Top Tips: Expert advice for self-build success

If you are thinking about embarking on a self-build journey, there are several things that you will need to consider to ensure a successful project. To help, we have produced some top tips and advice for self-build success.
Do your research
Before you make any firm decisions, do some through research. Take yourself to exhibitions such as Futurebuild (formally Ecobuild), The Homebuilding and Renovation Show, The National Self Build & Renovation Show or Build It Live. Browse websites like Build It, Home Building and Renovating, Self-Build Portal and Build Store. You could also attend seminars and workshops such as NSBRC Passivhaus Workshop. It’s also great to consider
Recruit your self-build team
Next, you will want to recruit your self-build team – most importantly a qualified architect. Here at Sustainable Design Collective, our architect Bill Brown RIBA has over 40 years’ experience in housing, interior design
Create self-build brief
Your self-build brief is an ever-changing document that you will build upon and edit throughout the whole process. In the beginning, at the
Go eco friendly
Eco-homes are typically built to a high energy efficiency standard, use sustainable materials that have a low environmental impact, and create an indoor environment that is healthy and comfortable for its occupants. There are many benefits to building an eco-home including saving money through energy efficiency and renewable energy, great air quality for a comfortable and healthy home and protecting the environment. Check out our blog Why build an eco-home? to find out more.
Map out your self-build plot
Finding land can be one of the most difficult tasks when it comes to planning
Assess your self-build site
It’s important for your architect to create a design that is sensitive to the site. Steep sites or those with difficult access can be more challenging. To avoid this you want to ensure that you take your time in selecting an appropriate site, considering factors such as suitable access,
the types of trees that are on the plot (as this can give you an indication of the type of sub-soil you’re likely to come across), whether the plot on a slope and whether the plot has services conveniently located for connection.
Create a self-build shopping list
Figuring out exactly what you need and then finding suppliers who can give you the best value for money can be tricky. Here at
Set realistic Timescales
It’s helpful to set yourself realistic timescales as the process of self-building can at times already be demanding and stressful enough. Flexibility can be important, however, using a kit system allows you to set a fixed date for the erection. At SDC our Kit Home Timber Frame and Passive slab are manufactured under precise factory conditions in Gloucester. Building in this way enables ground-works and superstructure manufacture to begin simultaneously, saving between 4 and 8 weeks on Kit Home build time. Take a l
Relationships matter!
Keeping a good relationship with neighbours and project team is very important. Maintain communication with your team so that you feel comfortable expressing your concerns to them and asking them questions. Get to know the builders, keep track of your self-builds progress and arrange regular meetings. You’ll need to be prepared to make calls and decisions at any time, so it’s a good idea to build the connection with your team so you feel comfortable in doing so.
To find out how we can help you on your self-build journey, get in touch with our team at enquiry.sdc@gmail.com.