Is It Ever The Right Time To Take On A Building Project?

Have you been looking for your dream home for years? Are you restless in your current property, but reluctant to move until you find perfection? If you have particular tastes, and every viewing is falling short, it may be time to consider a building project. Here are some considerations to bear in mind if you’re toying with the idea of building your own home.

Location

You can’t just build a home anywhere. If you want to create your own home from scratch, you will need to carry out a detailed search for available land in your desired location. Contact local estate agents and ask to be informed of any new developments. If you have a very small search area, the chances of stumbling across the perfect piece of land, which is for sale, are slim. Consider expanding your catchment to increase your options.

Suitability

Not all land is suitable for building residential properties. Some land will be targeted at farmers and people who keep animals, such as horses. Ask for more information if you see land for sale. If you do come across a suitable looking plot, you will need to arrange surveys. View the land several times to make sure you are certain about making an offer. Before you buy a plot, it’s a good idea to seek advice from architects, estate agents and surveyors. You will find some great land surveyors online. You will also need to ask about planning consent. There’s no point in buying land, which is protected, and therefore unsuitable for building.

Cost

If you do decide to go ahead and make an offer on some land, it’s essential to make financial plans. Work out the projected total cost of your build and make sure you can afford it. It is always advisable to have a significant contingency budget with a self-build project. Ask some architects and building firms to visit and provide quotes, based on the kind of work you would like to carry out. You will also need to think about whether you want a firm to take over the entire project, or whether you would like to do some of the work yourself.

Time

Taking on a massive project is not always the best idea. Even if you dream of building your own home, it may not necessarily be the right time in your life. Think about your finances, your career and your dependents. Can you afford a building project at the moment? Do you have backup plans in place, in case the build is delayed? If you have a stable income, and you can afford to pay rent, as well as the cost of building a new home, then go for it. If you’re looking to save money while you’re working on the new house, you could consider moving in your parents or a sibling temporarily.

Many people dream of designing and building their own home. With your own blank canvas, you can do exactly what you want and create custom-designed spaces. The process can be long and stressful, and it’s not always glamorous. It’s wise to take all eventualities into consideration and do some serious research before you even start looking at plots. If you do want to follow this route, draw up a budget and seek expert advice.