make a schedule for the project and check on progress often. This is an important stage where you need to manage the budget and make sure materials arrive on time. Keep safety rules and have all work checked at important steps, like the foundation, framing, and roofing. Stay involved and keep talking with your contractors to make sure everything is on track and within budget.
6. Building Control Process
Building Control makes sure your self-build project follows UK building rules. Before you start building, send your plans to the local government for approval. While you're building, inspectors will visit at important times to check if the work meets safety, structure, and energy rules. After you finish, a final check will make sure everything is correct, and you'll get a completion certificate. This lets you move in knowing your home is safe and follows the law.
7. Move In
After all the hard work and planning, it’s time to enjoy the results! Once the construction is finished and the building passes all required inspections, you can move into your new home. At this point, you’ll be able to relax in a space that perfectly fits your needs and vision. Whether you’ve built a small, comfortable place or a large family home, the joy of living in a house you designed and built is a great reward for all the time and effort you put in.
Your Self-Build Roadmap
1. Research & Plan
Your Budget
2. Find Land
3. Design Your Home
4. Planning Permission
5. Building Your Home
6. Building Control Process
7. Move In
Are you on the Self-Build or Right to Build Register?
What Should I Know About the Right to Build Register?
If you're thinking about building your own home, it's important to know how the Right to Build Register works.
The Right to Build Register is a program run by the government that lets people show they want to build their own home. By signing up, you tell local councils that there’s interest in self-build projects, which can help them make land available for people like you.
Why Should I Sign Up?
Get Land: When many people sign up, councils must make land available for self-build projects.
Better Chances: In some places, being on the register might give you a better chance to get new plots of land.
Help with Planning: Your registration helps councils see the demand for self-build plots, which can affect future plans and rules.
How Do I Sign Up?
Step 1: Go to your local government's website to sign up for free. Many governments have a simple online form to register.
Step 2: Give information about where you want to build, the kind of house you want, and any special needs you have.
Step 3: After you sign up, your local council will think about your interest when they plan new land developments.
Do I Have to Register?
Yes, based on the information provided on the UK government website regarding Self Build and Custom Housebuilding, it is mandatory for self-builders to be registered under certain conditions.
What happens after I register?
Once individuals register their interest in self-build and custom housebuilding, they can be included on a register kept by local authorities. This helps them gain access to potential land or opportunities.
After registration, local councils are required to assess demand and may offer plots for sale that match the criteria specified in the register.
Resources for Self-Builders
For those considering a self-build project, there are a wealth of resources available to guide you along the way.
The National Custom and Self Build Association provides essential support for custom and self-builders, helping you turn your dream home into reality.
Additionally, the Self Build Portal is a fantastic platform for advice, inspiration, and practical tips on the self-build process.
Get In Touch
We’re here to help you take the first step
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