Where to Begin on a Self Build Project?
2020 has changed thinking, habits and reality in so many ways…
One of the huge shifts in thinking is where we live, & where we can realistically live while still working in our preferred employment.
As working from home & remote working becomes the norm across many sectors and jobs it offers the opportunity to move away from large commercial centres, leaving traffic jams and take out flat whites behind to perhaps gain fresh air, no commute, and the sea on your doorstep. To demonstrate the point in reality according to the Irish Times in July of this year searches for homes in West Cork on MyHome.ie had soared by a an incredulous 9000%. More people are examining the quality of life & home they can get by moving away from more expensive cities and commercial hubs.
At U Value we have noticed a massive surge in enquiries surrounding ‘self build’ options – there are many reasons most common is in the hope to save money.
So what is a self build ?
We describe this process whereby the client gets involved from design all the way through to finish, including getting their own hands dirty along the way sometimes- getting stuck into every element of creating their new home.
At U Value we can advise you on where to start with a self-build project, what you need to consider before your begin and who you will need on your team to complete your project.
Some of the major considerations as you begin include:
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Location
Gaining planning permission can take time & has many rules regulations attached to it that you need to consider before you begin. However, there are lots of options here whereby you can upgrade an existing structure on land that will still allow you to ‘self-build’ your dream home.
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Budget
Getting a real idea of the full costs of the project.
Where to start getting quotes & find trusted partners, planning what your non negotiables are in your new build and what can be removed if costs don’t permit. Always leave a buffer for extra unforeseen costs- we have all see ‘Room to Improve’ – it’s always best to expect the unexpected. Hopefully all goes perfectly to plan, and you will just have more money to spend on champagne for the housewarming!
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Design
Design can be dependent on planning, environment, other houses in the vicinity as well as more specific rules and regulations depending on the preferred location. Some of the key things to consider are the long-term use of the property, access required, energy efficiency etc. Working with a trusted and experience design partner is key to ensure you get that dream end product.
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Regulations
Planning permission will likely be required for your project unless it is a small self-build extension to an existing property structure. Make sure you know the correct regulations to follow as you embark on your venture. We will be happy to advise trusted partners to assist with this process. There are specific building regulations that must be followed in yourself build project. Your project manager or build partners will need to follow these regulations to complete the project to an acceptable standard.
At U Value we have worked with thousands of clients, project managers & designers on self-build projects. We offer a vast range of brands and products to suit every stage of your build making sure your new home is as energy efficient as possible.