As part of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill currently working through parliament, the government has expressed the belief at the self and custom build housing can play a crucial role in securing greater diversity in the housing market. An amendment to the government’s levelling up bill tightens the definition of self and custom build housing and should make it harder for local authorities to avoid bringing forward suitable sites for such development.

A recent survey suggested that one in three people in England would be interested in building their own home, but the lack of available sites due to planning issues has often restricted this desire. In the long term, this new legislation should bring forward more ‘self-build’ sites and make it easier for people to build their own homes.

Of course, many who wish to commence such a project will not have had previous experience in such an undertaking. As a starting point, their first step should be to commission an architect who will be able to assess the site, agree a brief and produce a design to meet the clients specific requirements. They will also be able to guide the client through the planning process and even assist in appointing contractors and inspecting the works to ensure quality is maintained.

Costs should also be considered at an early stage of the process. Recent data from the BCIS indicate that, in the northern region, building a typical 2-storey detached house averages £1,250 per sqm. This does not include external works and abnormals, but does provide an indication of approximate costs at the outset of the project. Should more accurate costs be required, a suitably qualified Quantity Survey may be appointed to more fully assess the project.

George F White are uniquely positioned to provide a wide range of services to the self-builder – including architecture, planning, development and sales services. Please feel free to get in touch on 0333 920 2220 should we be able to assist you in your project.