David Snell

David Snell

David is one of the UK's leading self build and plotfinding experts, and a serial self builder who has been building homes for 50 years. The author of Building Your Own Home, now in its 18th edition, and the Homes Plans Book, David spent decades as a speaker and expert at self build exhibitions such as the Homebuilding & Renovating Show. He also helped countless budding self builders find their dream building plots as part of his long-running Plotfinder Challenge series in Homebuilding & Renovating magazine. He has self built 14 homes.

Latest articles by David Snell

car tyre on gravel driveway

Does Your Plot Have Access Issues?

By David Snell published

In order to become a building plot a site needs access — in most areas that means vehicular access

Self Build
Building plot for new home

How to Value a Building Plot

By David Snell published

Knowing how much a potential plot should cost is essential to avoid being ripped off or taking on a project that is not financially viable

DIY
Single-storey self build on garden plot

How to Build a Home on a Garden Plot

By David Snell published

There are many advantages to building a new home in the garden of your existing house — a free plot for one. But there are also a few key points to consider, and pitfalls to avoid. Plotfinding expert David Snell explains all

Garden
bringing electricity to self build site

Bringing Electricity to Site

By David Snell published

Having mains electricity on site for your self build as early as possible is a definite bonus (and is essential for some stages of the process). Read on to find out who to contact, how much it will cost and what issues you might encounter

Self Build
timber floor joists

Comparing Ground Floor Structure Costs

By David Snell published

Concrete slab, suspended timber or beam and block? All are a viable choice for your ground floor structure — David Snell compares the costs

Structure
Handmade clay tiles from Heritage Clay Tiles

Tiling a Roof: How Much Does it Cost?

By David Snell published

Whether you opt for slate or tile, your roof covering budget will vary as your choice will have a big impact on labour costs too

Roof
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