Self build.......

[Shengis]

I know my current job isn't going to last forever, i'm 36 years old and tbh honest feel like my life has gone nowhere. So... With that in mind the wife and myself are considering looking into selling our current 3 bed terrace house, buying some land and building a bungalow. Basically I don't like heights (i'm 6'6" go figure ) but think I could handle the roofing on that.

So anybody on here ever undertaken such a project? Anybody know what would be required re building control, costs etc? This isnt a p-take post by any means, i'm being totally serious here as the way things are going i'd be quite prepared to live in a static caravan in the middle of the woods I totally admit my ***** style origins, i'd do whatever it takes just to say at the end of the day : This is mine, I started it and finished it and its to my ideal spec rather than some chuck it up and shift it clone house. As the romans would have said 'Veni, Vidi, Vici".

So any advice greatly appreciated. TIA

 

[Jasonb]

Pop down to WHSmiths and get the latest issue of "Homebuilding & Removating" and "Build-it" magazines will give you a good idea of whats involved, basic costings and they also have plots for sale at the back.

http://www.homebuilding.co.uk/

Jason

 

[Shengis]

Cheers, i'll have a good look at that site later

 

[carryoncamping]

I found these books useful. First one shows the "Nuts & Bolts" of house building albeit for an extension (it's not comprehensive by any means but it's a good start).

"Home Extensions: Planning, Managing and Completing Your Extension"
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1861262914/026-3993471-6622046

The Housebuilder's Bible: An Insider's Guide to the Construction Jungle
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0954867408/026-3993471-6622046

Finally, there's a 96 minute DVD that takes you through the stages of constructing an independent building (from digging foundation to putting on the roof) in line with current building regulations (in Eire). (You can ignore the Bricky tool if you like, he mentions it very little anyway).

http://brickytool.com/html/other.htm
Demo:
http://www.drywall-emporium.com/builditdvdsample.wmv

DON'T expect to become a professional from any of the above. I only suggest them to give you an idea and flavour of what's involved.

 

[JohnD]

Bear in mind that it will take longer, and cost more, then you think.

 

[Shengis]

Bear in mind that it will take longer, and cost more, then you think.

Well when I refitted the kitchen, including a complete rewire of the sockets (a few year ago obviously ), I figured on 2-3 months, £3kish. In the end it took 2 weeks and about £1k, would have been quicker but I was working at the time as well My problem is I know the cost of absolutely nothing until I have to buy it. So don't know what this would cost but I reckon I could do it in 5 years but obviously aim to get it all done within a year. Always be pessimistic then things can only improve, thats what I find

The biggest problem i'll have is knowing what materials to use. Is it brick, or rendered concrete block or what? Never having done anything like this I don't know the advantages/shortfalls in using whatever materials. Make the wrong choice and thats it, game over. I was trying to estimate the number of bricks in my house. I came up with an approximate figure of 30,000. Onscreen that means nothing, but can you visualize 30,000 unlaid bricks A scary prospect for sure. Maybe i'm not far off on the 5 year idea after all

 

[masona]

Have you thought about a run down property to do up from estate agent monthly auction?, at least you have the footing and the outside walls to start with.
I bought a 2 bedroom bungalow cheaply with a collapsed roof