by Nerissa Allen | 08 August 2024, 11:13

“Deciding to build your own home can be intimidating at first. However, the benefits of self-build project are numerous and significant, making the journey worthwhile."

Is self-building worth it? Absolutely! Even if you don't have the technical skills, you can assemble a team of trusted professionals to help you bring your dream home to life. This empowering journey, where you have the final say in every aspect of your home, is what I'm embarking on in my second blog for CUG Construction Universe Group.

Hi, my name is Nerissa! I am passionate about sustainable construction and eco-friendly living. Growing up in the Philippines, I noticed that most domestic construction uses natural resources like mahogany, coconut, and narra trees to build high-quality, sustainable houses.

When I was young, I used to believe that only men could work in construction, and as I grew older, I thought that working in construction was not an option for me as a woman. However, after living in the UK for over a decade, I obtained my permanent residency and pursued my dream. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying from Nottingham Trent University. Despite having a degree in Computer Science and working for the government in my home country after college, my interest in sustainable building has been ingrained in me since childhood, influenced by my father. My dad built our first two-storey house in the Philippines. The ground floor was concrete, while the first was timber with walls made of breathable wood from coconut trees. The roof was corrugated metal with a layer of zinc. My dad used natural plywood in the ceiling, and on the ground floor, it has a timber exposed feature, which looks lovely. The exposed timber feature showcases wood's natural beauty and warmth, adding a unique and inviting touch to any space.

Building your own home is a complex and demanding process. It begins with the challenge of finding the perfect plot of land and moves on to the intricate task of conceptualizing and designing your dream home. Hiring a reputable contractor and effectively managing the project adds another layer of complexity. Despite the overwhelming nature of these tasks, the satisfaction of completing a construction project is unparalleled.

 Deciding to build your own home can be intimidating at first. However, the benefits of a self-build project are numerous and significant, making the journey worthwhile.

Key benefits of building your own home:

Full Creative Control:

Building your own house gives you complete authority over the designs, allowing you to create your perfect dream home. This level of control is not possible when purchasing an existing house. By constructing a new home, you can incorporate any features and extensions you desire, making the process exciting and uniquely yours.

Personal Satisfaction:

The joy of completing a self-build project and being content with the result is unparalleled. When the final touches are in place, you'll feel like your dreams have come to life in a way that buying an existing house can't match.

Higher Profit Potential:

Experts estimate that self-built homes are, on average, worth 25-30% more than their initial construction cost upon completion. This means that if you decide to sell in the future, you could make a substantial profit, especially considering the optimistic outlook for the UK housing market.

Eco-Friendly and Modern Technology:

Constructing your dream home allows for quickly incorporating smart technology and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. This can be more challenging when purchasing a home due to potential planning permission requirements. If you have your plot of land, these concerns won't apply to you.

Affordability:

The costs of building your own home have never been more accessible, thanks to various government schemes and cooperative mortgage lenders. These options help cover expenses without causing the financial stress typically associated with borrowing money.

BOTTOM LINE

Owning a house in the UK has greatly changed in the past decade. Building your dream home has also become more manageable and less stressful. Therefore, completing your project and seeing the finished construction is the most satisfying. You will feel proud of all the hard work and challenges you have overcome. The appeal of self-building lies in the freedom to choose a location that resonates with you, a design that reflects your preferences, a sustainable environment, and durable materials that will last for a long time. Lastly, effective project management is equally important, ensuring the process is efficient and cost-effective. When you embark on the journey of building your own home, every nail hammered and every wall painted is a testament to your dedication and vision. The process of bringing your dream home to life is filled with moments of creativity, decision-making, and hard work, but the result is a place that reflects your unique style and meets your every need. Stepping into a home that you have constructed from the ground up is undeniably fulfilling.

Chester Road Passivhaus, available at: https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/projects/detail/?cId=127

Kirkwood Timber Frame8 steps to self-building your dream home. available at: https://www.kirkwoodtimberframe.co.uk/news/8-steps-to-self-building-your-dream-home