1 Keep an open mind
Perfect plots rarely exist, so having very rigid requirements of what you are looking for - such as a level site or a greenfield location - could create insurmountable difficulties for yourself. Try to be flexible where you can and manage your expectations. Think about exactly why you want to build, what you want to achieve, what elements are essential and where you could possibly compromise. By relaxing your brief just a little you could open up your options quite a bit further - it's worth bearing in mind that sometimes challenging plots can yield the best designs.
2 Be realistic with your budget
"Before starting on your plot search, it's really important you know what you can afford," says Mark Stevenson, self-build expert and former managing director of Potton. "If you only have £100,000 to buy a plot and the market for the land you're looking for is generally in the region of £200,000, you're set to fail. So crunch the numbers and prove that you can deliver the project within budget. If you can't afford the market rate for what you want, rejig your plan and either raise more capital or downscale your ambitions. It's worth having your plan reviewed by a specialist self-build mortgage broker."
3 Get to know the area
Really focus on the location you're interested in and do plenty of research. As well as the classic routes, there are many different ways of finding land, so familiarise yourself with the towns or villages in the area.
Think outside of the box and use tools such as Google Maps and Streetview or the Ordnance Survey Plan to identify plots of land, small houses on large sites and potential gaps or backland plots that could be ripe for development.
4 Don't dismiss custom-build plots
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 2024-Ausgabe von Homebuilding & Renovating.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 2024-Ausgabe von Homebuilding & Renovating.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Back to black
Dramatic black finishes and industrial touches add impact to Charlotte and Sam Tisdall's extended end-terrace home
Change for good
A last-minute decision to build a kitchen extension instead of a general update turned out to be a wise move for the owners of this detached period property
High praise
After converting a run-down gospel hall into a unique 1930s-inspired home-complete with geodesic dome - Alice Deuchar and Daniel Schamroth pronounced it a resounding succes
Lifetime achievement
Replacing a tired 1960s bungalow with a bespoke prefabricated contemporary house allowed retired architect Helen Heslop Brunt and her husband Martin to fulfil a long-held dream
Self-build for beginners PART 13 PRE-CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Make sure that your insurance, health and safety, build and cost schedules and all documents are all in place before kick-off
ECO LANDSCAPING
Creating a garden with green credentials isn't without its challenges, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce its impact on the environment, once you know how
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?
Heat and energy expert David Hilton explains the benefits, options and costs of this ultimate heating standard
HOW MUCH DOES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST?
It's touted as an affordable home insulation method, but is external wall insulation worth the outlay and what are the lifetime costs? We look at the figures...
Open-plan kitchen DAVID HOCKNEY EXTENSIONS
From structural considerations and zoning to layout ideas and lighting, our practical guide to creating your new space has it covered
RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME
Known for their elegant architectural features, Georgian homes need to be restored sensitively to make them fit for modern life