Every good project needs a team, and self-build is no exception. The task of building your dream home is complex and fraught with challenges. Before you put your first brick down or erect your first frame, you should be backed by a team of specialised individuals to help you achieve your goals.
Assembling the right team of consultants is crucial, and AC Architects is here to help you navigate the different roles that must be filled. In this article, we will explore the key consultants you need for your self-build project.
Click here if you missed Part One!
THE MORTGAGE ADVISOR
Funding your project is a must, and you need to talk to someone who specialises in self-build projects, new builds, or extensions. The process of securing financing for a self-build is unique, and a mortgage advisor provides valuable expertise and guidance throughout various stages of the project.
A mortgage advisor conducts a thorough financial assessment to determine the borrower’s eligibility for a self-build mortgage. This includes evaluating factors such as income, credit history, and existing financial commitments.
Self-build mortgages differ from traditional mortgages, as the funds are released in stages in line with the construction process. The advisors will collaborate constantly with the other professionals in the self-build process to ensure all parties are financially aligned.
Companies such as BuildStore provide self-builders with specialised mortgage advice.
THE VAT ADVISOR
A self-build is unique in the fact you can apply for a VAT refund on building materials and services. An incentive which can wholly improve your building finances.
In the context of a self-build project, a VAT (Value Added Tax) advisor can play a crucial role in helping the self-builder navigate the VAT implications associated with constructing their property.
A VAT advisor assesses whether the self-builder needs to register for VAT based on the scale and nature of the construction project, and also advises on the possibility of recovering VAT on eligible costs associated with the construction, such as materials and professional services. Their assistance in estimating the potential VAT costs also creates a more robust budget.
If you’re uncertain what criteria you need to meet to claim back your VAT, it’s always good to talk to a VAT specialist. We recommend Andrew Jones (The VATman) to our clients at ACA.
THE SAP ASSESSOR
SAP assessments are used to evaluate the energy performance of residential buildings. In this context, an SAP assessor would be a professional responsible for conducting SAP assessments for residential properties. At ACA we recommend Stuart King to our self-builders for domestic calculations.
SAP assessments help determine a dwelling’s energy efficiency and are often required as part of the building regulations process. The assessor must keep up to date with changes in building regulations and energy efficiency standards that may impact SAP assessments.
An SAP calculation requires a combination of construction, ventilation and heating specifications to be carried out. This assessment should be carried out as soon as possible. If your structure is non-compliant, you may see delays in the project and increased costs.
SAP is an absolute requirement for your building control application. When you’re in construction, the principal contractor will need to submit photographic evidence back to the SAP assessor to get their final certificate.
THE PASSIVHAUS CERTIFIER
If your number one priority is energy efficiency, then getting Passivhaus certified may be the next step for you. Passivhaus certifiers carry out PHPP calculations as part of the overall planning package. If you’re going for full Passivhaus certification, you need both the initial and the detailed PHPP calculations and then you need to have a Passivhaus certifier.
They are not a requirement in themselves, but the calculations can come in handy when looking at potential heat loss for your design. They can also prevent any overheating issues arising in certain areas.
If the self-builder wants to take that a step further, they can then revise that calculation with some more specific information that comes out of detailed design. From there, they’ll be able to go to their heating providers to assess the most cost-effective solutions to keep the design warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Check out our recent PHPP article to find out more.
THE INTERIOR DESIGNER
A self-build Interior designer is a professional who looks to make the indoor spaces of your design safe, practical, and aesthetically appealing. They collaborate with architects, builders, and other professionals involved in the project to ensure that the interior design integrates seamlessly with the overall architectural design.
With the use of modern technology, Interior designers can produce computer-aided visuals that allow you to walk around your fully furnished house and approve the details before construction and furnishing. They can provide you with sample boards showing the proposed finishes for approval and help you choose the correct furnishings and fabrics.
John Evans Design believes the main advantage of hiring an interior designer over doing the work yourself is avoiding expensive mistakes. Similar to architects, interior designers strive to create a unique design that is tailored to the client’s needs.
If one of your main priorities is interior design, then they need to be involved early in your project, ideally in the planning stages. The interior designer then enters the process again at the later stages as they can assist in the procurement of items as well.
In rare cases, the self-builder (if they’re feeling brave enough) can educate themselves on a specific trade and carry out the requirements themselves which can save them money.
As you would expect, these are vital roles in the self-build process and should be contacted in the early stages to ensure the requirements are met within the set timeframe.
Checkatrade and other online services are useful tools for finding quality tradespeople in your area. A professional project manager could also provide a list of potential specialists from their previous projects.
The list doesn’t end there. Every self-build is unique and will require a team of varied and specified individuals put together by the architect or the project manager.
Interested in seeing how AC Architects can help you build your dream home? Get in touch with one of our architects for a free initial consultation.
