| Self-build is a term that is becoming ever-popular | | | | Self-build sounds expensive, but actually it's |
| in the housing market. It's a self-explanatory term | | | | generally cheaper than buying a lived-in built |
| : building a property "by yourself". More and more | | | | property of the same specifications (up to 30% |
| people are doing just that - in fact, there are | | | | cheaper). Not only that, but self-build properties |
| more self-builders in the UK than the total number | | | | sell very well too - up to 25% higher than the |
| of properties being developed by any single | | | | actual build cost, so self-build can be simply an |
| developer (Westbury or Barratts for example). | | | | investment, rather than a place to live. |
| The purpose of self-build is to create a property | | | | If you're self-building to sell the property |
| to your exact specifications, not a template that | | | | immediately, you will need to take into account |
| the large developers work to. | | | | the needs and wants of your target market. You |
| Already you're probably thinking: "But I'm not a | | | | may not like to have a cloakroom toilet |
| builder, I haven't a clue about how to build a | | | | downstairs, but if that's what the target market |
| house". The good news is that self-build doesn't | | | | dictates, then you should build one. If you're |
| have to involve you with the physical aspects of | | | | self-building a house that you will actually live in, |
| the property development (in fact, only around | | | | then you're free to design 100% to your own |
| 5% of self-builders actually get involved with the | | | | specifications. Having said that, it's wise to |
| actual development work). Even the design | | | | consider the resale value of your property if |
| aspects are often finalised by a professional | | | | you're developing a property that caters to a |
| designer. Self-build, by and large, is about you | | | | very narrow market. |
| saying (in laymen's terms), what you want to the | | | | Bear in mind also that once a design becomes a |
| house designer - who produces a design based on | | | | blue-print, it should not be changed during the build |
| your requirements. This design then becomes the | | | | - by making these kinds of changes, you can find |
| blueprint the builders follow. See? You don't need | | | | your self-build project becoming a moneypit. So |
| to have any hands-on involvement in self-build. | | | | the message here is: hire a professional house |
| Having said that, the DIY enthusiast can use | | | | designer, and do not worry too much about who |
| self-build as an opportunity to save some money | | | | is the cheapest. A good design will ultimately |
| by helping out with the aspects of self-build they | | | | reward your investment in hiring a professional |
| have experience in - it's up to you how much | | | | who can design a well-presented plan for the |
| involvement you want. | | | | builders. |
| Since you get total control over the specifications | | | | This article is merely an introduction to self-build, |
| with self-build, you can choose the latest in | | | | and I hope it will encourage those of you who are |
| technology, while commercial developers lag | | | | put off by the thought of running a project on |
| behind because they're working to rigid template | | | | this kind of scale. It needn't be time-intensive, and |
| designs. You can install things like underfloor | | | | you won't need house building / designing skills, but |
| heating, automated climate, lighting and | | | | you will need to be careful as to who you hire, |
| entertainment facilities throughout your entire | | | | and you will need to carefully work out the |
| home. | | | | budget of the project. |