Why Self Build?

IF YOU like the idea of creating a home that suits you in terms of design, budget and lifestyle, then self build could be for you.

Every year, thousands of people build their own house.

These intrepid home makers come from all walks of life: young couples keen to get onto the housing ladder; families hankering for more space; retirees wanting to downsize; DIYers looking for a project to sink their teeth into – the list goes on and on!

So just what makes self-build such a great idea?

Choice & control

We’re all familiar with the characterless new-build estates up and down the UK, populated with ever-smaller houses replete with average-quality finishes – but how many of us are actually happy living in such spaces?

One of the great attractions of self-building is that it gives you the opportunity to create a home that suits your lifestyle.

Ultimately, self building gives you control over who designs your project, who builds it and where – if anywhere – compromises are made.

Rather than relying on off-the-shelf options.

Budgeting & affordability

Only a tiny minority of self-builders get involved in projects of the scale we’re used to from TV shows such as Grand Designs.

For the vast majority, it’s simply a cost-effective route to a good-quality home that’s tailored to their needs.

Because you’re not operating to a profit margin, you can expect to get more for your money than you would by buying an equivalent developer-built home plus savings on VAT and Stamp Duty Land Tax.

You’ll also be at liberty to make the key decisions on where to spend and where to save.

Getting involved

There’s still a perception among the general public that self-building is the preserve of amateurs who want to try their hand at construction.

Of course, nothing could be further from the truth ¬– you can choose exactly how involved you want to get with the process.

Is it for me?

If you are thinking ‘it’s alright for some, but I could never do it’, you may be surprised to learn that people from all walks of life successfully self-build their own homes.

Don’t be put off by those spectacular self builds on TV either. For every ‘Grand Design’ there are hundreds of ‘Standard Designs’ that become fantastic family homes.

At David James and Partners we are often involved in the selling of all types of building plots or development projects to suit a variety of budgets. Combined with our in house Building Surveying department we can offer full professional advice whether it’s selling a plot with planning or achieving a planning consent on a parcel of land.

Please don’t hesitate to call to discuss anything further.