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| Self Build: House Design |
When self building there are number of constraints on your design. These are:
- Off-the-Shelf vs Unique
If you want an off-the-shelf package, such as those provided by the timberframe and steel frame house kit manufacturers, be aware that this will place limitations, perhaps severe, on your design options.
- Plot and Location
Your design needs to complement your plot, in the practical, visual and planning sense. For example, certain designs will work well on a slope, others won't. How does the angle of the plot, and any large trees, impact on the light available etc etc. Furthermore in many areas, and particularly in conservation areas, your design will probably have to visually blend in with existing properties. Therefore if you are planning a futuristic design, make sure that this will be allowed before you buy the plot.
- Budget
Different designs will result in different building costs for a given amount of space. In general terms the cheapest way to build a house is to copy the mass market developers with their simple brick and block houses.
- Choice of Architect or Designer
If you choose to use a professional to design your self build, your choice will be critical for the outcome, as each designer will have their own strengths and weaknesses, preferences and dislikes.
- Your Imagination
There is an infinite number of design possibilities for a house. But you will need to narrow this down to at least some basic concepts based on how you wish to live in your house. Your architect will need to know what you are looking for in your new house.
There are several professionals who may help you to design your home. Don't dismiss non architects out of hand. Who you choose should partly depends on the type and complexity of design you have in mind as many architects will have experience and interest in particular types of design. As with any building professional, try and find an architect on the basis of personal recommendation. If this is not possible ensure that you have a detailed preliminary meeting with them first (to see if you are at least on the same wavelength) and make sure that you see a portfolio of their work. If possible speak to some of their previous clients.
Architects
An architect is an individual who is professionally qualified to design buildings. Unless you are buying an off the shelf package, such as a kit house, it is usual to employ an architect in order to design your house. It is also usual (but not obligitory) for your architect to take overall responsibility for the project including managing the build itself.
Architectural Draughtsmen and Technicians
These are trained in building construction and techniques. For simple projects, extensions and renovations, an experienced Architectural Draftsman or Technician may be more appropriate than an architect.
Building Surveyor
Building surveyors are also professionally qualified. Some also have additional design qualifications such as architectural technician and this combination produces some excellent house designers.
Structural Engineer
You will probably also need to consult a structural engineer, particularly if with open plan or complex designs. They will calculate the correct loadings, and can tell you what and what is not possible.
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| Self Build: Further Information: House Design |
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(pdf 250 Kb)