oak framed garden rooms
oak framed garden rooms
Self-build tip: Allow enough time to order items
Some things will have a long lead time therefore to avoid long delays to your project order things in good time. Idle time on site may mean losing labour to other jobs and remember, the site that maintains continuity comes in on budget.
Self-build tip: Design to the plot
Many self-builders get stuck in to the concept of building their own home by producing sometimes quite detailed drawings of their new home before they’ve even found a plot. Think of your design wishes in broad terms and then set aside any detailed consideration until you’ve found the plot. It’s the plot that will dictate the […]
Self-build tip: Keep on top of your paperwork
VAT can be claimed back on many elements of self-build and conversion projects and can save you thousands of pounds. However, large amounts of VAT can be lost because the opportunity to reclaim the tax is overlooked or given low priority during the build. Try to keep on top of your paperwork to make the VAT reclaim […]
Self-build tip: Lay down some hardstanding materials
To avoid your site becoming a mud bath, lay down some hardstanding materials from the start. There are two grades of hardstanding material. One is quarry crusher, which costs around £11 per tonne and is a low-cost option to be used where depths in excess of 150mm are required. The other, known as MOT Type […]
Self-build tip: Get in touch with planners early on
Early contact with your local planners is the best way to find out whether your project is viable. Most local authority planning departments offer ‘pre-application advice’. This can help you get a good idea of what your planning officer will and won’t accept in terms of general style, size and any materials stipulations. It’s a great way to […]
Self-build tip: Decide on your build method
Your build method should be one of the first decisions you make as this will affect your design and help avoid issues right from the start. This will not only maximise the performance of your home but could lead to significant cost savings. Engaging with specialists in your chosen build method, whether you use the design […]
Self-build tip: Arrange finance
One of the first things you need to have in place on a self-build project is funding. Having the finance available right from the start could be crucial when securing the deal on a plot. There are a number of dedicated self-build mortgages available such as Contractor Mortgages Made Easy that work on a stage […]
Self-build tip: Don’t discount tricky plots
Don’t discount an overgrown site as it might look different throughout the year. People often avoid tricky sites however with a little imagination and creativity you can create something truly unique. Alternatively it may be worth considering the option to buy an existing house and then remodel or knock it down and re-build. Do you have any […]
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