Embarking on your self-build journey can be a daunting task without having the right information behind you. Despite interest in self-building rapidly growing, not knowing where to find the appropriate facts and figures can throw even the most determined of people off.
At AC Architects, we’ve worked on a range of great Self-build projects – but with no two clients ever the same, we’ve witnessed some of the best and worst ways clients approach their build. A Self-build project is a big commitment – one that requires a lot of dedication from the individuals involved – so thorough research is fundamental to its success.
When it comes to starting out, knowledge is power, and we’d like to point prospective Self-builders in the right direction with some valuable advice and resources. The methods we are about to show you will help you make the right decisions, and become a more confident self-builder:
READ SELF BUILD MAGAZINES
With a great selection of self-build magazines available, subscribing to a couple can be extremely beneficial. Magazines such as Homebuilding & Renovating cover all bases – from ‘How to…’ articles, to the latest design trends. One of the greatest advantages of a magazine subscription is the fact that the information is very current, and the issues are right up to date.
You’ll find case studies from previous self-builders – highlighting issues with costs, design, energy efficiency and planning permission. On top of this, there are lots of tips from professionals across the industry, as well as interviews with some of the most experienced self-build experts.
Many of these magazines are available in an online format too, meaning you can access them from anywhere.
Lindsey Davis and Claire Lloyd, from the editorial team at Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine, offered some wise words for our self-builders:
“There’s a widely held misconception that building your own home is going to be very difficult and very expensive. Add to this that planning permission is believed by many to be incredibly hard to gain, and it is a wonder anyone tries to build their own home. However, the truth is that a well-planned Self Build project can run as smoothly as buying an existing home, and by equipping yourself with knowledge of the industry you can navigate any potential problems.
We always advise our readers to do their research — find out how the planning process works; look at homes in the local area to get an idea of what could work; talk to people who have used the professionals you plan to hire; and above all come up with a realistic budget.”
Other magazines look in further detail at the self-build stories across the UK, and can be a great way of finding a design style you like, or the type of plot you might like to find. See below for a selection of the UK’s most popular self-build magazines:
- Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine
- Real Homes Magazine
- SelfBuild and Design
- Grand Designs Magazine
- HouseBeautiful
If you're looking for a treasure trove of self-build information, look no further than AC Architects' own Self-Build Blog! Keep an eye out for new articles uploaded every week, as we look to answer all the burning self-build questions you have.
ATTEND SELF BUILD SHOWS
The best value-for-money research you can possibly get is from attending a self-build show. These shows can be an excellent means of research, offering valuable insights into the self-build process.
There are a host of shows to choose from, from Grand Designs Live, Build It Live! and the Homebuilding & Renovating Show. AC Architects often contribute to the various Homebuilding & Renovating Shows that take place around the UK. You can often find us delivering live talks or offering free consultation and virtual reality services.
The Homebuilding & Renovating show is one of the biggest UK’s self-build shows and is a great example of how these shows can inspire a new generation of self-builders. View their website here to see their upcoming events.
Held across the country – almost every month of the year – there is nothing better than having all of the required professionals under one roof. Whether you need help with planning permission, advice on ventilation, or interior design tips, you’ll find the right expert at one of these self-build shows.
Brian Singleton – of ventilation experts, ADM Systems – gives a great summary of why you should consider attending the likes of the Homebuilding & Renovating Show:
“ADM have been exhibiting at the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows all over the country for many years. Whether you’re at the very early stages, or if you have had some outline proposals and wish to discuss further, the exhibitions provide an excellent platform to meet up with exhibitors and other professionals. Expert advice is freely available, together with seminars, workshops and masterclasses. My advice, particularly for the larger shows such as the NEC, is to have a good idea of which products, services, seminars etc. are most important and make them your priority to visit.”
Many of the shows take place over a weekend, and it’s really worth making the effort to go for the duration. You can spend a day listening to the insightful talks and seminars, then another speaking to the exhibitors – from kit builders, window suppliers and even Smart Home Automation specialists. These self-build shows cover all areas in the UK, so have a look through these to find your nearest one:
- Homebuilding & Renovating Show
- Build It Live!
- Grand Designs Live
- The National Self Build & Renovation Show
READ SELF BUILD BOOKS
With the self-build industry constantly developing, there are only a handful of relevant books out there worth considering. The UK’s best-selling self-build guide is Mark Brinkley’s Housebuilder’s Bible, which is now in its 15th edition.
Whether or not this is your first self-build project, the Bible takes you step-by-step through the self-build process – highlighting the potential problems, and how to avoid them. From project management to employing professionals and evaluating land – Brinkley takes the processes familiar to the trades and makes them familiar to the rookie self-builder. His style is extremely readable, and all of the information is current – including the self-build cost tables for calculating a budget. Mark’s expert advice will go a long way throughout your project – We say Housebuilder’s Bible is a must-read!
Another book comes from the UK’s self-build champion, Kevin McCloud. His book, Grand Designs Handbook: The Blueprint for Building Your Own Home, explores beyond the self-build Homes featured on McCloud’s television programme of the same name. This book is packed with answers to the bigger questions about design and architecture and is a good read for inspiration from one of the UK’s foremost self-build experts.
Released in late 2015, The Self-Builders Guide to Project Management, by Vince Holden, offers practical advice taken from over 40 years of construction experience. This book seeks to highlight the main principles and methods of practical construction project management. It’s written from the constructor’s point-of-view and is full of practical advice, which should help familiarise you with construction management fundamentals and provide you with the everyday knowledge required to manage your self-build professionally.
One of the trickier parts for prospective self-builders is getting to grips with the UK Planning Regulations. Many have tried and many have failed with attempts to acquire Planning Permission – however – Roy Speer and Mike Dade can help ensure that your dreams of self-build success aren’t destroyed at the design stage. Complete Planning Permission: How To Get It; Stop It or Alter It is a great step-by-step guide to the entire application process, and teaches you the best strategies for ensuring your self-build gets up and running. Planning Permission is a difficult and sometimes controversial topic, but this comprehensive guide will see that you teach yourself the ins and outs of planning law and get your project underway.
On the subject of books, we’ve had a go at creating our own! ‘An Introduction to Self Building’ by Allan Corfield Architects is available to download from our website. This eBook has helped thousands of self-builders around the UK build their homes. Packed with practical tips and expert advice, this eBook is the perfect resource for anyone looking to embark on the rewarding journey of self-building.
ATTEND SELF BUILD SEMINARS
Self-build seminars offer a great opportunity to consult experts in the industry, such as architects, engineers, builders and ventilation experts.
The information provided in a self-build seminar should be targeted to give a sufficient overview of all the subjects, but with enough detail for self-builders to make informed choices on how to take their project forward. The unique, holistic approach offers the self-builder an unmissable opportunity to learn about some of the key elements in the build process.”
A typical seminar covers the following elements:
- Cost vs Design
- Project Management
- Cost Plans
- Thermal Strategy – Windows, Vent Systems, Doors, Sap Calc, Detailing
- Structural Strategy – Engineering Problem in Design, Structural Solutions, Engineering
- Working with Contractors -Groundworkers, Kit Suppliers, Plumber, Electricians etc.
AC Architects have contributed to hundreds of self-build Seminars over the years, and are now proud to be hosting our own. ‘How to Self Build successfully’ seminars take place at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, in Swindon and are hosted by industry expert Allan Corfield. The events focus on educating visitors on all of the key areas of the Self Build journey.
Having a good network of fellow self-builders can also be beneficial to your project – you can share ideas and experiences, and get an idea of what timescales to expect. Allan, director here at AC Architects, encourages Self Builders to make these contacts, and start researching as early as possible:
“Researching everything in your Self Build project is key; you as the Self Builder must take the project lead. This is, after all, your home you are building – so no one else will care as much as you do. Going to seminars, researching online, and surrounding yourself with the right people will be invaluable to the success of your Self-build.
Making sure you obtain recent testimonials on everyone you propose to work with, will ensure you get the right people in your team. Also, make sure you enquire about the times when things went wrong; finding out how problems were dealt with is often the most important of details. Challenges will arise – no matter how well you plan your Self-build!"
With 15 years and over 500 projects worth of experience, we know how scary the idea of a self-build can be to someone with no construction experience. By following these steps, you can build your dream home with confidence, knowing you have taken the time to understand the industry and how to succeed in it.
If you would like more information on the resources above, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Alternatively, click below for a free consultation at no charge.
