Your 10 step guide to building your dream home
Step 1: Legal matters Step 2: Selecting an architectural designer Step 3: Budget Step 4: Your requirements Step 5: Other professionals Step 6: Maintenance and running costs Step 7: Planning consent Step 8: Building regulations Step 9: Structural warranty / PCC… Read More
Build your dream home, step 1: Legal matters
It is common place for covenants to be part of Title Deeds/Land Registry documents. Some covenants are included within Title Deeds to restrict development and the impact on neighbouring properties. It is important that you check these documents for any such restrictions. If in doubt, you should liaise… Read More
Build your dream home, step 2: Selecting an architectural designer
Selecting an Architect/Architectural Designer will be governed by many factors. These factors may be as follows: Does your Designer fit into your required budget Does your Designer offer the services you require for the project? Is your Designer going to be sympathetic to your… Read More
Build your dream home, step 3: Budget
A very important factor of the design process is deciding the budget. A clear indication of budget given to the Architectural Designer can prevent future misunderstandings and unnecessary amendments to the proposal. Budgets for construction projects help determine what is affordable and should be set as early as possible. Read More
Build your dream home, step 4: Your requirements
This can often be termed as the Brief and should be worked up alongside your Architectural Designer. However, it is advisable to carefully consider your requirements prior to the initial meeting with the designer so the meeting can be as constructive as possible. Knowing what you want is… Read More
Build your dream home, step 5: Other professionals
Depending on the complexity of the project, other professionals may be required to complete the project team. It is advisable to leave selection of other professionals to your Architectural Designer as they can select professionals that they are comfortable working alongside. Your designer should advise you within the initial stages… Read More
Build your dream home, step 6: Maintenance and running costs
This is an important aspect to consider and should be factored into all proposals. Considerations can range from the maintenance of external finishes and design features such as valley gutters to services such as heating and electricity. When compiling the Brief, a dialogue regarding maintenance costs of the proposal should… Read More
Build your dream home, step 7: Planning consent
Obtaining Planning Consent can depend on several factors and these are as follows: Is your development sensitive to the locality? Are materials specified in keeping with the local vernacular? What is the height of your proposed development, is it lower or equal to adjacent properties? Is your proposal large in… Read More
Build your dream home, step 8: Building regulations approval
After Planning Consent is obtained, a submission of the plans to Building Control for Building Regulations Approval will be required. Building Regulations in England are made under the Building Act 1984 and are regularly changed and updated. Building Regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure… Read More
Build your dream home, step 9: Structural warranty/PCC
If you are building or converting residential properties to sell then it will be necessary to take out a Structural Warranty or obtain a PCC. Lenders will generally only lend on a newly built (or newly converted) property where the property is covered by a warranty scheme (for example, LABC… Read More
Build your dream home, step 10: Selecting a building contractor
If you employ a good reputable Building Contractor, in terms of price, reliability and workmanship, the potential for problems will be greatly reduced. Get recommendations, ask friends, family, neighbours and relevant Trade Associations. Find out if the Contractor is a member of an appropriate Trade Association. Ask the Contractor if… Read More