Myth 1: All land is fair game

There’s a reason why the green field with pleasing rural views, you have your eye on, is for sale at a reasonable price. This type of plot may unlikely have planning permission now or in the future.

Councils have strict policies on where you can and can’t build, and shrewd landowners will capitalise on this where they can. To be sure you don’t find yourself saddled with a field rather than a building plot, consult the local planning department’s local plan, which sets out the planning policies in the area.

Myth 2: Urban plots are impossible to find

New legislation introduced in August 2021 allows the conversion of Class E buildings to Class C3 residential, within permitted development rights, subject to prior approval. Since offices, shops and a number of other commercial buildings were re-classified to Class E in 2020, there’s more scope for conversions than ever before.

Myth 3: A timber frame build is risky

All houses should be built to building regulations in any construction method. There’s no added fire or safety risk building in timber. There are insurers and mortgage lenders who regard timber frame builds as non-standard. Wood clad house builders can be told to build an outer skin of block work to avoid directly fixing to the timber frame.

Myth 4: A conversion is more straightforward than a self-build

There’s no doubt buying a rural building could have its plus points with foundations, walls and roof structure already in place. However, what looks good on the surface may reveal a host of problems in a structural survey. Invest money in a detailed survey before you buy so you know exactly what you’re taking on and the costs involved. Be aware that new problems may arise during the work, too, such as walls falling down, foundation problems, drainage issues – a worst case scenario could mean having to demolish the structure and start again. Keep an open mind and give yourself a generous contingency.

Myth 5: A package company’s design won’t be as adventurous as an architect’s

At Welsh Oak Frame our ultimate goal is to assist you self build in oak resulting in a house you love. Although we have a range of off-the-shelf designs, which customers are welcome to use, we find they’re more popular as inspiration by kickstarting the design process. Like any architect, our designers treat each customer and each project as an individual, resulting in a design unique to their requirements. In addition, our projects benefit from our designers’ specialist expertise in oak frame construction. Although we work with designs from architectural practices, sometimes it’s necessary to make adjustments to turn the drawings into a buildable oak frame. We’ll always take the opportunity to suggest any other changes to be sure we’re making the best of the oak frame.

Myth 6: Hiring a quantity surveyor is an unnecessary expense

This depends how you look at it. A quantity surveyor studies the detailed drawings for building control, works out the quantity of all the materials you’ll need to buy, and provides a detailed cost estimate of the whole project. You’ll have a clear picture of all your build costs to help you source and negotiate prices and avoid going over budget.

Myth 7: A project manager isn’t essential

This depends on your circumstances. Project-managing your self-build can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience if you’re not working, motivated and committed to the challenge, but if you’re juggling being PM with a full-time job, you’re already on the backfoot. The role involves researching and sourcing materials, planning deliveries, managing the budget, scheduling and organising trades – all to a set timetable. Without your full attention, there’s a risk of making mistakes, running behind and overspending.

Contact the team to discuss your self build in oak project or take a look at our case studies.