I want to build a house...?

Question

where do i start?
I have found good website's on planning permission and building regulations. I have found a bunch of suppliers (just need to make final choices). As for the work and desiging i will do that myself (and friends).
I think i am ready to take the first proper steps. Just need help with the following:
1. Looking for land in south east UK. (so far only found small plots not for building)
2. How much should i expect it to cost?. (my guestimate was about 55K)
3. anything i need to be warned about?

I think thats about it.
Thanks in advance.

Just remembered...
4. you can buy flat pack log cabins, can you buy flat pack eco friendly homes yet?

Answer 1

your biggest problem by far is going to be getting land you can buy land with planning permission and without, obviously land with planning permission is going to cost more but at least you know you can build on it and are not taking a gamble on land without, as for price well you have picked one of the most expensive part's of the country for land and your 55k for land is way off, i would of thought double that and then a bit more (well it was last time i looked into it) you may want to think about other areas to build because the southeast is very competitive everybody wants land and prices for good plots can go through the roof, there are web sites for plots find one and register with them, if you are lucky enough to get your land then that's a Major hurdle over but you still got to build then, and a site manager is a good idea you can do this yourself but you must make sure you get the order of works in the right order and make sure material's are on site available to use, you can waste time and money if those two things are not right, its a big step but well worth it, i looked into it a year ago but land prices put me off if you can get land at the right price your on to a winner.
good luck

Answer 2

i don't know how it goes in the uk as i live in canada. i would seriously think of finding a residential architect they know more about how to design a home around codes and what your aea would allow in terms of a home. u can work with them to come up with. i don't think your budget would get u very far. talk to some suppliers and builders once you determine the plans for the house, get lots of estimates. the interior framing and foundation alone could be your budget. i don't know how contractors are in the uk but in cabada and us they can be flaky and run away with your money without completing the project. if something doesn't seam right with the contractor u highered or if they are flaky then u may have to fire them.
my dad went through a lot of this when dealing with people to build his home. it took about a year and a half. and i didn't ask how much it all cost because he flinches everytime i ask and says he doesn't want to tell me.
good luck

Answer 3

To be honest you need to DOUBLE your estimate (does that figure include the price of the land?) Building projects go over budget (99% of the time & the worst thing would be to start it but then run out of money!

Answer 4

whatever you have estimated add another 10% to 20% extra for consultant fees, get written estimates off everyone you deal with, shop around, keep an eye on house values in the area, i hope one of your friends is an architect or an engineer,
best of luck

Answer 5

firstly ..you will not find a building plot for at least £100000 ..then you will need either architect supervision ..or join the nhrbc ..if you don't ..you will never be able to sell it .....sorry but they are trying to do away with cowboys ..

Answer 6

straw is cheper than wood which is cheaper than bricks