Self-Build Zone

H&R Editor Jason Orme and wife, Sarah, have built a traditional-style home with open plan interiors on a tiny budget

Part seven of H&R's 30 minute guide to self-build. Getting hold of the financing to undertake a self-build project is something within the reach of anyone who can afford to buy a home. Getting hold of the money – and making sure you take out adequate insurance – is a critical element of self-build success.

Providing you have a regular income and a good credit history, you should have no difficulty in obtaining a loan to build your own home or to undertake a renovation or conversion project.

If you have fallen in love with an old property in need of renovation or conversion, or want to improve your current home, where can you borrow the money you need? Michael Holmes explains your options.

There are three unglamorous but essential things you will need to sort out before self-building or renovating. Jason Orme explains, starting with insurance. Including advice on what kind of insurance you should get and where to get it from.