To Build or not to Build

Is this an easy way to make money?

 

 

Reading some of the comments made by people who have become involved in a self-build project I can't help but smile to myself.  As with most projects we undertake in life nothing can possibly go wrong - can it?
I recall years ago when I was selling a lease-hold shop business and my concern was whether I was asking for more then the business was worth.  A fellow business friend said to me to remember that anyone who starts a business up believes they will be millionaires in a few years time.  If they didn't they would probably never start the business in the beginning.  Naturally, I don't need to state how many people do go on to become millionaires or indeed how many wish they had never got involved to start with.

 

 

 

 

 

Now for all of you who have achieved a successful outcome with your self-build I agree that statistically you will make money from your work, although it is likely to be a reasonable amount less then hoped for.  Indeed, the average cost of a new home is approximately £190,000 but if you get someone to do the build for you it should come out at approx. £146,000, but should you choose to do the work yourself it may be nearer to £85,000.  Naturally, the largest proportion of us are likely to go for carrying out the works themselves as all we can see is the final figure.  I could go on all day but I would rather you gave me some food for thought on this!  Have you done a self-build and did the figures come out as planned?  What would it have cost if you had got a Builder to do it and more importantly, would you do it again?

New service to boost self build housing

A new service which can link self builders up with suitable local contractors has been launched by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), with the support of the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA).

This new service is the first of its kind in the UK and can be accessed via links from the Self Build Portal, NaCSBA’s comprehensive online resource for self builders.

The FMB’s Find a Self Build Contractor service is free to use and draws on a database of over 1,500 local contractors with design and build and self build capabilities.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Interest in self build solutions is growing stronger every day and the government is now putting in place policies which should help more people to realise the vision of building their own home.

"As this happens, self builders will need a pool of capable and experienced contractors and a trusted means of finding the right one. That’s why the FMB has created this service and we’re very pleased to have been able to team up with NaCSBA to deliver this through the Self Build Portal. This is the product of the building industry and self build representatives working together to facilitate the growth of self and custom build, which will improve the choice available to customers in the new homes market.”

Michael Holmes, Chair of the National Custom and Self Build Association, sad: “Around half of all self-builds in the UK are carried out by main contractors on behalf of a private client. This service is the first of its kind to enable self builders to get in touch with those contractors who can offer them the specialist service they require. It should save self builders time and effort, is more likely to result in a better 'match' and, of course, it is a great way for FMB members to find the right clients.”

Richard Bacon, MP for South Norfolk and Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Self-Build, Custom Build and Independent House building, said: “Finding a suitable builder can be a headache for many self builders who lack first-hand experience of the construction trade. This is where the FMB’s ‘Find a Self Build Contractor’ service can help you.

"Every builder belonging to the Federation must have satisfied a comprehensive set of background checks and also agreed to a rigorous Code of Practice and dispute resolution, offering peace of mind to potential clients. I would highly recommend that any prospective self builders draw on the Federation’s knowledge and experience to help complete their dream home.”