So you want to toast marshmallows on the backyard of a home you built from the ground up?
Self-building could be the door to your bespoke property. Here are the key steps to a custom built home.
Look for a good building spot. Looking for the right spot for your building project can seem like a hard-boiled task, but don’t panic – hundreds of online listing service are currently available. If you hope to live in Perth, Australia for example, you can easily find great selections to look into through a lot of online directories and listings. Also, word of mouth is sometimes the most powerful tool – so allow local residents know that you want to join their community.
Set your finances. Since buying a home is the biggest investment most of us will undertake in life, you need to have in place a custom build project fund. Having a solid financial plan early on is vital in sealing the deal on a plot you want.
Secure a realistic budget. Don’t believe everything you watch on TV shows such as Grand Designs. Many custom home projects don’t actually turn into money pits. This is because most self-builders take a sensible approach to planning the budget, setting a realistic and firm figure for the building project before the first design stage commence.
Include a contingency plan – about 10 percent of your overall budget is practical. This money must be put aside for unexpected costs during the project, such as unavoidable delays and additional foundation requirements. If you manage to save the contingency at the end of the build, then you can use it for landscaping or interior finishes.
Find a designer. Whether you’re settling for a package supplier (who will take charge in designing and building your entire home for you), a house designer or an architect, be sure to choose someone who knows and understands your preferences and is able to produce expert responses that fit with your planned budget.
Get a planner. Not the notepad (in case there’s a confusion). Finding a planner early on is a surefire way to know whether the project you envisioned is viable. Many local authority planning departments give out ‘pre-application advice’ free of charge.
Finalize the essentials. It’s important to ascertain that you have all the materials to build, including building control approval, planning permission, and other special requirements. Getting all the right warranties, contracts, and insurance in place will safeguard your investment.
Start building. Beginning the work on the structural shell of the building is an exhilarating moment. Many self-builders choose between two construction methods for their project: Brick and block is a familiar and the customary favorite, while the timber frame is good for fast, predictable construction schedules. Of course, many other systems are available. Talk with your planner regarding your options.
Enjoy the fruit of your labor – your bespoke home!
After you have settled for a Lendlease’s land for sale in Perth and the building work is complete and the interiors are done, you’ll be ready and raring to move into your home. Some other practicalities that you need to consider includes a completion certificate from building control, making that all-important VAT reclaim, and other small issues as a part of the process.
Now it’s time for that toasted mallows!