Your self build home should "reflect" your personality

A self build home can say a lot about you so a lot of time should be invested in making it more bespoke, it has been claimed.

According to interior designer Danielle Proud, in the current climate homeowners want their property to be the "best reflection" of who they are, as well as be a "nice cosy environment".

Ms Proud added that the credit crunch and the property slump have caused lots of homeowners to put their feet up and stay put in their home.

"Another really interesting point is that as people are feeling the pinch they are going out less often so they are looking to entertain far more frequently at home," she added.

Buying a plot and building your own home could be one of the most liberating things you do and you could install all manner of home entertainment features, including a bar in the basement.

Research carried out by Opinion Matters and Tickbox.net for the Fun on the Floor campaign found that 81 per cent of homeowners surveyed wanted their home to feel cosy and comfortable, with almost one-third expecting between four and seven guests at their house over Christmas.