20 Lessons for Self-Build Success

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1.

"You’re taking on one of life’s great challenges. It can be fascinating, terrifying, exhilarating, taxing, and on completion it can deliver a sense of achievement that is hard to match in any other field. You’re doing something that lots of people dream about but comparatively few achieve — so make sure you enjoy it.

My principal piece of advice is always to think long and hard about what you are trying to achieve, and plan it in as much detail as you can beforehand. Don’t rush the early stages — don’t be impatient." Mark Brinkley is author of The Housebuilder’s Bible

2.

"Keep a site diary religiously," says Philip Nierop, whose impressive self-build (MAIN IMAGE) was awarded Best Eco Home in The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2008. "Confirm all key decisions in writing, while also keeping a note of who you spoke to and when. It is surprising how sloppy some companies are at keeping accurate records. Check invoices, too — many apply the wrong discount (if at all) and prices differ from those quoted."

3.

"Allow time for design," advises Julian Owen, architect (0115 922 9831) and ASBA founder. "You naturally want to get to the build stage as soon as possible, but this should not be at the expense of the design process. If you are using a good architect, the design process will be interactive with lots of to-and-fro of information and ideas. You will need time to consider new ideas presented by your architect. This stage is often the most enjoyable and it is important to make sure that you are completely happy with the design before it passes onto the next stages — when many other people will become involved and start to influence the finished building."

4.

Sign up to a plotfinding service such as plotfinder.net, which brings together plots from private sellers and estate agents from across the UK.

5.

"Always have a contingency fund," advises Andy Miles, MD of AM Architectural Design (01789 765367). "It doesn’t matter how much time and preparation you put in prior to starting a project — if you haven’t got a contingency fund it could spell disaster." Read more about Andy’s own barn conversion (RIGHT) on page 73.

6.

"Be prepared to be firm but fair with tradesmen. If you expect the job to be completed within a week, ensure that you agree timescales and also payment terms before they start. If it’s just a small job, ensure that you agree full payment only upon satisfactory completion. This will avoid any disagreements with tradesmen regarding payment and gives them an incentive to complete the works," advises Gordon Aitken, self-builder and architectural technologist (archid.co.uk).

7.

"Invest in the things you wouldn’t ordinarily change in your lifetime, namely the structure — bricks, roof covering, windows, doors, stairs and hard floor coverings," says Beverley Pemberton, Head of Design at Design & Materials (0845 404 0400). "The fabric of your house is different; over the years you can re-decorate, replace carpets, change your kitchen and update bathrooms at a reasonable cost."

8.

Keep on top of your VAT receipts. Once your build has received its completion certificate, you have just three months to submit your VAT reclaim form. Collate receipts on a regular basis and you will avoid the task of hunting them down at the end of your project — a time when you should be moving in to and enjoying your new home.

9.

"To get ahead, get a group. Get to know other self-builders, visit their sites, do lots of networking, talk to relevant experts, and visit their premises so they will know you, and you can share their contacts and expertise. There is a lot of knowledge and support around if you know where to look."

10.

Attention to detail is key to the success of your finished home — as Kelly and Martin Guest’s selfbuilt barn-style home is testament. "Things like having the brickwork done in Flemish bond with white cement gives the house an older, more weathered look. It must have worked because we recently had it valued and the estate agent asked me when I’d finished the barn conversion, which made me smile," reflects Martin 

Read Part Two

Further Reading:

• Advice for the First Time Self-Builder
• Guaranteed Self Build Success: Part One
• Beginner's Guide - Starting Out