Build Self Elements

The first important point is that each self-build project is unique, so you should prepare detailed a costing sheet for your own project using information gathered from local builders and suppliers of services. For this reason, the information provided below should be used as guidance only.

In order to establish your overall budget requirements, or to identify the size of home appropriate to your budget, your build kit self project cost should be divided into three main costs: Land purchase costs including legal fees; Plot development and servicing; House construction cost.

The following list of essential Build self elements should be taken into costing for each project:

• Planning application fee

• Percolation inspection by local authority

• Location and site plan by local architect / technician. Used for planning permission and building warrant applications

• Building Warrant application fee. Consult your local authority for guidelines as the fee is calculated on a sliding scale based on house size and prescribed cost/m².

• Water supply including building water and connection charge excluding pipe work, trenching and extra protection of main if crossed by access road.

• Electrical supply excluding trench work within clients property by quotation

• Trench work for above by main contractor

• Road access to site using local materials with crushed stone dressing and site clearance

• Septic tank and soak pits including drainage to outside of house and rainwater soak pits, including pressure testing in presence of Building Control inspector.

Self build provides housing that is in tune with people's specific housing requirements and can also stimulate the competitive environment for housing developers.