Planning a new house involves a series of key steps, from setting your initial budget to appointing your builder. Following a structured approach ensures you cover all the essential aspects of the process.
Steps to Planning a New House
Based on the provided reference, here are the fundamental steps involved in planning and building a new house:
Step 1 – Set Budget and Research Funding
Before anything else, determine how much you can afford to spend on the entire project. This involves not just construction costs but also land, professional fees, materials, and potential unforeseen expenses. Research the various funding options available to you, such as mortgages, savings, or loans specifically for self-build projects.
Step 2 – Find Your Plot
Locating the right piece of land is crucial. Consider factors like location, size, local planning regulations, accessibility, and utility connections. Research different areas and plots to find one that suits your needs and budget.
Step 3 – Arrange Funding
Once you have a clearer idea of costs and have potentially identified a plot, formalize your funding. This might involve securing a self-build mortgage or arranging other necessary finances to cover the land purchase and subsequent building phases.
Step 4 – Consider a Building Route
Decide how you want the house to be built. Will you manage the project yourself (self-build), hire a main contractor, or use a package company? Each route has implications for your involvement, cost, and complexity.
Step 5 – Engage an Architect/Design Team
Hire professionals to design your home. An architect or a design team will help translate your ideas into plans, taking into account the plot, your budget, and planning requirements. They will create the detailed drawings needed for planning permission and construction.
Step 6 – Planning Advice and Submission
Before submitting your final design, seek planning advice from the local authority. This helps identify potential issues early on. Once satisfied, submit your detailed plans for planning permission. This is a critical legal step that must be approved before building can commence.
Step 7 – Paperwork
This step involves handling all the necessary documentation beyond planning permission. This includes detailed building regulations drawings, structural calculations, and potentially party wall agreements or other legal documents required before construction starts.
Step 8 – Appoint Your Builder
Select and contract a builder or construction team to carry out the physical building work. This could be a single main contractor or various tradespeople if you are managing the project yourself. Ensure they are qualified, insured, and that contracts are clearly defined.
These steps provide a clear pathway for planning and initiating the construction of your new home.
