Designing your self-build home
An architect can help you design your home. They’ll make sure it has the features you need, that it fits your plot and meets legal requirements.
They can also apply for planning permission and a building warrant for you.
What to tell your architect about
When you first speak to an architect, be ready to tell them:
- if you’re building a unique home or a ‘kit home’ – kit homes are already designed and ready to be assembled
- how many floors and bedrooms you need
- how much storage space you need
- any accessibility needs you have, such as a ground floor wet room
- what preferences you have for certain rooms, such as maximising sunlight
Choosing a construction type
You need to decide what type of material to build your home from. Your architect can help you decide if you need advice.
You can also get information on the National Custom and Self Build Association website.
The type you choose will affect:
- the price
- how well insulated the home is
- whether you can change the layout of your home in future
Common construction types are:
- timber frame, with stone or brick covering
- steel frame, with waterproof panels covering
- brick and block, with brick outer and inner walls with insulation in between
- insulated concrete formwork, with concrete filled polystyrene blocks and a protective outer layer
Check with your architect and mortgage lender that the construction type and material are suitable. Some mortgage lenders will only offer self-build mortgages for certain construction types.