[2] The English Barn
Map data: Google

Location

Build Start

Architect

Total Floor Area

Denys and Marjorie Randolph embark on their second self-build project after being inspired by a television programme about Oak-Framed Buildings. Proving that age is just a number when it comes to following your dreams this review picks out the best bits of the build.

Site Purchase Price

Site Area

Site Cost Per m²

Initial Budget

Total Spend

Budget Overspend

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Plot Ratio

All Figures Indexed To

Construction Type

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Features

Denys and Marjorie Randolph embark on their second self-build project after being inspired by a television programme about Oak-Framed Buildings.
Proving that age is just a number when it comes to following your dreams this review picks out the best bits of the build.

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Lessons Learned

– It is more expensive to buy a plot with property on it and then demolish because you have to buy the remaining utility in the building and also pay for the demolition. #LL/Finding_Land

– Barn conversions are typically open plan to allow for the original building to remain undisturbed. #LL/Design

– During the groundworks the rooms often look smaller than imagined but they grow again once the walls are up. #LL/Design

– Buildings can never be planned to every minute detail, countless day to day decisions need to be made. #LL/Project_Management

– Availability Bias during the planning stage can limit the design output. Even veteran builders change their mind. #LL/Design

– Changes mid-build adds complexity to the build and can also add significant costs. #LL/Project_Management

– Employ a local architect or project manager if the design architect is remote. #LL/Project_Management

– If you want a pond/lake nearby it is sensible to have it near the house to use the rain water from the roof and surfaces of the building. #LL/Design #LL/Planning

– Applying mineral coatings to renders can help set the property into the surrounding area and is relatively cheap too in comparison to the other materials. #LL/Design #LL/Planning

– It is stressful even for experienced people. #LL/Project_Management

– It is never too late (they were in their 70’s) #LL/Inspiration

Acknowledgment:

This is a non-commercial review carried out for the purposes of study in developing an understanding of the requirements of self-build in the UK.

The views and opinions expressed are my own and is not affiliated in any way with Grand Designs or Channel 4.  All information on this page has been gathered from publicly available sources.

The plot/site information was located using Land Registry and The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Data which contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The lessons learned are derived from my interpretations and observations of a publicly disseminated case study and are in no way meant to be a substitute to the original.

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