So, you’ve decided to build your own house? First off, congratulations on your bravery! Exciting (and admittedly nerve-wracking) times lie ahead, but we’re confident the finished product will make all the current anxiety worthwhile. Before you start sketching out your dream home layout, though, let’s walk through 7 essential tips to ensure your build goes as smoothly as possible. Hard hat on? Come join us on the site…
Learn From Others’ Mistakes (AKA Binge-Watch Grand Designs)
No, seriously – hear us out. If you want to know what obstacles await and the mistakes to avoid when building your dream home, then may we suggest settling in for a marathon viewing of ‘Grand Designs’? With 21 series under its belt, this show has documented practically every possible pitfall in home building.
Time and again, we’ve watched ambitious homebuilders attempt to create their perfect property, complete with fancy features like instant boiling water taps and morning rooms, only to run into the same issues – particularly spiralling costs. According to the host, Kevin McCloud, most problems stem from “a lack of planning.” Wise words, Kev.
Get Your Dream Team In Place
Building a house isn’t a solo adventure – it’s more like assembling your very own A-Team, minus the van and mohawks. Start with a skilled architect who can translate your Pinterest board into actual plans. They’re not just drawing pretty pictures; they’re your creative ally in deciding how spaces flow and where that perfect morning light will stream in.
As the expert home builders in Dayton, Ohio, Schumacher Homes tell us, you’ll of course also need a reliable builder. Don’t just pick the first one you find on Google – look at their previous work, check their references, and trust your gut feeling. Remember, you’ll be working closely with these people for months, so chemistry matters almost as much as competence.
Master Your Money (Before It Masters You)
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – money. Building your own home can actually be considerably cheaper than buying from a developer, but only if you budget correctly. The cardinal sin of home building? Waiting until after you’ve started to figure out your finances.
Set a realistic budget before the first brick is laid, and then add another 10-20% for those inevitable surprises. Whether it’s discovering your plot needs extra groundwork or facing labour shortages, having this buffer could save your sanity.
Seek Professional Guidance
Before planning anything, it’s imperative you seek advice from real estate agents and home-building professionals. A real estate agent can provide valuable insights about your chosen location’s potential value, while an architect can help maximise your space and budget efficiency. Similarly, a building contractor can help you create realistic timelines and schedules.
If you’re selling a property to finance your build, work with companies who are part of the Property Ombudsman – they provide fair, independent service and work to consistent standards for consumers.
Consider The Custom Build Route
Building your own house shouldn’t necessarily mean getting your hard hat on and your hands dirty. Consider, instead, opting for a custom build. Generally, this comprises ready-made designs that you can customise to suit your specific needs.
While you might pay a premium for this approach, it can help avoid material mix-ups and budget overruns. Plus, you’ll still get the satisfaction of creating something uniquely yours without quite so many headaches.
Choose Materials That Last (Not Just Look Good)
While it’s tempting to spend hours picking out trendy tiles and fancy fixtures, focus first on the bones of your build. Your choice of materials will determine not just how your house looks, but how it stands up to whatever the British weather throws at it (and we all know it can throw quite a lot).
Consider materials that suit your local climate and lifestyle. That gorgeous hardwood flooring might look stunning on day one, but how will it cope with muddy wellies and endless rainy days? Sometimes, the practical choice is the smart choice.
Plan For The Future (Crystal Ball Optional)
When designing your dream home, you need to think beyond the immediate future. Will you need space for a growing family? Might elderly parents need to move in someday? Are you planning to work from home more often?
Don’t just build for the life you have now – build for the life you want to have. That might mean incorporating flexible spaces that can evolve with your needs, planning for potential extensions, or simply ensuring your ground floor could accommodate single-level living if needed down the line.
The Bottom Line
Building your own home is a bit like conducting an orchestra – there are lots of moving parts to coordinate, and occasionally someone will hit a bum note. But with proper planning, a realistic budget, and the right team behind you, you can create something truly spectacular.
If you’re looking to save money without sacrificing style, check out our article on 5 insider tips on simple ways to save money on your next home renovation for more money-saving advice!
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your dream home won’t be either. But stick to these tips, keep your sense of humour handy, and before you know it, you’ll be turning that key in the door of your very own grand design.