Spending a significant amount of time at home over the last year has inspired more people to embark on the journey to design and build their dream home. Reports from Saffron Building Society showed a 144 percent increase in completions of self build homes, compared to the same period in 2019.
Keen to join them? These are our top things to consider before getting started with your self-build project.
- Giving it all you’ve plot
To make your dream a reality, you will need to find self build land for sale.
A good first step for doing this would be to sign up to the Right to Build register in your local area. Created by The National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA), it provides people with easy access to their local Custom and Self Build Demand Register.
From when you sign the register, councils have three years to ensure there are sufficient ‘shovel-ready’ self build plots, measured from the end of October each year.
- Getting the go ahead
Securing planning permission can often be a little tricky, with the standard wait time being 13 weeks. For those with more complex self build plans or unique locations, the process can take even longer, so it’s important to factor this into your timescale.
To help streamline the process, we provide a ‘plot passport’ for each self build plot; this sets out the rules and guidelines for each pocket of land. The plot passport also includes details on the main features of the plot, from information on the performance and sustainability requirements through to ground conditions. Providing self build designs meet these guidelines, planning permission could be granted in just 28 days.
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- Having the right cover
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When it comes to building your own home it’s important to make sure you are covered on any unexpected events, with the right self build site insurance.
At Graven Hill, we provide a ‘Golden Brick’ package to help simplify the process for our self-builders and give them peace of mind. The solution includes a fully serviced plot with foundations that match the house design, pre-installed drainage and utilities, and even structural warranty on the foundations of the building.
- Allowing for flexibility
Self build costs and timescales are prone to change, so flexibility is key. Having a firm end goal in mind can help to ensure your self build schedule stays on track.
Although many self-builders choose to be their own project manager, you could consider bringing one on board to offer expertise and relieve some of the pressure.
- What if self-building isn’t for you?
Although self-building comes with many advantages, we understand that it’s not for everyone. For buyers that still want to own a bespoke home, turnkey self build and custom build homes offer a great alternative.
Ticking many of the same boxes, custom building offers design flexibility and financial security, whilst still promising a high-quality finish. With the option of addressing personal requirements early in the process, you can tailor the property to fit your needs.
Keen to find out more about self-building at Graven Hill? Here’s what some of our residents had to say.