A self-build home is a house that has been built by an individual to tailor their every need – from walk-in wardrobes and sauna rooms, to open plan living spaces and ensuites. The number of people looking to take part in their own self-build project is becoming more popular over recent years. They give people the opportunity to be as flexible as possible and create a home that works for them, rather than having to compromise with a house that has already been built.
Self-build homes are bespoke to you – you can achieve whatever you’re able to before your home is being built. Dominic Skinner, architectural director at Spatial Future has evaluated how you can get started with a self-build home, from the do’s and the don’ts.
What can people expect from a self-build home?
“We should all have an emotional connection to our spaces. What I ask most of my clients to do is close their eyes and think of a place that makes them feel happy, safe and secure. These emotions are often attached to our childhood home, or the first house we ever bought,” states Dominic.
The process of self-build homes should be seen as an emotional journey – you’re investing your life, time, hopes and dreams into a building that is going to give so much more back to you. Instead of having to compromise on the small things in your home that matter, self-build homes promote that idea of being able to tailor your home to fit your every purpose.
“It’s exciting to build your own home! It’s fun, it’s interesting,” Dominic continues, “There’s a certain satisfaction in having such a major input in something life-changing. We want people to be as involved as possible and truly tell their story through their homes.”
Often there’s a magical feeling in seeing something in your mind translate into something that you can actually walk around and experience. There’s an element of legacy in the homes that you are able to design and create. He comments,
“Architecture should have a story. It should allow people to tell their own stories.”
What are the key things you should consider before starting your self-build project?
Unfortunately, everything comes down to money – and the budget of self-build is no exception. Dominic’s advice is to ensure that you are setting a clear parameter of what can be afforded, and if there is any room to potentially spend over that set number. Budget in architecture is a golden thread, and everything always comes back to it.
Dominic’s guidance also touches on managing your expectations,
“One process that we do with all of our clients is ask them to draft 3 lists before coming to our initial scoping session. List one will be the non-negotiables, the second list will be the things that you really want and then the third list would be the nice-to-haves.”
The first list of non-negotiables will mainly be around how they actually live their lives – these are the things that people have to have for their home that can be a make-or-break decision for them. Whereas the second list is more centred around encouraging clients on how they want to live and the tangibility – would they like a bigger utility room, or do they want their downstairs to be completely open plan?
The third list would be the one where a lot of people tend to explore the possibilities of what they could have, their hopes and dreams. Extreme ideas, such as cinema rooms, are all things that can be done and worked into the process and your dream project.
“It’s through the use of these lists that we are able to manage their expectations. As someone who wants to build their own house and have everything they want in it, it’d be unfair if you got to a certain stage of the project and had your ideas shut-down because they just aren’t possible,” Dominic mentions, “Even at an early concept stage, these 3 lists should give you a map on how to negotiate a project. We can manage your expectations, but also challenge them.”
The ideas for a self-build are thought up, what would I need to do next?
Research into the style of build you want, the desired location and the impact of purchasing the land will all need to be carried out before you progress your project. A self-build is probably the biggest investment in your life, so it’s important for all opportunities and ideas to be explored thoroughly.
“Do your own research and take your time when doing it,” comments Dominic, “The best advice I have would be for everyone to research as much as they can into every possible avenue. The professionals that you speak to should help you make more informed decisions. They should guide you throughout your whole project, especially in the first couple of stages where these decisions and expectations are being managed and controlled.”
Despite how daunting the whole process is, there should always be a fun element to it. Self-builds are an exciting time for everyone involved and shouldn’t entice the stress and frustrations that you see on building programmes like Grand Designs. To help combat these stresses all problems should be designed out early on in the process.
“We meet people who have had bad experiences with past professionals that they have engaged with. They get to a certain stage in their project where expectations haven’t been met and issues have arisen – all of which can be designed out at the very start of these initial scoping sessions.”
Dominic emphasises the importance of making sure the professional you choose to work with has highlighted all possible problems and issues before anything progresses,
“Engage with professionals – that’s the best bit of advice I can offer. Discuss the desirability, buildability and affordability of your projects.”
What things should self-builders be cautious of?
As mentioned above, be extremely cautious of how you and professionals manage your expectations. Self-building a home should be a positive process for both the business and the client. Dominic advises,
“Sometimes people can get too carried away with how fun the process of designing and building your own home actually is. Take a step back and be subjective about your project.”
Listening to the professionals you speak to can be a bittersweet experience, but it’s vital that you research fully into those you plan on meeting with before actually committing. Research and asking professionals about their limitations and past work will help give you a clear indication as to whether they are best suited for you and your projects’ needs. Self-builders should be engaged with the architects and builders that they work with, and speaking with the wrong people could cause a loss of money and time with projects that are unachievable and expensive.
The drawings and 3D designs that are provided to you offer more insight than a lot of people realise. Drawings and visualisations will put your visions into something that you can experience, and if there’s something that doesn’t work for you, there will still be time to relook at it and make the appropriate changes. Not everyone can look at a 2D plan and put it into cohesive thoughts, so having this 3D and VR experience available will allow individuals to experience firsthand what their project is looking like.
“Take your time with the people you’re working with,” Dominic highlights, “Don’t cut any corners on the project. Experience the 3D model and VR features that you have been offered, they give you the opportunity to properly explore your space before you commit large amounts of money, time and effort. You can explore as many ideas as you want, and any professional will encourage that. All these informed decisions which can be made through the help of 3D and VR experiences will guarantee you your time back in the future.”
Self-build homes are an exciting and rewarding experience for everyone involved – from the people the homes are being built for, to the architects and builders who are helping the project come together. Designing out problems early on, being communicative and participating in thorough research are the starting points of any successful self-build project.