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Q&As
I want to build my own house. Where should I start?
I am looking to buy a piece of land in my village to build a detached 3-bed country home for myself, but I have no idea where to start. There is no planning permission or services with the property. Is there a 'template' of how I should go about this?
How do I make sure that I get value for money in the drawings that will be required? Which is the better build system, eg SIPS, brick and block, etc? How do I work out the cost per square meter? I think I will have £250-£300k available. Is there any savings on VAT, what is the best way to buy without overspending?
Any information would be helpful, as I am retired I will not be applying for a mortgage and cannot incur additional costs
I look forward to hearing from someone that can advise.
Regards,
Robert Precious
One Answer
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your question.
I would really recommend attending one of our Build It Live shows to help get you started. The next one is in Exeter on 9th-10th September 2023, but we also host them in Kent (Feb 2024) and Bicester (June 2024). Here, you can attend seminars on finding and purchasing land and book a one-to-one appointment with a planning expert at our expert help desk.
You can also speak to architects and attend workshops and seminars to understand how to get the best value for money for the plans required to build your home.
We also have seminars on the different build systems and a selection of suppliers to whom you can speak to for advice and find out which is best suited to your needs and budget.
Our Build Costs Clinic will also help you to estimate the cost per square metre, and there will be VAT reclaim specialists to whom you can chat to for advice (materials and labour for self builds are indeed zero-rated for VAT).
If you’re unable to attend the event, or would like even more information, we regularly host our Virtual Self Build Training sessions, during which experts speak on a variety of topics, ranging from choosing the right structural system, planning permission and project management, to designing your home and how to build an energy efficient home.
We also have online features here which may help answer your preliminary questions:
Structural Systems and Building Methods: Which is Best for Your Self Build?
Our Guide to Claiming Back VAT on a Self Build Project
Beginner’s Guide to Planning Permission
House Design Masterclass Part 4: Getting Through Planning
Subscribing to our magazine will also give you in-depth, expert advice on all of these areas of self building, delivered to your door each month (or you can access the magazine online via a digital subscription).
I hope this helps get you started on your self build project. If you have any other specific questions regarding a particular phase of your project (eg planning), feel free to post it to this forum and one of our experts can answer this for you.
Best of luck with your project plans,
Georgina Crothers (Build It’s editorial assistant)