Many people these days dream of being able to build their own house from scratch and this is becoming more common among individuals in a position to buy a plot of land.

It is no longer unusual for people to create their house in this manner, which has a vast array of benefits, not least that it can be built to the exact specifications wanted, rather than the new owner of a home having to work with what is already there to put their own stamp on the place.

But it is still a big job to take on and there is a lot anyone thinking of building their own house from scratch needs to know before they can get started.

Why self-building is becoming more common

While the top end of the property market in the UK was mostly unaffected by the recession and its after-effects, it has been the case for some time that there is a lack of available housing and this is true at every level of the sector.

Those with plenty of money to spend might find there are not many houses on the market to suit their needs, which is why many are looking into self-building instead.

Being able to work closely with an architect to come up with the perfect plan for a property is a very appealing option for a lot of people and it is likely this will become even more common in the coming months and years as individuals view self-building as a way to make their mark.

How to start a self-build project

It can be tricky for people interested in self-building to know where to start, even if they are already starting to form a picture in their mind of what their dream home will look like once it is completed, as well as the top features it will come equipped with.

Buying a plot of land is obviously the first real step on a self-build project and land auctions can be a good way to snap up a bargain. Although green belt is being freed up for new developments, it is still the case there is not that much land available to be built on.

Once a plot of land has been secured, an architect will need to be appointed. It’s vital self-builders take the time to get the right one for their needs, as they will be working very closely together for the whole project and will have to be able to trust the professional. It is worth asking friends and family for recommendations, as well as reading testimonials on the internet.

After an architect has been selected there will be countless decisions to make, which is likely to start with the materials that will be used. While this may feel like a chore at times, the beauty of self-building is the sheer level of control provided.

People going down this route will need to inform the local authorities and keep them updated to ensure they are meeting any regulations and it is also a good move to get in touch with an insurer at an early stage in the process too.

How insurers can help with self-builds

Some people are put off self-building by the possibility of things going wrong and leaving them with an unfinished house, which is partly why getting in touch with high net worth insurance brokers can be a good move towards the start of the project.

They can provide tips and advice from an insurance point of view on how the building should be created and this feedback can come in handy for both the architect and the self-builder.

Having an insurer on board from an early stage will also make it easier to secure the right sort of cover for the property once all the work is completed and it is ready to be lived in as a home.

Self-building can be incredibly rewarding for those with the time, budget and patience to go through with the project and it is no wonder so many people are tempted by this option.