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HINTS AND TIPS FROM UK LAND SEARCH
Building or renovating property is undoubtedly one of the most
challenging and rewarding experiences you can have.
Whether your project is a new build, renovation or conversion
you can really achieve something of lasting value, tailored to
your specific requirements.
If you want to investigate whether or not self build is a
viable option for you or if you have decided to undertake
a self build project, take a look at the hints and tips below
designed to help your project be successful.
1. Be proactive in your search for land
Finding a plot of land is undoubtedly the hardest part of
any self build project. Some self builders can
spend years trying to track down their perfect plot.
UK Land Search is the perfect starting point.
Newspapers and self build magazines, such as
‘Build It’ are also a useful source. In order to
make sure you leave no stone unturned, it is also worth
subscribing to a land finding service such as Plotsearch.co.uk
2. Ensure you obtain the correct planning consents before you start work
Before you even begin to think about starting work on your plot or property, you must
have the necessary planning consents. Outline planning permission gives permission
in principle for the development of a piece of land or a property. It means that
some sort of building or development may take place but does not allow you to
commence work. Detailed planning permission is concerned with the actual design
and access arrangements of the plot and tells you what you can build. All planning
consents have conditions attached to them and these must be read carefully.
These can relate to access, boundaries or types of materials to be used.
Before you start work ensure that it is going to be possible to satisfy the
conditions, especially those which relate to something which has to be done or
agreed prior to work commencing.
3. Have a feasibility study carried out before you put in an offer for a plot
Once you have found a suitable site on which to build your new home it makes sense
to have a feasibility study carried out to examine the viability of building on
that particular site. This will ensure you get an expert opinion on the plot,
which is very valuable, especially if you are new to self build. A feasibility
study should be done before you put in an offer, as what you buy will ultimately
determine what type of house you can build. The outcome of a feasibility study is
a detailed report which outlines the condition of a specific plot, highlighting
any important issues concerning the plot - both positive and negative. This in turn
will provide you with enough detail to make an informed decision about buying the plot.
4. Choose the right finance product for your project
Funding a self build, renovation or conversion project can also be difficult. Self builders
can face any number of problems including cash flow issues, having to move out of your
current home while you build and low borrowing percentages. It is important to get the
right financial advice to enable you to choose the best product to suit the specific
needs of your project. The financial marketplace now offers a number of financial
solutions for self builders and renovators including unique advance stage payment mortgages.
This simply means that money will be paid to you in stages at the start of each build stage.
For those who only require short term borrowing, short term bridging finance products may be
more suitable. These specialist financial products are available from self build experts
Buildstore.
5. Consider using the expertise of a project co-ordinator
Someone has to be responsible for the management of the site and the co-ordination of the
materials and labour. If you feel that you do not have the time or experience to manage your
project yourself then you may find it useful to employ an experienced project co-ordinator.
They will ensure quality workmanship by assisting you to source quality and reliable
tradespeople and also make sure that the site is operating safely, smoothly and efficiently
by carrying out regular site visits. They will also assist with the planning, scheduling
and costing of the project. You are likely to have a more streamlined build and are
therefore more likely to stick to timescales. There will also be less disruption to your
life during the build allowing you to carry on with your work and life patterns as normal.
6. Shop around for labour
In some areas of the UK labour is in short supply, therefore you may be tempted to accept
the first quote. If it is higher than expected don’t accept it and continue to shop around.
Always contract on a fixed price for the job plus extra agreed at measured rates. If you are
looking for a builder, drop into sites and talk to them or to subcontractors and build up a
rapport while keeping an eye on their work. It is also wise to ask past clients for references.
7. Make sure you have site insurance in place
If you are not adequately insured you will leave yourself vulnerable to substantial
financial losses and unnecessary stress. Theft, vandalism and accidents on site are
very real risks and if you are not protected against such occurrences the consequences
could be drastic. As a self builder you are responsible for carrying the necessary
insurance to protect your ‘employees’ as well as your own interests. Comprehensive
Site Insurance policies are available to cater for the needs of individuals carrying
out a self build, renovation or conversion project.
Get a quote now
8. Avoid making too many changes
It is sometimes difficult to image what your home will look like once complete and there will
be times when you may want to change the overall design. Making changes to parts which have
already been completed is very expensive and time consuming as it delays the progress
of the project. Once you have started work it might be acceptable to change your mind
once or twice but if you change certain aspects of your build on a daily basis your
costs will soar and you risk running seriously over time.
9. Open an account at a builder’s merchant
Builders’ merchants can be quite intimidating, especially if you are a first time self builder.
Builders’ merchants were traditionally established to serve trade customers – contractors to
trade as well as large commercial builders. Self builders were seen as one-off, low spend
customers and as a result self builders found themselves paying much more for their materials.
This often resulted in them going over budget. Furthermore, staff often had little
experience of the specific needs of self builders and as a result offered poor levels of service.
The Trade Card has been created to combat these
problems. The Trade Card offers
self builders better prices and enhanced levels of service. If you buy all the materials you
require for your build through our merchant partners you can expect to save between 15% and 20%
of your materials cost.
9. Open an account at a builder’s merchant
Before you embark on your self build or renovation project it is important to find out as much
information as possible, to ensure you fully understand what is involved.
Contact Self Build Experts who
can assist you at every stage of your
project. Their self build advisors deal with self builders on a daily basis and have all
sat a bespoke self build course providing them with the skills and knowledge to offer you
sound advice.
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