So you’ve decided you’re going to build your own home instead of buying one. You’re excited to embark on your new DIY project and you’re dreaming of custom kitchens from DIY Homefit, gaming rooms for leisure, and the view from your new bedroom. Your mind is already racing with things you could do to fill your new home with memories and joy. “Once it’s done†is becoming your new personal mantra. I’ve been there. We’ve all been there. We know how it feels to finally complete a new house and be excited at the prospect of living in something you’ve created.
The trouble is that before you start filling your home, you’re going to have to actually build it. Many people visualise the final stages of building a home without worrying about the intermittent processes, and it’s there that many DIY dreams are undone. Don’t embark on your project without first considering exactly how you’re going to do it, because you’ll end up without a clue of how to actually put your dreams into practice. Don’t worry, though – we’re here to help. Here is our practical checklist on how to get started building your own house in 2019.
Figure out your budget
You’re not going to get very far building a house until you’ve worked out exactly how much money you have to spend. This will dictate exactly what kind of house you’re able to build. You’ll need to consider factors like the size and type of the building, the number of rooms you’re able to include, and the builder you’re going with. All of these things will cost money, and that’s not going to appear from nowhere. There are plenty of options for doing this. You could apply for a self-build mortgage. Traditional loans are also a great way to go, as well as using your savings. Before you start thinking about building your house, consider where the money will come from.
Location, location, location
After you’ve worked out how much money you have to allocate to your home-building project, you need to think about where you’re going to build. Applying for planning permission is very important and needs to be done very early on in the process. Depending on your region, there might be easier or harder places to secure planning permission, so it’s important you do your research. You’ll also need to decide whether you’d like to live in a built-up urban area or out in the countryside. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so which you prefer will depend entirely on your personality.
Pick the right builder
Although you might have grand dreams about building your home yourself (and if you’ve got the skills and knowledge, this is of course completely possible), there’s every possibility you’ll need to enlist the help of a builder to complete your home. Choosing the best builder is not an easy process. You’ll need to pick a reputable, friendly company which is upfront about costs and development challenges. Check reviews and references extensively before you choose, because this is an important project. Shop around and don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions. Good builders will be more than willing to answer any queries you might have and they’ll be honest and fair with you.
Don’t give up
During your journey, you might be tempted to give up when things get difficult. You should see any difficulties that arise while building your own home as new challenges to overcome. Do you really want to live in a home that you’ve built or are you just momentarily taken with the idea? This project will take time, money, and effort to complete. Once you’ve done so, it will feel immensely rewarding. If you don’t think this is for you, it’s important not to embark on the project at all. Once you have, though, you can’t give up. Talk to those around you for support and tackle challenges in a logical, thorough manner. Everything will lock into place.
Start planning interiors
Once you’ve finalised an exterior frame for your house and you know what it’s going to look like, you can start planning your interiors. Where will you put the kitchen? Which bedroom is which? What amenities do you have easy access to and how will that affect where your rooms are placed? Everything about the inside of your house needs to be meticulously planned. This won’t be like simply buying a new home, because you’re in absolute control of everything about your home’s design. As such, you need to be sure about every aspect of design. Don’t skimp on anything, because once the project is finished, you’ll need to start decorating.
Furnish and decorate your home
For many, this will be the best part. Once your home is complete, you can decide on how to decorate and furnish it. What kind of theme will you go for? In many ways, furnishing and decorating a new build involves the same things as doing so for an existing building. You should decide how much of your old home’s aesthetic you want to keep and how much you’d simply like to opt for something new. Use your new space; if you’re finding yourself in an urban setting, decorate accordingly. If you’re out in the countryside, use the views and the empty space to your advantage to create a home that complements your environment. However you choose to do it, make sure you’re not too fatigued to enjoy this essential part of the home planning process.
