It may be helpful to have a go at designing the basic layout yourself with a software package such as 3D architect (log onto www.eleco.com/3d_architect) - prices start from around £150 for the basic package. Failing that, pencil and paper will do the trick, if you have a good spatial awareness. If you do that, though, remember to give some of the smaller rooms in particular the benefit of the doubt. For example, that downstairs study you’re planning might also make a useful guest room. If you gave it an extra foot here and there, would it be big enough to fit in a single or sofabed? Equally, don’t forget to over-calculate how much storage space you’ll need to build-in – the temptation with new-builds is to go very open-plan, very minimalist, and often storage space is the one thing that gets overlooked.

If you are buying a kit house, it will often pay to use the craftsmen from the company itself to construct your build. Timber frame technology, for example, has not been as widely adopted in the UK as in many other countries and a timber frame company will have the specialist knowledge that your local builder will be lacking, making the project as hassle-free as possible.

What’s the Cost?
If you find an off-the-peg design you like from a kit supplier, this is one of the most economical ways of building your home. It’ll also be much easier to cost every stage of the project. A small, single bedroom cottage from Skye Homes comes as a self-build kit for only £13,900, rising to £230,000 or more for a large family home. One of the largest suppliers, Potton suggests potential buyers should budget from £70 to £85 per square metre for the majority of their designs.