Top Six Points To Consider Before Beginning Your Self Build Home

By Author: Daren
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Throughout history human kind has created shelters and although technique, materials and construction methods are different, the basic instinct to build a home is still strong. Many people aspire to design their own home and whether you are looking at self build homes in Glasgow or self build homes in Edinburgh there are a few basics you need to get right in order for the project to run smoothly.

1. Engage An Architect
This may well be the most important thing you do before beginning your self build home in Glasgow or Edinburgh. An architect has experience in all areas of construction and can see you through from ground breaking to completion and all issues in between.

2. Budgeting
Get your budget sorted from the beginning and don’t allow the costs of your self build home in Glasgow, Edinburgh or indeed anywhere throughout Scotland spiral out of control. Set your budget with help from your architect and have a ten percent contingency fund available if possible. This means considering buying a plot, creating access, the actual build, first and second fixes and interior decoration.

3. Mortgage ...
... Agreement
Many banks will agree self build mortgages and will release pockets of funds as each build stage is reached. Your architect can help ensure that these milestones are reached timeously so that your project can be completed and handed over to you at the right time.

4. Buying A Plot
Anyone considering a self build home in Glasgow, self build home in Edinburgh or a self build home anywhere in Scotland needs a plot of land. Here again your architect will be worth their weight in gold as they will be able to see flaws that the average layperson cannot. For example is the plot properly serviced or are the utilities half a mile up the road? Is the plot sloped, sited under an electricity pylon or will those picturesque trees and that little river cause a problem?

5. Applying For Planning Permission
Applying for planning permission and associated building regulation approval can be daunting if you are unaware of the finer legal points involved. A local architect will often have connections with the local planning office and will have developed a relationship with the officers working there. This can smooth the planning permission process as the architect will have a good idea of what will pass and what wont before handing in the plans.

6. Finding A Builder
Finding a builder and agreeing terms can be an important consideration for your self build home in Glasgow, Edinburgh or anywhere throughout Scotland and you are probably best to use a local firm where possible. Asking for names of previous customers and contacting them for a testimonial can prove enlightening. Often an architect will have contacts throughout all the trades required for your self build and will be on site to manage each one.
These are just some of the considerations for your self build project and throughout the entire process you will find the services of an architect invaluable.
So whether you want to have a self build home in Glasgow, a self build home in Edinburgh or a self build home anywhere throughout Scotland, from the Highlands and Islands right to the Borders, planning is vital and engaging an architect should be seen as an investment in your vision.
Before you start planning your self build home, why not call Block Architects and take advantage of their expertise, professional service and free consultation offer and get your project off to a flying start.

Kenneth Martin is the managing director of Block Architects, a company that prides itself in being at the forefront of architectural progress. Based in Hamilton, with offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh they are well placed to guide you through self build projects and new build developments for residential or commercial purposes no matter where you are in Scotland. Whatever your architectural needs Block Architects can fullfill them.