How do you design a new build house and where do you start?
It’s a brave and adventurous step and not for the faint hearted. We all watch the various TV shows chuckling at the list of seemingly endless errors and cock ups, so here’s a guide of how to get started.
First is deciding to do it and join the 14,000 self builds per year (which have declined in recent years, I think due to the increase in building costs).
The next task is finding a plot of land, which is not straight forward in this country, with a huge number of planning restrictions, ranging from housing land to green belt and conservation areas. Finding a virgin plot is the holy grail for many people – but finding a plot in the best area is easier said than done. Many people look to find tired old houses in better areas and either redevelop or build from new, which is often a more successful route and one I’d advocate.
Completely redeveloping an old house is usually the same process as building a new house, but can arguably be a more environmental choice.
Once you’ve found a plot to develop – I know from my own experience that this can take years – what is next?
Creating a budget before you approach architects and builders is important. Budgets affect everything from size, complexity, scale and quality. Work out your plot cost and then a build cost, add a contingency (rainy day pot of money for unknowns) and allow for fit it out and furniture. Even this basic list is a great start for the professional team.
Now to find the right professional team. Start with the architect. I make no apology for not saying architectural designer or surveyor. An architect is best placed to design, having trained for the role. If you are investing so much in creating a new house then use the best skillset – for example you would not use a plumber to rewire your house!
Many plots may have planning issues, so the architect can advise on a planning consultant to assist in the initial stages to assess if it is the right plot. Their skill can save you buying the wrong plot or help to gain the permission you desperately crave.
Finding the right architect is vital, so before approaching anyone have an idea of your style, budget and timescales. The right architect should ideally match your likes: for example there’s no point using a modernist if you like classical or vice versa.
Ask to meet them and chat through ideas and approaches. Like a good marriage you need to get along, as its going to be a relationship lasting a long period of time. Don’t expect them to produce a design before they are appointed. The design comes later.
Once you have your architect (and planner) you are nearly ready to commence. Get an appointment document and be clear what you expect from your professional team.
The final stage is creating the brief – what do you want to have in your new house? The brief can include room names, size, shapes, colour, aspirational words. It’s worth spending time thinking about this as you are about to start building the biggest investment of your life, so take the time to write a clear brief. An architect will work with you to develop it but remember, it’s your house so write the first brief yourself. There is no such thing as a bad idea!
You are now ready to move forward. Exciting times! Stay tuned as I cover the next steps in future articles.
Neil Turner, Director, Howarth Litchfield can be contacted on 0191 384 9470 or email n.turner@hlpuk.com
www.howarthlitchfield.com