How To Design A Self-Build Home

Got the Grand Designs bug? So what's easier and what will give you the results you want - a kit home or an architect? Here's what you need to know...

By Mark Ramuz

Calculating Your Space

So you've found your Goldilocks plot - not too big and definitely not too small. Now it's time to start living the dream and turning vague ideas of your ideal house into a reality. Whichever route you take, it's worth noting down what you want from your new home, such as the approximate size, rooms needed, and how you want to use those spaces. Think about how you live now and how you'd like to improve on your current home.

Do you need an open-plan ground floor or a separate work area? Is there room for a playroom and where's the most practical space for it? Can you squeeze in a utility, an en suite or a home gym?

It may be helpful to have a go at designing the basic layout yourself with a software package such as 3D architect - prices start from around £250 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.

Choose A Kit House?

Probably the least stressful option for the self-builder is to choose a company that can supply a kit home. If you hand the whole process of the build over, the kit company can deal with any sub-contractors, material deliveries and other kit home aspects of building. Most companies will offer a range of standard designs but these can be adapted to some degree to suit your needs, budget constraints and any local planning issues.

Even the smaller kit companies usually offer a bespoke service as well. In this case, you can work with the company's architect or draughtsman to draw up a unique design but based around the firm's construction methods. For a large range of recommended companies, take a look at our kit homes section.

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.