Are you considering building your home from scratch but have a tight budget?

Do you need some advice with your new budget self build? Consider these 10 tips to help you along the way.

1. DO take plenty of time to prepare your self build plan - A good schedule, thorough planning into the materials and trade are essential if your project is to be completed on time and within budget.
2. DON’T assume DIY will be cheaper - Take the time to work out the cost of DIY and the cost of employing professionals. Consider how much of your own time it could take and the added benefit of having a experienced professional, then weigh up which option is best for you.
3. DO take care of your budget - It’s fairly easy to spend more on your self build than originally planned in your budget but by trying to stick with your self build budget, it will help to ensure that everything goes to plan.
4. DON’T ignore professional help - Yes, design fees can sometimes seem a waste of money, but you get what you pay for in terms of developing new build plans that don't need to be amended during the construction phase, so not getting professional help can be a false economy.
5. DO consider a simple design - The more straightforward the shape and construction of your new build is, the cheaper it will be to plan and build.
6. DON’T use a budget self build project for testing new ideas - Although new constructions and material systems may seem tempting, they could lead to delays and extra costs during the build. This is something you should try to avoid, unless you have plenty of budget and no time pressures!
7. DO ask for planning permission - You must always ask for planning permission when deciding on a plot to buy for your new self build.
8. DON’T forget to look for bargains - There’s no harm in negotiating when bulk-buying materials. Look at online auctions and even in newsagents’ window adverts. It’s amazing - a little bit of shipping around can save a lot of money.
9. DO get involved - Although you will need to devote a significant amount of time to the project, managing the project can reduce the overall costs you pay. Just make sure that you understand how the trades will impact on each other.
10. DON’T forget to consider the running costs - Considering a well insulated and airtight home, is the most affordable way to improve performance. This will give you a home that has less need for heating, which in the long run will be cheaper.

If you’d like help in developing your new budget home, then contact Arc Design Services.