Thanks for being here to support self builders. We are in the midst of getting quotes for our build and the variation in figures are astonishing. Could we get an objective opinion on the cost per sqm for 2m-deep trenchfill foundations? One of the quotes is £500/sqm which doesn’t sound right at all. Many thanks [...]
I am a first-time buyer and hoping to use the Help to Build scheme to self build my first home. I have enough of a deposit to buy a plot of land with a mortgage, and my parents are planning to gift me an additional sum so that I can get a bigger loan to [...]
Hello I was wondering how much a standard, square, two-bed bungalow would roughly cost to build on my parents plot of land? The square meterage would be between 85-95m2. The land is ready to build and already has planning permission. The bungalow calculator gave me an estimate of around £160,000 but I am not sure [...]
I am building a new extension. It’s going to be a 3.74m x 2.8m kitchen extension. A small pavilion needs to be demolished and 9m2 of concrete broken up. Then the foundations will be dug out, manholes moved and then concrete poured. Then teh actual building of walls and a roof can begin. My question [...]
We finished paying off our mortgage a few years ago and are now living in the house mortgage-free. It’s a 2-bed semi-detached property and we would like to extend into the garden and also do a loft conversion. We have some savings to finance the project, but I wondered if there is some kind of [...]
I am self building a small house, which is currently delayed by about two months. I applied to the council for a new address for the delivery of materials and goods, etc. The council has given me a letter confirming the approved address for the new house. So, when do I contact the valuation office [...]
I am having a small new build home built. My builder is also managing the project. I understand a self builder can only make one claim for VAT, so should my builder claim it back for me? I asked him to purchase flooring and a kitchen and then invoice me. Should his invoice to me [...]
Hello We have plans to one day knock down our existing home and build a new eco home instead. However, this likely won’t be for another five years or so. We are very keen to harness solar energy in our existing house and are considering adding solar panels. If we install these on the existing [...]
We are struggling with our architect and need advice as to what/how much he should be charging. We feel very under advised throughout the process and we are still waiting approval for a planning application that was submitted in January. Is there someone who could offer some advice?
