12 ways to keep your self-build on budget
Homebuilding & Renovating|May 2023
Discover the innovative strategies and clever hacks you can use to claw back pennies when building a bespoke home
By Rebecca Foster
12 ways to keep your self-build on budget

Regardless of the shape, size or style of your dream home, a bespoke self-build is likely to represent the biggest shopping trip you’ll ever take. Whether you’re working with a shoestring budget or a larger sum, it’s important to be realistic about what’s ultimately achievable with the funds you have, in terms of taking materials, labour, permits and fees all into account.

“This will help you stay on track and avoid overspending,” says Harry Reece, managing director at Base Architects. “Careful, considered planning is essential for any self-build project. By forward planning, you can avoid unexpected costs and delays, making the most of your budget.” If one of your goals is to keep spending to a minimum, there are several smart strategies you can employ to keep costs down. To find out the most effective ways to save money, we spoke to several self-builders to discover their top tips and cash-saving tricks.

1 Fine tune your budget

Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATINGSe alt
Back to black
Homebuilding & Renovating

Back to black

Dramatic black finishes and industrial touches add impact to Charlotte and Sam Tisdall's extended end-terrace home

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
Change for good
Homebuilding & Renovating

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

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
High praise
Homebuilding & Renovating

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

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
Lifetime achievement
Homebuilding & Renovating

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

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
Self-build for beginners PART 13 PRE-CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Homebuilding & Renovating

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

time-read
8 mins  |
August 2024
ECO LANDSCAPING
Homebuilding & Renovating

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

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2024
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?
Homebuilding & Renovating

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?

Heat and energy expert David Hilton explains the benefits, options and costs of this ultimate heating standard

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
HOW MUCH DOES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST?
Homebuilding & Renovating

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...

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2024
Open-plan kitchen DAVID HOCKNEY EXTENSIONS
Homebuilding & Renovating

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

time-read
10+ mins  |
August 2024
RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME
Homebuilding & Renovating

RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME

Known for their elegant architectural features, Georgian homes need to be restored sensitively to make them fit for modern life

time-read
10+ mins  |
August 2024