Our self-build journey has been one of the most significant and life-changing experiences we’ve ever undertaken. Today, we are happily settled in our dream home, raising our little family. However, the road to this point was filled with challenges, hard decisions, and unexpected lessons. Despite the ups and downs, we wouldn’t change a thing.

Over the coming months, I’ll document every step of this adventure, from finding the perfect plot to turning it into our forever home. In this series, I’ll share our mistakes, victories, and everything we’ve learned. If you’re considering a self-build, I hope our experience can help guide you along your own journey.

Why We Chose to Self-Build

Self-building a bespoke home is an exciting way to create something truly unique. It allows you to design a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle and preferences without making compromises. For years, my husband Dan and I dreamt about building our own home, but we never thought it could become a reality.

In September 2015, after returning from a magical holiday at Disney World in Florida—where we also got engaged—our focus shifted. We started planning our future together and realised we needed a bigger home. The search for our “forever home” began with enthusiasm but quickly turned into a rollercoaster of highs and lows.

The Search for the Perfect Home

Initially, we explored countless properties, hoping to find something that checked all the boxes. However, every house seemed to have a dealbreaker. Sometimes it was the layout; other times, it was the renovation costs. We came close a few times but never quite sealed the deal.

There was a bungalow that we saw potential in as a renovation project, but after some back-and-forth negotiations, it became clear that we couldn’t afford both the purchase and the necessary modifications. A month later, we found a charming four-bedroom house with beautiful gardens. We were excited, but once again, things didn’t go as planned. Despite the property being on the market for seven years without offers, we were unexpectedly outbid.

It was heartbreaking. We had already sold our home and were living temporarily in my grandmother’s old house—a situation we assumed would be short-term. Little did we know, we’d be there for three years before finally moving into our self-build home.

Discovering the Plot of Land

Feeling frustrated and desperate, Dan suggested we take a look at a plot of land that had been on the market for over five years. At first glance, I couldn’t imagine anything being built there. The plot was overgrown, and the idea of building a house from scratch felt overwhelming. Yet, something about the land intrigued us. After a lot of measuring, planning, and late-night discussions, we decided to make an offer—but only if we could get a significant discount and secure planning permission to build a single property.

It felt like a long shot, but to our surprise, the sellers accepted our offer in February 2016. Suddenly, we were on our way to becoming the owners of what we hoped would be our dream home.

Navigating Planning Permission and Early Challenges

We quickly assembled a team of experts, including a solicitor, a financial advisor, and an architect. The architect was familiar with the plot since they had worked on the original plans for the previous owners. This gave us confidence that we could achieve what we wanted within the planning regulations.

One of our first major decisions was to add a third floor to the design. Initially, it wasn’t something we thought we needed, but the layout allowed for it, and we saw it as a long-term investment. The extra space would give us flexibility and future-proof our home.

The planning process went more smoothly than expected, and we were thrilled when our plans were approved on the first submission. However, the ease of this early victory lulled us into a false sense of security. The real challenges were yet to come.

Unexpected Costs and Setbacks

Once we had planning permission, we discovered a host of additional requirements we hadn’t anticipated. For instance, we had to test the soil for contamination and drill the land to check for old mining activity. These tests were expensive, costing us around £10,000. More importantly, they were necessary before our mortgage provider would release funds.

At this point, we had already invested a significant amount of money into the project without owning the land. In hindsight, this was a risky move, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone else. We were fortunate that the sellers were trustworthy and stuck to the agreement, but things could have gone very differently.

Finally Owning the Land

In February 2017, exactly one year after our offer was accepted, we finally completed the purchase and became the proud owners of an overgrown field. It was a surreal moment. Despite the challenges, we were filled with excitement and relief. We knew this plot would soon become our forever home.

If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to anyone embarking on a self-build journey, it’s this: be patient and prepared for the unexpected. The excitement of the early stages can cloud your judgment, leading you to take risks you might later regret.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Looking back, there are so many things we could have done differently. Here are some key lessons from our experience:

• Research Thoroughly: Before committing to anything, make sure you’ve done your homework. This applies to everything from the plot of land to the professionals you hire.
• Budget for Unexpected Costs: Building a house comes with hidden expenses. Always leave room in your budget for the unexpected.
• Trust but Verify: While we were fortunate to work with honest sellers, it’s always wise to have everything in writing.
• Be Patient: Self-build projects take time. It’s easy to get frustrated, but patience will pay off in the end.
• Enjoy the Process: Despite the stress, remember to enjoy the journey. You’re creating something truly special!

What’s Next?

We’ve come a long way since those early days. While the hard work isn’t over—there’s always something to do in a self-build—we’re finally living in the home we always dreamed of. Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing more stories from our journey, including the build itself, interior design decisions, and the lessons we’ve learned about making a house a home.

If you’re considering a self-build, I hope our story inspires you to take the plunge. It won’t always be easy, but the rewards are worth it.

Stay tuned for the next instalment, where I’ll share how we tackled the actual build, from laying the foundations to seeing the first walls go up. It’s a story full of challenges, triumphs, and plenty of lessons learned.

FAQ: Common Questions About Self-Build Projects

1. What is a self-build project?
   A self-build project involves designing and constructing your own home rather than buying a pre-built property. This gives you complete control over the layout, materials, and design, allowing you to create a truly bespoke home.
2. How much does a self-build project typically cost?
   The cost of a self-build project varies depending on the size, design, and location of the house. You’ll need to factor in the cost of the land, planning permissions, architects, materials, contractors, and unexpected expenses. It’s wise to set a budget with a contingency fund for unforeseen costs.
3. How long does it take to complete a self-build?
   On average, self-build projects take between 12 and 24 months to complete, depending on the complexity and size of the build. Factors such as obtaining planning permission, weather conditions, and contractor availability can affect the timeline.
4. Do I need planning permission for a self-build?
   Yes, in most cases, you will need planning permission from your local authority. It’s essential to consult with an architect or planning consultant early in the process to ensure your project complies with local regulations.
5. What are the biggest challenges of a self-build project?
   Some of the common challenges include obtaining planning permission, managing budgets, finding reliable contractors, and dealing with unexpected delays. Staying organised and working with experienced professionals can help mitigate these challenges.
6. Can I get a mortgage for a self-build project?
   Yes, but self-build mortgages work differently from standard mortgages. Funds are typically released in stages as the build progresses, such as when the foundation is laid or when the roof is completed. It’s essential to work with a financial advisor who understands self-build mortgages.
7. Is a self-build worth it?
   While self-building can be challenging, the result is a home that perfectly suits your needs and lifestyle. For many, the sense of achievement and the ability to create a unique space make it well worth the effort.
8. How do I start a self-build project?
   The first step is to find a suitable plot of land. From there, you’ll need to assemble a team of professionals, including an architect, solicitor, and financial advisor. Once you have planning permission and a detailed plan, you can begin the build process.
9. What advice would you give to first-time self-builders?
   • Research thoroughly before making decisions.
   • Be prepared for unexpected costs and delays.
   • Work with professionals you trust.
   • Stay flexible and patient.
   • Enjoy the journey!
10. Can I live on-site during the build?
    This depends on the stage of the build and local regulations. In some cases, people live in temporary accommodations like caravans on-site, but it’s not always possible or comfortable, especially in the early stages.

Conclusion

Our self-build journey has been nothing short of an adventure. From navigating the challenges of buying land to designing our dream home and overcoming countless obstacles, every step has taught us something new. We’ve laughed, cried, and grown stronger as a family. And now, we have a home that reflects who we are—a home where we can create memories for years to come.

If you’re thinking about embarking on your own self-build journey, my advice is simple: go for it. It will test you in ways you never imagined, but the sense of accomplishment and the joy of living in a home you’ve created from scratch is unlike anything else.