Anybody looking to self-build keeps a close eye on the property market. Certainly if you do it right, you should be able to build a house for much less than it costs to buy – the savings could be 30 per cent or more. However, as Tim Doherty of the National Self-build and Renovation Centre points out: “The value added to any self-build will be dependent on motivation and aspirations, be it making money or creating a lifestyle.” To ensure you make a profi t from your project, even if you don’t intend to sell up any time soon, it’s best to keep the work simple and stick to the budget. But for those interested in making money and moving on, good design will be a feature of your potential buyers’ market, including the estate agent’s favourites, quality kitchens and bathrooms.
There are other considerations to bear in mind too – new technology and eco-friendly features are becoming must-haves in homes everywhere and so it’s well worth including these in a new build. Thankfully, most self-builders incorporate the majority of these elements into their homes. As a general rule, they are also more likely to incorporate innovative techniques or designs than commercial builders, and give careful consideration to things like running costs, additional insulation and sound proofi ng. At the very least, self-builds are usually at the cutting edge of building legislation and technology. But of course, any additions to a home come at a cost. To be sure that you spend your money wisely, we ha...
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