I’m on a road of discovery to build my own house.
To find inspiration I review past builds and share my opinion, picking out the features of the buildings, materials and the process.
This is the largest and longest project I have ever undertaken and there will be many lessons along the way. I’ll be sharing them all and creating them as tips that you can use for your build.
If you’re incorporating cutting-edge technology (like ground source heat pumps or automated systems), ensure you fully understand how they work and integrate as a cohesive system. Be aware that prototypes can have unpredictable issues during implementation.
Before starting any self-build project, conduct extensive research on materials, techniques, and construction methods. This will help avoid unforeseen complications and costs later on, as seen with Adrian and Megan’s experiment with various types of concrete.
Throughout the build, maintain regular communication with your partner about plans and changes. This encourages unity and shared vision as challenges arise.
While budget constraints can limit options, working with architects or designers who specialise in accessible homes can save time and costly mistakes down the line. They can help marry function with beauty effectively.
Building a home is not just a project; it’s an emotional journey. Be prepared for ups and downs and ensure that the final product brings you joy every day.
When selecting materials and finishes, consider how they will perform over time. Choosing low-maintenance materials, such as self-cleaning cladding, can save time and money in home upkeep.
During the groundworks the rooms often look smaller than imagined but they grow again once the walls are up.
While aesthetic design is important, consider the practical living aspects of your home. Think about future needs, such as additional bathrooms or flexible living spaces, which can enhance comfort.
Anticipate the need for change in your living situation over time. Like Paul and Penny, who transitioned from a large, underused house to something more reflective of their current needs, understand that your home should adapt to your evolving lifestyle.
Don’t overlook interior planning; it should run parallel to exterior work. A thoughtful design for interior spaces ensures that aesthetics are coherent and reflective of the chosen architectural style.
Be mindful of seasonal changes and weather conditions that affect building schedules. Aim to complete exterior framing and weatherproofing before harsh weather sets in.
Understand local regulations applicable to water, building, and environmental standards—this knowledge can prevent legal issues and penalties later on.
Always do comprehensive research on a property before purchasing, especially if it comes with existing tenants. This includes understanding zoning, existing structures, and any restrictions that may influence your build.
Use the building experience as an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and work Collaboratively. Shared goals and tasks can lead to deeper relationships and shared satisfaction once the project is complete.
Keep records and reflect on the build process. Celebrating milestones can help maintain motivation and remind you of the achievements made along the way.
Acknowledge personal and family dynamics while designing your space. Every family has unique needs that need to be reflected in the design and layout.
Before starting demolition or construction, take time to visualise and plan the layout and design of the home. An effective design can enhance the liveability and aesthetic appeal of the space, ensuring that it meets the family’s needs.
Changes in design are often necessary. Be open to modifying your plans based on site conditions, neighbour relations, and budget constraints.
Install systems that allow you to monitor the performance of the building post-completion. In their case, Richard’s house is monitored for energy performance, offering insights into efficiency and areas for future improvement.
Determine the layout of electrical outlets and plumbing well in advance, especially in a log house where walls cannot be easily changed. Decisions need to be made early, as pre-drilling is required.
Be prepared for the internal finishing to take longer than anticipated. Many self-builders overlook this component, which can add significant time and may require last-minute adjustments.
Be flexible and willing to adjust your designs based on the building’s structural and legal realities. Innovative solutions may be required when existing conditions present challenges.
Engage local craftsmen and suppliers who understand the materials indigenous to the area. Henry’s choice of local stone exemplifies the benefits of sourcing materials close to home, but ensure that these tradespeople are reliable and meet standards.
While the process can be stressful, it presents an opportunity for personal growth and connection. Shared challenges can strengthen relationships, so embrace the experience as a bonding opportunity.
Ensure that basic living needs are addressed as early as possible. For example, having a functional bathroom became a priority, and moving into the new build while it was still a construction site was a strategic way to improve their living conditions.
While trust between builder and owner is essential, it’s also critical to keep informed and involved in all stages of construction to ensure every aspect aligns with your visions and standards.
While it’s great to aim for striking designs, consider the practical implications, such as spatial arrangement and liveability. High-end aesthetics shouldn’t come at the cost of functionality.
While the ambition to complete the build yourself is commendable, Recognise your limitations. Sometimes it’s wise to hire professionals for specialised tasks, ensuring the work meets necessary standards.
Construction projects often encounter delays. It’s crucial to set realistic timelines that account for potential issues and remain flexible in adjusting your expectations.
Building a home together can strain relationships. Maintain open communication about expectations, frustrations, and compromises to ensure a smoother Collaborative process.
Be realistic about timelines; construction projects often take longer than expected. Allow for unforeseen circumstances, such as weather delays or sourcing materials, and include flexibility in your schedule.
Building a house involves many challenges and setbacks. Develop patience to navigate these difficulties without losing sight of your overall goal.
Initial concepts may need to be altered in response to practical constraints and materials. Embrace a degree of flexibility in your plans to accommodate the evolving nature of construction work.
Set a budget at the beginning that includes all costs (including land, design, and construction). Be realistic and allow for contingencies, as costs can often escalate beyond expectations.
Some aspects of the project may require more labour and thought after initial plans are made (like roofing), so be prepared for some parts of your project to take longer and require more work than expected.
Photos of different construction stages offer a visual reference for outlining progress and making adjustments. It’s also a useful tool for future renovations.
While it might be tempting to rely solely on friends or family, hiring experienced professionals can save time and help prevent costly mistakes. Their expertise is invaluable.
Conduct thorough soil tests before planning foundations. The couple needed to install deep piles due to marshy soil, which increased complexity and cost.
Converting a building of substantial size and complexity, such as a church, requires careful planning and a realistic assessment of what can be achieved. Ensure you understand the scale of work involved before committing.
The planning policy at Lammas required proof of self-sufficiency within five years. Builders should familiarise themselves with local laws and adapt their plans accordingly to avoid complications later on.
Not all innovative designs mix well with traditional communities. Anticipate some resistance and plan how to communicate the benefits of your project to your neighbours to foster a more supportive environment.
It’s common for construction costs to exceed initial estimates (in this case, by around 25%). Always include a contingency fund in your budget for unexpected costs like increased material prices or additional structural needs.
Building a home is an emotional journey. Allow yourself to experience the joy of constructing a space tailored to your family’s needs and aspirations.
Home building is often a protracted process that requires patience. Be flexible in your design as things develop, as your vision might evolve based on what works best structurally and aesthetically.
While aiming for aesthetic appeal is important, ensure that your home remains practical and meets the day-to-day needs of its inhabitants.
Hold true to your design vision and what you’re creating. If compromises are necessary for practicality or regulations, explore creative ways to incorporate your vision within those constraints.
When timelines tighten, Prioritise getting the project finished over achieving perfection. Focus on functionality first; aesthetic finishes can often be completed afterward.
Investigate the history and structural integrity of any building before buying. Understanding previous uses and potential issues can save time and money. Ian and Sophie found a derelict paper mill; had they known about the ground stability issues earlier, they might have approached the project with different expectations.
Construction is rarely straightforward. Plan for delays due to labour challenges, weather, and site conditions. Fred and Saffron’s excavation took significantly longer than anticipated—nine months instead of the planned three.
Always analyse the characteristics of the plot you are considering, especially if it’s steep. Davi and Matt faced significant challenges with machinery access and foundation work due to the steep slope of their land, which increased time and costs.
I also create frameworks to help deconstruct the process and provide tools that can help get over project sticking points.
