HPH234 : How well did I do on my self build? – with Ben Adam-Smith
Dec 23, 2018
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Ben Adam-Smith, a self-builder, reflects on his completed house build, discussing successes and setbacks. Topics include the challenges of budget updates and compromises, choosing driveway and path surfaces, checking window and door specifications, and the importance of creating a snagging defects list.
Feeling comfortable and settled in a home is important, with layout and instinctive familiarity contributing to a sense of home.
Hiring a competent team and paying for a full service is crucial, allowing professionals to handle different aspects of the build effectively.
Deep dives
Creating a Home We Love
The host discusses the success of creating a home that they love, emphasizing the importance of feeling comfortable and settled. They talk about how the layout of the house and instinctive familiarity contribute to a sense of home. The host also mentions how welcoming visitors have made them feel and highlights that they have all the amenities and features they need, making it a job well done.
Hiring a Competent Team and Paying for a Full Service
The host emphasizes the importance of hiring a competent team and paying for a full service. They talk about how all the professionals involved in the project worked well together, effectively integrating their expertise. The host mentions that they opted not to do any DIY work themselves and instead focused on being the client, making decisions and managing the project. They express gratitude for the team and highlight the benefits of having professionals handle different aspects of the build.
Targeting Passive House Standards
The host discusses their decision to build a passive house and highlights the benefits of doing so. They mention the comfort, even heat distribution, absence of condensation, and improved air quality brought about by the passive house features. They express satisfaction with their decision to pursue passive house standards and encourage others to consider the advantages, despite some potential reservations about features like mechanical ventilation systems.