Tips on Planning

• Don’t be scared of Planning officers or the application process – although getting planning approval took its time, it’s worth consulting with Planning Officers who can offer sensible advice.
• Make sure that your planning approval reflects exactly what you want before starting to build!
• Engage and communicate regularly with your neighbours during the planning stages to try to alleviate any local resistance to your plans

Tips on Trades & Buying Materials

• Ask the builder for advice on the things that matter – their experience is invaluable and its much easier to make changes if they have bought into it
• If you’re lucky enough to have tradesmen in the family then use them if you can, even if you only know a couple of trades and they’re a ‘specialist’ they are still likely to know and work with other reliable tradesmen or women, so they might be able to help you keep the costs down to a degree
• Buy materials direct and use local trades where you can and pay them on a pre-agreed price
• Don’t let the builders or tradesmen bully you into doing things their way
• A full set of detailed construction drawings is essential so there is no confusion with any of the trade’s onsite and to ensure that you don’t get stung with hidden extras
• Read the small print of your builders quotes / contracts very carefully
• Don’t be afraid to tell tradesmen you are not happy with their work
• Shop around and negotiate as there are always good deals to be had
• Be realistic with your build costs. Always shop around, get full quotes and negotiate with suppliers
• Write notes at every trade meeting you have as the goal posts have a habit of changing later on
• Don’t be afraid to take on jobs yourself as it saves money
• Get at least 3 prices from contractors
• Buy a cheap van to transport materials
• If you’re going with a timber frame solution, go for a ‘supply & erect’ deal from the frame manufacturer, you will not pay VAT, and you will save the builder mark-u
  

Tips on Budgets

• Don’t set your standards too high – extravagant fixtures & fittings can tip you over budget!
• Once you’ve decided on a budget, stick to it. If you have a bit of wriggle room on expenditure, up the specification on the things that will be there permanently, and will benefit you long term
• Don’t get carried away with ‘image’ unless you can afford it, a £15 internal door blocks an opening just as well as a £250 door, so if the budget is tight, go for the cheaper one and upgrade at a later date when the pressure’s off
• Understand your project fully – always put a contingency in and stick to your budget
  
• Be prepared for the build to cost more and take longer than originally anticipated

Tips on Finance

• Get the best financial advice for your project by using a qualified self build mortgage adviser
• If you are self-employed, get your own personal finances in order before starting the mortgage process so that this paperwork doesn’t delay your application

General Tips

• Keep the site tidy as it’s much easier to see any snags which need fixed
• Use an independent building regulations company – it costs but is worth every penny
• For those who don’t have a knowledge of the industry, employ a qualified PM, architect or trusted builder to manage the site and work closely with them
• Make sure that everyone involved in the project is kept in the loop, especially with timescales
• You can never have too many electrical sockets!
• Always expect the unexpected – for example, utilities presented us with our biggest challenge
• It will all be worth it in the end!