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| Self Build: Construction Options |
One of the advantages of self-build is that it gives you a lot of flexibility over the method of construction. Some of the construction options are only open to the self builder as no UK developers use them. The method you finally choose will be determined by a number of factors including:
- Design Preference
Some construction methods are better suited to particular house designs than others. For example if you are looking to build a house with large open plan features then a steel frame construction will be preferable to traditional brick and block.
- Budget
Obviously different methods of building have different costs per square foot of house. The tighter your budget, the more restricted your choice of building method. Furthermore if you require a mortgage, you may find that your lender restricts your construction options.
- Location of Plot
Some plots, for example in Conservation areas or attractive villages, will be severely restricted in terms of property appearance so your self build will have to at least look similar to surrounding properties. This will clearly eliminate some choice of construction techniques.
- Level of Your Input to Build
If you wish to build part or all of the property yourself, your construction choice will be limited to your competancies. Furthermore some options are only available on a supply and build basis.
- Resale Issues
If you are concerned about being able to re-sell your property reasonably quickly at some point, you may wish to stick to more traditional building methods.
The main construction options open to you in the UK are as follows:
Timber Frame
Very popular method of house building in Northern Europe and Scandanavia, this method is very popular with self builders although relatively rarely used by commercial developers in England or Wales. Provides a wide range of design options from tradtional brick look to wooden Scandanavian finish.
Brick and Block
The conventional commercial building method in the UK, with an inner skin of concrete blocks, an outer skin of facing bricks and a layer of insulation between the two. Easiest type of property to re-sell as the vast majority of houses in UK are built this way. Large number of design options but not the best method if you want large open plan spaces or a 'wow factor' appearance.
Steel Frame
A popular method of construction in the US, but rare in the UK. Allows very open plan designs. This option will almost certainly require you to purchase a kit on a suppply and fit basis and your choice of design will be limited to those offered from the kit manufacturer.
Alternative Building Methods
These include Beco, Styrostone, Structured Insulated Panels (SIPs) and timber clad.
Eco Building
Some cross-over with other methods but also specific eco methods eg straw. May find it difficult to get mortgage and resell.
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| Self Build: Further Information: Construction Options |
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