Grand Designs

Grand Designs
Series 1
[DVD]
[2001]

Grand Designs
Series 2
Complete
[DVD]
[2001]

Grand Designs
Series 3
Complete
[DVD]
[2001]

Grand Designs
Series 4
Complete
[DVD]

Grand Designs Series 5
Vol. 1
[2006]
[DVD]

Grand Designs
Series 6
[DVD]

Grand Designs:
Series 7
[DVD]

Self Build Projects can be exciting but daunting, so to ensure that your project is successful, you need to avoid the pitfalls you may face throughout the process.

Finding a Suitable Plot
This is often the hardest part of the process. You will need to find a suitable plot of the roight size and shape, and in a suitable location. It needs planning permission for building a home, so check this is granted. Check the land is not contaminated before work starts by carrying out a land search.

Financing the Project
You will need to find a lender to finance the build loan, and arrange site and public liability insurance as soon as possible to anticipate problems even before building commences. You should also consider other insurance cover, such as mortgage repayment insurance too.

Finding an Architect
Choose an architect who understands what you want and can give you your dream house within budget. Bring them on board as soon as possible, and take their advice. Let them guide you through the build process.

Choosing a Builder
Your architect may have a builder in mind, or may know of builders who can give you estimates. Ensure you ask several, and, as with the architect, choose one who shares your vision and will treat the project with the same attention to detail that you would. Try to get a fixed price for the build; that way any deays will come out of his pocket not yours. Never pay the money up front - a good builder will be able to fund in stages, so agree them in advance and pay on completion. Ensure you keep and number all receipts, and only pay on receipt of the invoice.