A Simple Guide to Getting Started
Self-build projects have been known to be expensive and intimidating, although over the last few years, building your own home has gotten a lot easier. There are over 6 million people in the UK who want to build their own home and over 1 million in progress, according to This Is Money. Now you have the opportunity to begin your own project!
Average Cost to Build Your Own House
So how much money will you be spending on building your own house? The average cost of building a house in the UK is around £255,000, including land costs according to a report by Lloyds Banking Group. Of course, this cost varies from person to person based on their specific project.
Selecting premium finishes and fittings can dramatically increase the square meter cost for your self-build project. So if you are designing on a budget, you may think again about specifying top of the line cabinets, countertops and flooring!
Image below from Self-Build Architect Simon on Design for Me. Click the image to see his full profile
Find a Plot
Finding the perfect plot of land for your future home is simpler than you think! The easiest way to find an affordable plot of land for your project is to use resources available online. Sites including, PlotSearch, PlotFinder, and PlotBrowser are good places to start looking. Word of mouth can also be used as a reliable source; network with local residents in your current and future community to let them know you are looking for property in a specific area.
Image below from Self-Build Architect Richard on Design for Me. Click the image to see his full profile
Build your own house on a Budget
Investing a large amount of money into one project can be terrifying. This is why it is essential to calculate the costs of your project with your architect before you begin. Taking control of your budget in the early stages of your project is the best way to keep your finances (and worries) in order. Always remember to set up at least a 10% contingency for any unexpected costs.
Finding the right architect
The key to a successful self-build is good research and planning and it’s wise to get your architect involved as early as possible to help with this. Choosing the right architect for your self-build is a critical first step, but we know that finding the right one can be a bit of a minefield. This is exactly why I set up this website in the first place! Register your project below and we’ll help you to find the right person for your project in no time…
Emily Design for Me
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