Call 07799895403 or email info@selfbuildthreecounties.co.uk
Self Build Three Counties - Full Service Developer
What we offer
Self Build Three Counties are adept at planning, designing, financing, land purchasing and construction. We take the time and stress out of building your own home so that you can simply focus on the other areas in your life knowing we do all the hard work. In any self-build project, as in all life, communication is key.
So, from the beginning to end we have regular communications, including structured progress meetings and feedback sessions. It is during these meetings that we can shape the project and communicate d any challenges that may arise throughout the course of the self-build project.
We focus on Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, otherwise known as the Home Counties, and London. By predominantly focussing on these areas we can ensure that we are better resourced to deliver a quality product and the absolute best service for our customers. We work with known tradesmen and service providers that we trust, thus ensuring that the product we are delivering is of the highest standard and can be certain you will be getting an exceptional result.
If you are interested in hearing more about how we can help you with your dream self-build project, then we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please get in touch info@selfbuildthreecounties.co.uk.
Self build properties in Herts, Beds and Bucks
How to Build Your Own House
Why build your own house?
Undertaking a project of this magnitude could be quite daunting as it needs to be financed, it needs to be managed, and it needs to be built and delivered! Put those elements into context with other areas in your life that need constant managing, such as children, finances, and work, and suddenly building your own house seems a somewhat exciting but daunting proposition.
It is therefore key when thinking about self-build to understand the motivation behind why you would want to do it. In fact, in our experience the motivation often differs, but there is a pioneering spirit that runs through all customers who choose to build their own house.
Ultimately it comes down to an exciting, personalised journey that each self-builder wants to undertake which then offers the ultimate satisfaction when you are sitting in front of your log fire drinking your fine claret knowing you have built your dream house in a cost effective way. The house that you build will be unique to your mind eye, and nobody can – or should not - take that away from you.
Throughout the process it is important to understand that personalization is key; this is your home, your project, and your money! Therefore when you choose a partner to help finance, project manager, and build such a project it is vital you employ the services of a self-builder that is sympathetic to your goals and objectives, and not one that is simply doing it for their own companies ego or to turn a quick profit.
The first questions to answer are key when thinking about designing and building your own house. We find that the key questions you need to answer when building your own home are as follows:
1: Why do you want to build your own property, i.e. lifelong ambition love of a particular area saving money?
2: How do you wish to fund your ideal property i.e. joint venture, mortgage, cash?
3: What is my driving goal when delivering my own property, i.e. commercial, dream home, save money?
In response to these questions, we have found that there are generally three main reasons in why one would undertake a self-build project these are:
1. Cost effective
2. Personalization
3. Satisfaction
So, what do you need to consider when undertaking a self-build project?
Let us start by outlining what you need to do to deliver your perfect self-build home. Generally, there are five areas of focus when it comes to a self-built project
1. Finance
2. Land purchasing & permissions
3. Design
4. Project management
5. Construction
From the outset it is crucial that you are clear in your own mind why you want to embark on a self-build project. At Self Build Three Counties we can advise best practise, but ultimately if you have an overriding reason for doing it, that will help the company tasked with delivering your dream property. Some considerations to think about when planning your dream home:
Environment
In the modern marketplace, there are cost savings to be made from being energy efficient, so this is a key consideration.
Design
You might wish to have a modern, state of the art property that is not only cost effective but also cutting edge in design which will win awards.
Location
You might decide you want a five bedroom cottage that mirrors surrounding architecture with your own unique identity ingrained on the property. In fact, any self-build should always attempt to approach a design sympathetically toward the surrounding areas and values.
Budget
A recent study showed a self-build house would cost between £1000 and £4000 per square metre to build in the UK. Of course, this figure represents a large range and is highly dependent on environmental factors and personalization. Land alone can vary enormously in price and quality, and planning differs from region to region. The number of storeys you want and the specification - whether you want high grade or standard - and it goes without saying that the plan and the layout will impact on the price of your build. Once you have decided this, and then once you have delivered your dream house, the simple fact of the matter is that you could save up to 50% on the market value simply by building your own house! What is more is that it will be personalised to your requirements and will continue to save you money if you incorporate the various energy saving techniques that have now become popular. If you want to sell it on, then you can be sure of a profit at current market rates that is sometimes up to as much as 30% of the cost of the build.
How do I finance building my own house?
There are many elements that you need to consider, such as architectural costs, site surveys and the cost of building the site itself. It is often worth looking at a joint venture to find a partner willing to part fund to ensure the delivery of your dream house.
Self-build mortgages differ from traditional mortgages in so much as they are rarely released in one go at the start of a project. In fact, what usually happens is that these types of mortgages are released in stages throughout the build upon completion of each stage. It is crucial at the start of a project to understand your financial position, what you are trying to achieve and ensure that you are building in a contingency for anything unforeseen. Remember the adage ‘plan for the worst, hope for the best’ when considering finances.
What types of loans are there?
Bridging loans
Bridging loans are relatively quick to arrange although the cost of borrowing can be somewhat higher than a traditional mortgage. However, they are useful as they can be used as a short term alternative to our mortgage on projects that traditionally do not qualify for a mortgage. The drawback with bridging loans is that they can be extremely complicated and therefore exit causes are essential. This is where our financial team can help.
Developmental loans
As the name suggests this is a common route for funding new builds. Developmental loans can also be used for converting certain properties, such as converting commercial to residential, although naturally under permitted development rights.
Developmental loans are assessed on a case by case basis as no two loans are the same. Funding could be by way of senior debt finance, stretched senior finance, or a combination with equity finance. Our finance team will work with you to find the right structure for your profile, property location and requirements.
Investment Finance
Investment finance can be single assets or portfolios and lending is generally at 85% LTV (loan to value).
As with all financing each specific case will depend upon property type, property location and tenancy type. Our team will work with you to match your requirements with lenders based on pricing, gearing, repayment type, and loan term.
Materials
Once you have worked out how you are going to finance a self-build then you need to start thinking about the type of self-build your going to deliver. There are many different types of raw materials that you can use, all of which have their own unique attributes and merits. Just some of the materials that you need to consider include masonry, sips, oak frame, timber frame, natural materials. Of course, which material you choose to use depends on your budget, the type of self-build and the surrounding landscape.
Planning permission
Next, you must consider planning permission. It usually takes approximately 8 weeks and most permissions are granted with certain conditions attached. It is essential that your contractor is used to working to these conditions.
Self-build Insurance
In terms of beginning the project we can also recommend self-build insurance, although you may wish to look at this yourself is entirely the customer’s choice. Comprehensive insurance generally is recommended to ensure for the worst case scenario.
Choosing your selfbuild partner
Once you have decided to embark on a self-build project and you feel you are in a position to continue then it is all about ensuring that you get partners that you can trust to actually deliver your project. If you are able to source the land yourself and you have an architect that you admire, trust, or both, then it is a case of engaging with the construction company that is able to deliver the type of house that you require.
In this instance it is vitally important that you discuss the type of work they have undertaken previously, their ability to deliver, their experience and their region and location at work if the company fits the bill. Then the relevant contracts need to be drawn up, planning meetings scheduled, channels of communication agreed, and you can get to work.
In many instances people are more comfortable with a single company delivering all elements of the self-build process. This means that they have a single point of contact for the entire process from the moment they decide to embark on the project, through to the design stage, and then turning those designs into a beautiful house.
Self Build Three Counties
Self Build Three Counties have significant experience in self build projects, having been in the business for 15 years and having delivered multiple projects of exceptional quality and standards. We would be delighted to hear from you if you are about to undertake a self-build so please get in touch at info@selfbuildthreecounties.co.uk
Build your own home interior