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| Self Build: Introduction |
The term 'self build' is used when someone purchases a building plot in order to build a house to live in themself. This covers a wide range of activities from managing, designing and building the whole house oneself to simply ordering an off-the-shelf package. Apart from finding a plot, major house renovation, conversion and large extensions raise many of the same issues as self build. Whichever route you choose, planning the process carefully is critical. This Self Build Guide outlines the major steps in this process from the initial idea to the completed house and highlights many of the options available.
Each step of the process is briefly described below. Further details on each stage are available by following the appropriate link. You will also find at the end of each page a list of further web resources (both on and off ebuild) which will provide you with much more detail. These include discussion forums, books, magazines and other information sources.
Before you embark on your project you need to clear about your reasons for self build (financial, design requirements, environmental etc) and be aware that these considerations may conflict with each other. Furthermore the process is likely to cause stress and have unforseen difficulties. Therefore ensure that you (and your family!) are prepared for this.
Finding a Building Plot
The various ways in which you can locate a building plot (and which ways to avoid).
Evaluating a Building Plot
How to evaluate your prospective building plot from a practical viewpoint and how your choice of plot may impact on other aspects of your selfbuild project.
Self Build Mortgages
How self build mortgages work and how they differ from conventional mortgages.
Construction Options
A look at the various self build construction methods available including both type of material used (eg timber frame) to the self builders level of input into the process.
Self Build Design Options
What are the elements of a good design? Who is going to design your new house? Do you need an architect?
Planning Permission
An explanation of the planning permission process for houses in the UK.
Building Control and Regulations
Once you have planning permission, you will still need to satisfy your local building control office. This may impact on your design.
Self Build Insurance
Insurance information for your build, equipment, materials and contractors.
Self Build House Warranties
Warranty options for your completed property.
Self Build VAT
You can claim back VAT on your self build - but only if you plan ahead and make your claim correctly.
Information Sources
There is a lot of self build information out there. This section gives some ideas where to look and how to discriminate between different sources of information.
Miscellaneous
A catch-all section covering some other important issues to consider before you start your self build.
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| Self Build: Further Information: General |
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