The Self Builders Podcast Episode 28 - Helen and Simon share their Self Build Journey
Apr 25, 2025
Join Helen and Simon as they take you through their adventurous journey of building a three-story dream home. They candidly share lessons learned while navigating planning permissions and rising costs. Discover their strategies for land acquisition and the importance of trust with landowners. Get insights into managing a self-build while juggling full-time jobs and the challenges of material logistics. Their experience reveals the significance of clear communication and careful planning, essential for any aspiring self-builder.
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Discovery of Unique Brownfield Plot
- Helen and Simon found their brownfield plot during lockdown on Rightmove and explored it during daily walks.
- The site had a history as a petrol station and garden machinery sales, complicating redevelopment but providing a unique opportunity.
Using Professional Skills to Secure Plot
- Helen and Simon used their professional skills in real estate and project management to negotiate with the landowner and aid environmental cleanup.
- They got a conditional contract after the landowner cleaned up contamination and negotiated tenant exit before planning permission.
Navigating Site Remediation
- They managed site contamination by breaking remediation into simple steps and consulting frequently with the local authority.
- The environmental health process was lengthy but smooth due to consistent communication and compliance.