Top Six Points To Consider Before Beginning Your Self Build Home

Throughout history human kind has created shelters and although technique, materials and construction methods are different, the basic instinct to build a home is still strong. Many people aspire to design their own home and whether you are looking at self build homes in Glasgow or self build homes in Edinburgh there are a few basics you need to get right in order for the project to run smoothly.


1. Engage An Architect
This may well be the most important thing you do before beginning your self build home. An architect has experience in all areas of construction and can see you through from ground breaking to completion and all issues in between.
See additional information - "Appointing an Architect"

2. Budgeting
Get your budget sorted from the beginning and don’t allow the costs of your self build home to spiral out of control. Set your budget with help from your architect and have a ten percent contingency fund available if possible. This means considering buying a plot, creating access, the actual build, first and second fixes and interior decoration. Using the experience of your architect to set realistic budgets will actually save you money.

3. Mortgage Agreement
Many banks will agree self build mortgages and will release pockets of funds as each build stage is reached. Your architect can help ensure that these milestones are reached timeously so that your project can be completed and handed over to you at the right time.

4. Buying A Plot 
Anyone considering a self build home needs a plot of land. Here again your architect will be worth their weight in gold as they will be able to see flaws that the average layperson cannot. For example is the plot properly serviced or are the utilities half a mile up the road? Is the plot sloped, sited under an electricity pylon or will those picturesque trees and that little river cause a problem?  Watch the following short video which explains the important things to consider when buying land.

5. Applying For Planning Permission
Applying for planning permission and associated building regulation approval can be daunting if you are unaware of the finer legal points involved. A local architect will often have connections with the local planning office and will have developed a relationship with the officers working there. This can smooth the planning permission process as the architect will have a good idea of what will pass and what wont before handing in the plans.
See additional information - "Why don't all Planning Departments work the same way?"

6. Finding A Builder
Finding a builder and agreeing terms can be an important consideration for your self build home and you are probably best to use a local firm where possible. Asking for names of previous customers and contacting them for a testimonial can prove enlightening. Often an architect will have contacts throughout all the trades required for your self build and will be on site to manage each one.

These are just some of the considerations for your self build project and throughout the entire process you will find the services of an architect invaluable.

So, planning is vital and engaging an architect should be seen as an investment in your vision.

If you would like to discuss the benefits and financial sense of engaging a professional architect please get in touch to book your free consultation and get your project off to a flying start!

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Cowboy Builders - Protecting The Client

We've had quite a bit of debate on Linkedin regarding Cowboy Builders and what Architects and the industry can do to protect the Client.

What's your thoughts? Should we as architects be responsible for site inspection on EVERY project that goes through the warrant process?

Of course its extra money for our Clients but surely great peace of mind.

Please comment below.

Appointing an Architect - Tip#4

Your Architect should have Contacts... Many Architects work in isolation especially those who are one man practices. This is not necessarily a bad thing but an Architect must have contacts to resolve any upcoming matters. Make sure your Architect has several years experience within your geographical area and has established good working relationships with professionals in various disciplines who are all at the top of their game. This network is then available at your fingertips. Block Architects, Hamilton have many local contacts whom we can refer any building related questions.

Appointing an Architect - Tip #2

Choose an Architect with a Customer Service record... Your Architect should know, understand and most importantly inform you that construction projects can be testing for everyone involved. A truly Professional Service which is tried and tested will recognise that good communications between the whole design team and the client ensures the realisation of your vision. Choose an Architect who operates on a full communication policy who will call, email or write a letter in order to keep you and the project team informed.

"I'll Never Do Another Opera"

Podcastmatters caught up with "The King Of Architecture" Kenneth Martin at an Entrepreneurial Exchange event. In the video above Kenneth reflects on what he did before Block Architects.

Appointing an Architect - Tip #1

Taking the Decision to approach an Architect... Stop and imagine that by the time you have paid off your 25 year mortgage that you will have given the bank more than double what you have borrowed. Your property is your most valued Asset. You must protect this Asset by ensuring that you Invest in the right Architect for your Project. Divide your Architects fee by 25 years and you will understand that it is excellent value for money and an important Investment which protects your prized Asset.

Get an ActionCOACH

I have just completed another 90 Day planning seminar thanks to my Business Coach, Iain McKillop. An actionCOACH is a simply a Coach who assists me in running the business ie he assists me in reaching targets and makes me accountable and responsible for achieving the goals that I set for the business.

I will be working on the 90 day goals over the coming week and will happily post these on the blog. If anyone is interested in Business Coaching please feel free to contact me.

I was asked the question 'When can I stop Coaching?' The honest answer is never! I stoppped coaching about a year ago and that was after a 3.5 year coaching period. I stopped because I had reached my goals but I soon found that my business was going backwards or atleast I wasn't setting new goals.

I am now back on track.

Croy Development

Here is the image of the development in Croy that we have recently received planning permission.

Architect’s Certification or Not?

Many Client’s don’t understand that when undertaking a self build that the Certification of the build by the Architect is an important and often mandatory Funding Requirement, but what are the implications of not obtaining an Architect’s Certificate when the Client is self funding?

The Certification process involves Architect’s site inspection at key stages of the build thus ensuring for the Funder (typically the Bank) that the build is true to the Planning and Warrant Approvals and in keeping with good building practice. Obviously the Architect’s Professional Indemnity Insurance would be called in should a problem occur with the house but the insurance would only pay out when it is proven that the Architect acted out with his means in signing off the stage.

When the Client is self funding the build then it’s quite common that they will avoid Architectural Certification and this may be ok in the short term until such times as the house is offered up to the market for sale. The purchaser’s solicitor would typically ask for the Architect’s Certificate on a self build and if the Vendor cannot provide this then it is extremely unlikely that the Purchaser’s Solicitor and Funder would accept the house.

In my opinion the Certification of the house is a small price to pay for piece of mind especially after such a huge investment.

Certification of the house can vary between £1500 - £2500 depending on the size of the house.