how hard is it to self-build?

[Kosmiche]

ignore

 

[Glaucus]

Just take it slowly, watch some youtube videos.

On your first build, don't worry about cable management as it will likely stress you out too much. Obviously if you have a case thats easy to cable manage then do it but don't drive yourself crazy wrestling with a case that doesn't have cable routing.

Did you even read op.

 

[Derek W]

What I should also mention is that 30 years ago PP was granted for a considerable extension - but the work was never carried out and the PP expired...

it shows at least there is a history of planning being granted on site which will help things. Ok policies will have changed considerably but your architect will be able to argue your case on your behalf as they deal with planners on a day to day basis.

Did you even read op.

I think, emphasis on think, he was trying to be funny

EDIT
Reading Email and details just now.

 

[Kosmiche]

No didn't read OP, assumed op was about a pc build, since its overclockers.co.uk.

Not so ninja edit.

 

[Stolly]

Just take it slowly, watch some youtube videos.

On your first build, don't worry about cable management as it will likely stress you out too much. Obviously if you have a case thats easy to cable manage then do it but don't drive yourself crazy wrestling with a case that doesn't have cable routing.

If you are going to fail, make it epic. I like it.

 

[ince]

You know your budget double it

 

[Derek W]

Read through most of that stuff now. Nice site it has to be said. The last part which refers to Policy DC17 is probably the important one. That relies on the importance of your architects ability to argue for a new house and whether or not the structure 'needs' to be replaced. Since there was only the one photo of the building i cant say if there will be any issues (looked ok from the front)

Speaking to a local architect will be the way forward. They will be able to advise you whether your chances are good for a replacement. They may know of other sites where this type of application has been successful or not.

Also worth a note is that there's a guy on here called Borich_planner who is a planning bloke so might be worth popping him a message in trust for his thoughts.

 

[bazaarboy]

Read through most of that stuff now. Nice site it has to be said. The last part which refers to Policy DC17 is probably the important one. That relies on the importance of your architects ability to argue for a new house and whether or not the structure 'needs' to be replaced. Since there was only the one photo of the building i cant say if there will be any issues (looked ok from the front)

Speaking to a local architect will be the way forward. They will be able to advise you whether your chances are good for a replacement. They may know of other sites where this type of application has been successful or not.

Also worth a note is that there's a guy on here called Borich_planner who is a planning bloke so might be worth popping him a message in trust for his thoughts.

Many thanks once again, will consider that and get a consultation with an architect

 

[thedinks]

We did a self build, we had a few problems with planing permission because we are in a conservation area. It took us two years from breaking ground to actually moving in. We moved in 2 weeks before Christmas just gone.

We had two architects in the end the first one charged us 2k and we had no chance of getting the plan through Planning they told us as much at a site meeting. The 2nd charged us £350 and we eventually got it through.

Possibly one of the most stressful things was picking bathroom suites, kitchen, doors etc because we had no idea of how they would look in the room and if they'd fit! It didnt help that we had a 10 month year old. It led to lots of arguments between the wife and me, we're still together expecting our 2nd in January

We picked trades on recommendations from friends, we had 2 major problems the electricians which we binned after first fix, and the joiners who we also got rid of after them taking around 9 weeks to do the roof or maybe it was 13 either way they set us back a lot.

The builder we had was excellent, his brick work was fantastic and he probably sorted out a lot of problems we didnt even know about. He's also my father in law The downside of having him build it for us was he had his own ideas of how we should have the house - windows, slates etc - which led to a few instances of not talking for weeks after pretty major rows, we obviously got our way in the end and he still hates the windows we picked.

I dont know if we were on budget or over or maybe under, I think it was close in the end, we basically just gave my father in law the money into his account and he spent it on materials, im pretty sure he paid for a few things himself though.

Dont scrimp on things inside your build. Shop around on the internet there are some great deals if you do the research, my wife was brilliant at doing this. Goto show homes for ideas, take pictures.

I think we got things right for the most part.

Were still not finished though, outside needs to be done and the last thing in the house is to get the log burner smoke bombed for leaks. Were getting there

Its well worth it in the end.

 

[Maccapacca]

I think many people have dreamt of a self-build home, not necessarily a DIY job like some lunatics on Grand Designs, but say using a proper architect, a project manager, individual parts of the build contracted out etc.

I've always liked the idea and I'm lucky enough to be able to do it.
The question is, should I do it?
I worry that there's too many unknowns and it may become a very costly experiment.

There's a property (dilapidated little bungalow) on a large piece of land about 1 acre that is available. The price and location are good.

My only past experience with construction is our conservatory, which required planning permission - and that went swimmingly.
This of course is very different.
Of course I need to start researching but I would really appreciate any insights on the following:

1. Planning permission. How difficult is it to obtain PP for a house that is say 50% larger than the existing building. And what factors affect the granting of PP?

2. Since the plot is huge, what are my chances of being able to split the plot and build a secondary dwelling that I can use to sell and cover some costs?

3. Architect and Project manager - how much do they cost?

4. Contractors - eg brick layers, plumbers, electricians, etc is there a reliable way to find trustworthy people, eg a website with ratings??

5. Budget and mortgage. In Grand Designs everyone seems to go massively over budget - how do you avoid it, and how can a Bank help with cash advances / mortgage especially at the beginning?

I know these are very noob-style questions, but I'm getting my bearings here!
thnx

hi what you need is a chartered surveyor

1 wholly dependant on local planning policy and similar developments find a local architect who has completed similar not a standard extension architect

2 again consult an architect it may be more suitable to apply for both or apply for one then another see 1 dependant on local planning etc, good idea is,to design the two exactly the same or handed to save cost

3 12%

4 if you are hiring a pm or builder you shouldn't get involved in this all you should worry about is the quality being built, interference once delegated causes delays and arguments, if you want to PM your project then you will need to vet every one, most reliable sub contractors I know don't need to be on websites and advertise as they work on word of mouth and recommendation, this is where a decent local PM would know who to trust

5 be realistic, the amount of times I give a budget cost to someone and it doesn't fit what they thought so they ignore it, use there own figures then come unstuck later on is embarrassing, ask your PM or employ a QS to draw up a budget for you.

ask away and good luck