WORKING WITH A SELF BUILD ARCHITECT  

As an architect, the first thing we need to do is make sure there is scope and budget alignment. Our goal is to design your home to your specifications, but we will push back if we feel that the design you’re going for doesn’t fit your budget.

We then start with a design that responds to the site. It’s equally important to understand what your sight constraints are. No matter how long you look, you’re never going to find the perfect plot.

Make sure to express your creativity, but be mindful that each design feature you add (such as a balcony or a double-height space) will equate to more money.

“Unless you have an endless budget, we need to be really mindful of how many design features we incorporate. We equally need to make sure our clients say, ‘This is the space I’ve always wanted’ when they walk into their home.”

We provide a fixed fee proposal to all our clients, which gives you certainty of outgoing fees and peace of mind if delays arise in your project.

Additionally, we have a lot of proven relationships and partners within the industry. If you want to build with timber frame, ICF construction or SIPs panels, we can provide you with reliable sources.

Without further ado, here are 6 ways you can cut down costs on your self-build:

1 - BE REALISTIC

The most important thing is to be realistic about the likely costs of your project and what your budget is. We see many self-builders come into the process with aspirations that don’t match their finances. Be flexible about what you really need and be prepared to compromise if certain elements prove too costly.

Cost is not the only thing to be considered when creating your budget. The quality and speed of work is of equal importance. Your budget is more than what’s in your pocket. It should shape and mould the project through the different stages.

Financial services, such as Buildstore, offer services to help you verify your build budget. This gives you a clearer understanding of what you can achieve. You might even find out you have more at your disposal than you think.

If you’re finding your project completely through cash, there could be an opportunity to get a small amount of financing through a mortgage or short-term borrowing. If you go into the process without considering financial support, you’re setting yourself up for risk and disappointment, which is not a good way to start a project. 

Make sure to communicate where it’s important for you to spend your time and money. Establishing your key objectives gives your architect and other specialists an understanding of where your priorities lie.

Ask yourself ‘Are there certain things that I absolutely have to get into this project?’ and work out what features can be changed if needed.

3 - RESEARCH YOUR MATERIALS

Next, do your research relative to materials. On the subject of compromise, look at alternative materials that fulfil the same role but come at a lower cost. For example, a composite material may have a higher upfront cost than natural wood but is easier to install and has a lower cost performance.

A staircase is another example. Building a staircase from scratch can be significantly cheaper than buying a whole set from a manufacturer, although you will need to take the extra labour into account.

Don't settle for the first quote you receive. Contact as many suppliers as you can to gather multiple quotes and lead times. Build materials also come with labour and transit costs. Try and source materials from somewhere close to the site. If there’s an opportunity for you to transit some of these materials yourself, seize it.

A self-build architect will guide you toward material and design choices that will have significant cost impact above and beyond the typical gross cost assumptions. A little bit of input from a Structural Engineer to make sure it can be structurally designed doesn’t hurt either. Your architect can also assist you in identifying resources to request professional pricing for the build or the larger components of the build at different stages of the design process.

4 - ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES

In a self-build, time is equal to money. This means that cutting out as much time of the process as you can (without compromising quality) can lead to reduced labour costs.

Look at what you can physically contribute to the build. Even more mundane tasks such as sweeping up on-site or moving materials from A to B can help speed up the build and reduce costs to your main contractor.

These are little tasks you can do even if you're not particularly skilled in construction, but likewise, you might have a relative or friend who is skilled in some of the more specialist trades that could give you a helping hand.

Taking up the role of Project Manager can take a lot of workload off the main builder and save you money on professional management fees, but requires more of your time and commitment. Check out our article on how to be the best project manager here.

5 - CONSIDER ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE

It’s not something we write about often, but it’s an effective way to cut your costs and your carbon footprint.

Ex-display items from kitchen showrooms can be a great way to save money if the opportunity arises. Big commercial projects commonly discard quality materials that can be reused for your home, which comes at little to no cost.

With a little bit of modification, these resources can create a quality space while keeping labour and material costs under control.

6 - PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

The final way is to think to the future. Certain items are going to be potentially more costly upfront, like a good set of triple-glazed windows, but will offer savings over the long term. Low-energy elements such as rainwater harvesting and solar panels reduce your running costs and work to create a sustainable home.

Features such as adjustable room layouts and space for future expansions can save you money down the line by reducing the need for costly renovations or additions.

A good architect will incorporate this thinking process into your design, as well as advise you on how to balance the lowest initial cost vs. long-term maintenance.

Want to learn more about the cost benefits of building a low-energy home? Check out our Self Build blog for new articles published every week!