Right, so I've got the bug thanks to Kevin and all the other programs showing self builders building dream homes for alot less than buying some run down semi.

I know what I want to build and roughly where, but the first stumblers.

Finding land
Totally lost here. Yes I've found websites, but prices vary alot. One place £20k, other websites show similar sized land in the smae location for £200k! So what makes the extra £180k??????

Architects/Surveyors/Project Management
I'm guessing a 'how long is a piece of string' question, but what is a realistic budget for this area of the build? I'm looking at an off the shelf, log house affair.

Other costs/budgeting
Ok so my desired pre-pack is £60k. But that's just for the shell. Is there a realistic rule of thumb for things like fitting out, foundations etc etc based on sq m? Every pre-pack says you should expect to payout double the pack cost in total. But what do they mean? Is that just on the house, or fitting out and all site work?


If anyone has some really good step by step, detailed guide for first timers (with examples), I'd be really grateful. Otherwise it seems such a challenge, I think it'll only remain a dream


Many thanks.

Land is your issue really, that's your first step. The difference in price would be to do with planning permission, land that has it is worth a lot more than land that hasn't and may never.

No point in dreaming about all the other stuff until you find some land.

There is land around, more often than not with a bungalow or similar on it that could possibly be demolished.

I have seen quite a few potentially promising plots locally but unlike what K mcC is advocating the risks of attempting to obtain pp for anything different than an off the peg developer type house tends to result in wasted opportunites. These 'self builds' are often a much higher spec than you would get from a developer and you will gain the extra value of the finished house that the developer would have made but only if you were canny with your land purchase and have experience with building.

The likelihood of getting planning permission for a log house are practically nil.(unless you are building in the Alps I suppose!

SoP is right get the land sorted first.

The House Builders Bible is a good book for looking at the work involved and has guide lines for prices on builds etc.., i know the book is based on brick houses but its a start.

Thanks guys.

I'm assuming land with OPP means an in principal decission, where as DPP means specific plans which must be adhered to?

My ideal would be the log design, but in a rural location where, in my opinion, it'd compliment the older traditional buildings. I guess though everything is tied to the local planning dept and how they feel on a particular day?

No, there are specific policies regarding good design and to find a plot in a rural location would more likely mean replacing an older dwelling in which case you are tied to a height and foot print to a certain degree and possibly style.

A plot with DPP doesn't mean the house specified has to be built but any ammendments or change of design will have to be negotiated with the planners unless it is very slight change .