Plan Your Self-Build Project with Confidence

Finding and assessing a site

Check planning status, access, services, ground conditions, boundaries and title before you commit. A plot with planning permission still needs checking: conditions, timescales and the approved design matter.

• Planning history and current permissions
• Legal title, covenants and rights of way
• Access and visibility
• Utility connections and drainage options
• Ground conditions, trees and ecology

Planning and design

Choose between an existing design adapted to your plot or a bespoke design. Either way, the scheme must respond to the site and local policy. Pre-application advice can reduce risk.

Consultants, surveys and Building Regulations

Typical appointments include an architectural designer, structural engineer, and surveyors for topography, ecology and drainage. Building Regulations approval is separate from planning and covers structure, fire, energy, ventilation and accessibility.

Cost planning, funding and contingency

Budget for more than construction: fees, surveys, connections, finance, VAT treatment and a realistic contingency (often 10–15% for self-builds). Self-build mortgages usually release funds in stages.

• Construction cost by specification
• Professional fees and surveys
• Service connections and external works
• Finance and stage payments
• Contingency

Procurement, programme and quality

Decide whether to appoint a main contractor, use a package approach or manage trades yourself. Agree a programme, a clear contract and regular inspections.

Common risks and mistakes

Underestimating costs, starting before conditions are discharged, unclear contracts, late design changes and insufficient contingency are the most frequent causes of overrun.

Frequently asked questions