Tips to Reduce The Cost of Your Self Build

Are you planning on building your own home?

Building your own home can be a real dream come true and a great way to bring your dream home into reality. However, the price tag for self builds can be a bit of a shock to the system. Don't worry, though; there is hope. There are some ways you can save a lot of money without sacrificing your dream home. It’s going to take a bit of effort, but it’s worth it in the long run.

The current self build market is still relatively small in the UK. However, with the rise of things like renovation videos becoming very popular on social media, brits are becoming more and more interested in building their own homes from scratch and making their dream home vision come to life. Although there is limited research on self builds, the RICS briefing paper (2019) suggests that around 7-10% of new homes in the UK are self builds.

Below, property and construction expert Thomas Goodman at MyJobQuote.co.uk goes over some brilliant tips on the many ways you can save money on your self build. From the original design to choosing the right materials, these tips can help you save a fortune and can make building your dream home less stressful not only for you but also for your bank account.

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Design with Your Wallet in Mind

The way in which you design your house can make a huge difference to the cost. A simple, square shape is often cheaper to build than more unique shapes. This type of design results in less roof, fewer corners, and less hassle for the builders. It’s that simple. While more extravagant designs of houses can look great, they can cost a fortune. Prioritise practicality over aesthetics, at least for now.

Insulation is another thing to consider. It might seem like a big outlay upfront, but it’ll save you a fortune on your energy bills in the long run. A well-insulated home is not just cheaper to run; it’s also worth more, so good insulation is a worthwhile investment.

Recycle and Reuse as Much as Possible

Old items and materials can be gold when it comes to self builds. Reclaimed materials, such as bricks and old wooden beams, can look amazing in your home, and they’ll be a fraction of the cost of new materials.

You might have to do a bit of digging around, but it’s worth it. Treat it like a real-life treasure hunt. The more items you can find, the more money you’ll end up saving. Plus, you're not just saving money; you’re also giving things a new life. Every pound you save is a pound closer to your dream home. And don't forget that reclaimed materials can also add character to your home.

Get Your Hands Dirty

Doing some of the work yourself can save you a fortune. Painting, tiling, even basic carpentry – the more you can do as a DIY project, the more money you will save in labour costs. However, it’s important to be careful when choosing which work to do as DIY. Some jobs are best left to the pros, and they are just not worth the risk.

For example, electrical and gas works should be left to professionals. Plumbing should also be left to a professional. You don't want a shoddy job on these things and then find that you've got to pay even more out to get them repaired at a later date. Plus, certain jobs, such as gas works, will need to be signed off by a professional.

For the things you can do yourself, there’s a real sense of achievement in doing it. You’ll feel proud of your work. Start small and build up your skills. You don’t have to do everything yourself. It’s about finding the right balance. There are plenty of tutorials online to help you learn new skills.

Shop Around and Haggle Like a Pro

Don’t just accept the first price you see. Make sure you shop around and compare prices. Builders merchants, plumbers, electricians - everyone’s up for a bit of haggling. Don’t be shy. A bit of friendly banter can go a long way. If you build a good relationship with the contractors, you’ll be able to invite them back for more work whenever it is needed, and they may even offer some discounts for being a loyal customer.

Building good relationships with suppliers can also be beneficial. Regular customers often get better deals. It’s all about finding the best value for money. So, don’t just jump right in when choosing contractors or suppliers – make sure you shop around, get plenty of advice, read testimonials, and try to find the best deals.

Don’t just go with the cheapest contractor either. You need to make sure the contractors are reliable and will complete the work to a high standard. Cheaper contractors may skip steps or may not have the experience to complete the job well. This could end up costing you more in repairs in the future. It’s all about finding the balance between good value and reliability.

Plan Meticulously, Save Significantly

Planning is key to a successful self-build. A well-planned project is less likely to go wrong. And let’s face it – planning your self build can be incredibly exciting. Consider your dream home and plan it out meticulously for the best results.

Spend time on your budget and timeline. Involve your builders in the planning. It’ll help you avoid costly mistakes. A little extra planning now can save you a lot of hassle and money later. And don’t forget to build in a bit of a buffer for unexpected costs. Things can go wrong sometimes, so it’s worth having a plan for when this happens and some backup funds to rectify any issues along the way.

Join The Self Build Community

One of the best things you can do when embarking on a self-build is to join a self-build forum or community. Think of it as your own personal support group, filled with people who've been through the exact same ups and downs. These online communities are goldmines of information, tips, and advice. You'll find people who've made every mistake imaginable (so you don't have to!) and others who've discovered incredible shortcuts and money-saving hacks.

Beyond the practical advice, being part of a self-build community can be a real morale boost. Sharing your journey, celebrating milestones, and getting support when things get tough is invaluable. You might even make some lifelong friends. So, don’t be shy – dive into the world of online self-build communities. It's a fantastic way to learn, share, and feel supported throughout your project.

Final Thoughts

Building your own home is an ambitious and rewarding journey. While the initial costs can be quite daunting, following these tips can help you slash your self-build budget without sacrificing your vision. Embrace the planning process, be resourceful, and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.

The self-build market is evolving, and with careful planning and a bit of elbow grease, you can turn your dream home into a reality. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the challenge, and get ready to build something truly special.