Building Your Dream Home in the UK
Dreaming of building your own home is a common aspiration for many. It’s the epitome of personalisation and freedom—a space crafted to suit your unique vision and lifestyle.
With a masters degree as a town & country planner and hands-on experience in construction, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing dreams materialise into reality and developed an understanding of how to get there. Finsdale’s journey has seen the company purchase land and build detached properties designed specifically for special needs (such as the one pictured), through to developing 28 houses on a single plot but it hasn’t been without hurdles.
We speak to many people asking about building on land, or tearing down an existing building, so in this blog post I aim to share some insights and advise with you.
Navigating the Terrain: Key Considerations
Research is the cornerstone of any successful land purchase and subsequent construction project. Before diving into the market, prospective buyers should thoroughly investigate the area they envision calling home. Considerations such as local amenities, schools, transport links, and neighbourhood ambiance play pivotal roles in shaping your living experience.
When it comes to the land itself, opting for plots with existing planning permissions significantly reduces risks and streamlines the building process. However, if you find a parcel without permissions, tread cautiously. While it may seem like a tempting investment opportunity, the road to obtaining planning can be fraught with uncertainties and setbacks. It’s often wiser to seek plots where permissions are already in place, ensuring a smoother transition from blueprint to reality.
The permission should be for a house design and size similar to that which you wish to build. There will be drawings accompanying the permissions along with specifications, so you can get a good idea of the approved design. You can then apply for planning permission with your new design, or of course build the house that the planning is approved for (note – check the period of time the approval is valid for if doing this).
Alternatively, you can buy land with outline planning permission, but there will be more emphasis for you to do some research into the local area and surroundings (lines of sight, trees, neighbouring dwellings locations (it also pays to make friends with them), neighbouring building styles, highways, public walkways, etc.). These factors should also be considered if purchasing land with a rundown or derelict building on it with the intention of tearing it down. I would also advise, if going down that avenue, to purchase land with a building that was used for residential dwellings. If you purchase land with a commercial building on it, the planning ‘use class’ would be different from residential dwellings and it may be difficult to get approval to change.
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What's Your Vision?
The Architect’s Touch: Designing Your Vision
A feasibility study with an architect can provide invaluable insights into potential challenges and opportunities. While this may entail additional costs, it serves as a safeguard against costly surprises down the line and enable the best possible chance of obtaining planning permission. They can help clarify options in advance of purchasing a site or assess constraints after a site purchase. If a feasibility study is done prior to purchase, you understandably run the risk of someone else sweeping in and purchasing the land, however.
Whether refining an existing design or starting from scratch, a reputable architect’s expertise is essential in guiding you through the intricacies of external and internal design, along with structural engineering. The architects can manage the application for planning permission on your behalf and create a blueprint for the next stage of development.
We have worked with numerous architect companies in Sussex and Surrey in the past, and we’d be happy to advise you if you wish to ask for a recommendation.
Choosing the Right Builder: Bringing Your Vision to Life
With plans in hand, the final piece of the puzzle is finding a construction partner capable of turning your vision into reality. This is where companies like Finsdale Construction shine. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record, we navigate the complexities of construction with finesse, ensuring quality craftsmanship and timely delivery.
From overseeing structural plans to managing our team of tradespeople (plumbers, electricians etc.) and liaising with manufacturers (gates, kitchens, bathrooms etc.), a reliable construction partner is the linchpin of a successful project. Its hugely important to use a construction partner with wide expertise to ensure fluidity and high standards throughout. You need to bear in mind that there could be issues with supplied plans or unforeseen circumstances arising, building is not always smooth sailing, so you need to know your project is in safe hands. Having a highly competent lead contractor that can juggle and intertwine all these elements will be fundamental in bringing your dream to life and preventing it from turning into a nightmare.
You can request “turn-key services,” which essentially means they will get the exterior and interior of your home ready from inception to completion, ready for you to “turn the key”.
Conclusion: Building Your Legacy
In the realm of property development, the journey from land acquisition to the keys of your dream home is rife with challenges and opportunities. You don’t want to cut corners when it comes to your home, or problems will arise, costs will escalate, and you can be plagued for years to come. By partnering with trusted professionals who have experience, wide expertise, and take pride in their work, you can navigate this terrain with confidence, turning your aspirations into concrete realities.
