Trailblazers, innovators, groundbreakers (quite literally) - these are just some of the many words used to describe T self-builders. But it's often tenacity, vision, graft and grit that are familiar traits of the self-builders who have graced the pages of Homebuilding & Renovating over the years. Self-build is a journey, and like any journey bumps, obstructions and hold-ups will most likely crop up along the way. As well as ticking along smoothly some aspects may slow you down or make you change direction - - whether that's planning obstacles or the unpredictable British weather! But how you deal with and navigate these circumstances is often how a project ends its build journey successfully. Of course, budget, planning and conditions and finding the right plot will be influential factors in determining what you can and can't do at the start but there are certain things to consider that will help drive your project forward once it's off the starting blocks. These successful self-builders share the secrets behind their best build decisions.
1 Embrace the constraints
Whether it's site access issues, the plot, order delays, the weather or neighbours, there are many situations on a build that will present problems, big or small. The secret to overcoming them is to embrace them. And problem solve. Architect Joanna and her husband David self-built on a tiny plot of just 130m² (at street facing less than 4m deep), to reinstate a cottage that resided on the site (right). Joanna managed to navigate a difficult planning process, get creative with construction solutions and design a contemporary family home.
Denne historien er fra August 2022-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
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Denne historien er fra August 2022-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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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
