Creating a new build home...

In 2013, there were 135,000 new build homes created throughout Great Britain – in 2015, there is was a slight improvement with 142,000 new builds built. The government are preparing around 200,000 homes to be built each year.Here, we will be exploring the steps to be taken when you are thinking about designing your ‘forever home‘.The first step is to find a plot for you to build on – however this can be difficult. There are plenty of resources such as on the internet, speaking to estate agents and you can even go and look for yourself. If you are serious about looking for plots without planning permission, then we would ask you to consider involving a planning consultant or experienced architect with knowledge of the area in question.Once you have found a plot, the next step would be to consider how you are going to finance the build. Having finance agreed for both the plot and build will help secure the plot and will save time in the future having to worry about suitable lenders for your build. Most mortgage companies will lend up to 80% of the total build cost. Therefore, you would be expecting to put down the remaining 20% yourself. Unfortunately, you cannot borrow against the plot in which you may bought, so you need to consider this before arranging finance.In order the achieve the previous step, you will need to be very thorough on your budget. If you are concerned about costs, we would recommend you use a chartered quantity surveyor, in the local area – they are professionals who estimate the cost of materials per m2 you require. Like yourselves, they would include a contingency of around 10% of the overall budget in-case of any unavoidable delays. If the contingency is still there, then you can consider upgrading interior finishes or landscaping schemes.The next step is to find a designer that you get along with, one whose ideas you like, and you feel they will produce the best possible design. A RIBA registered Architect in the area that you are considering building will have specific knowledge that other architects in other areas may not. You should always consider professional fees for Architects, Structural Engineers and Surveyors when planning your build.Once you have designed a potential property, we would recommend you enter into dialogue early with the planners/conservation officers depending on the property in question. If your plot is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), conservation area or Sites of Specific Scientific Interest then you should get in contact with the conservation officers or a planner who specialises in the chosen area for that field. Most local authority’s will offer ‘pre-application advice’ this is a great way of determining whether the planning department will accept your application or not. They will take into consideration the general style, size and any material stipulations.Some self-builders choose to use a package company to guide them through the design and build process. However, although it can all be done in house the price is around 15% higher than using another method.Using an architect for the design and a main contractor/professional project manager for the build is a great route, especially for someone who is looking to create a bespoke new home, not just a home that has been created for numerous people before you. Also, when using a main contractor, we suggest you use the tender route. This is where contractors (usually a minimum of 3) will estimate the cost of works, this will give you a good indication of the costs involved.Before you start the build process, it is paramount that you make sure that you have all the essential permissions in place, for example, planning permission (usually lasts for 3 years), building regulation approval and conservation area consent. Making sure that you have insurance ready and warranties in-place is also crucial so that you do not lose out on all your hard work. Even if your contractor/architect has a policy in-place, most of the time you will need to take one out with a specialist self-build insurance company.The next step to get your plot ready for the build is to start the groundwork's. From clearing vegetation to levelling the plot (if required) and accurately setting out the trenches. Your main contractor or a dedicated ground working company can deal with this stage as well as the foundations.Probably one of the most exciting times for a new build will be when the super-structure elements of your house come to life. Although there are now different construction methods, the most effective for self-builders seems to either be the most traditional way; brick and block however, becoming more common is the timber frame, which is quicker than traditional masonry work and you can build to smaller tolerances because you are using factory fabricated panels/members. The internal finishes can be done after the structural elements have all been finished, this can either be done by yourself or a professional.With all your building work, complete, and the interiors finished you will be raring to move into your home. With this said, there are a few practicalities to consider such as obtaining completion certificate from building control and if there are any outstanding issues, then they should be sorted straight away. Arguably, the most important would be the claim the VAT back for the new build.