
How much does an oak frame house cost?
There’s one question we get asked on a daily basis: “How much does it cost to build an oak frame house?” There’s no single answer as the total cost of building an oak frame home depends on a number of factors: Build route: Your level of involvement in the project will influence the price. Many […]

Prepare a well considered brief for your architect/designer
An early step in the design process is preparing a brief for your architect/designer. The excitement of starting a project can lead to this stage being rushed, which can cause problems later on during the design stage as the designer finds out what you need by trial and error. The worst case scenario is when […]

The most common project management pitfalls and how to beat them
Unfortunately, there isn’t a template available for project managing a self-build scheme. Every project is different. Some will run smoothly and others will experience problem after problem. How the work is managed will determine the outcome and whether simple steps to avoid issues happening in the first place have been taken. Here we look at […]

Finding the perfect plot
The first step towards creating your own home is to find land to develop. While this may not be a simple exercise, you’ll reap the benefits when you uncover a site with potential. Before you start dreaming up a design or selecting a construction system, you need to find a suitable plot to build your […]

10 budgeting tips for your self-build project
Every year thousands of people build their own home. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to have stacks of cash to achieve your self-build ambition, nor do you need to have expert knowledge of the self-build industry or prior experience. Inexperienced self-builders should be aware that there is a danger of underestimating the commitment […]

10 tips for design success
If you are about to start planning your new self-build’s look, feel and layout, there are a number of areas to consider to ensure you create a successful design. Here’s our 10 top tips for design success. 1. Think about the plot Your plot will have a big impact on the design of your home. […]

Don’t deviate from the planning consent
When you gain planning permission, this will undoubtedly include special conditions that have to be met. These are not up for debate unless you make a formal request to have them amended. If you deviate from the consented plans or decide to disregard Building Regulations, then it is likely that someone will find out and […]

Self-build finance
Looking for the low-down on self-build finance? You’re in the right place. What’s different about a self-build mortgage? In a conventional mortgage the provider lends the total value of the house upfront. In a self-build mortgage instead of receiving all the money at the start, the loan is released at key stages as you build. […]

Self-build tip: Manage the project yourself
Consider taking on more of the risk by managing the project yourself. By co-ordinating the individual trades, you can eliminate a general builder’s profit margin and therefore save money. Remember, though, that this will be at the expense of your time and – in all probability – your stress levels.” – Mike Hardwick

Back to basics: Oak Framing
The attraction: When designing their dream home, it’s no coincidence many people dream of exposed beams. Robust, natural and beautiful, oak has been used in homebuilding for centuries and is still as popular as ever today. It’s safe to assume that much of the appeal of this construction method is down to the charm and […]