Kirsty shares her journey of building a second home after 20 years in the first. She reflects on the lessons learned and the challenges faced, especially during the pandemic. Discover the importance of having a knowledgeable contractor and how careful planning can streamline the process. The discussion also highlights the collaboration with architects to navigate design choices and regulations. Tune in for valuable advice on effectively managing the self-build experience!
Kirsty's second self-build experience emphasized the importance of enjoying the process and maintaining a relaxed approach to construction timelines.
The necessity of thorough planning and securing reliable contractors was highlighted to avoid delays and ensure a smoother build experience.
Deep dives
Kirsty's Self-Build Overview
Kirsty shares details of her second self-build journey, which culminated in a spacious four-bedroom detached house in Lincolnshire, covering approximately 2,700 square meters on three-quarters of an acre. The construction took about 18 months, a timeframe that she describes as more relaxed compared to her first build, which only took eight months. Kirsty's husband, a builder by trade, provided invaluable support throughout the project, ensuring the build ran smoothly and utilized his industry connections. The couple has embraced a more stress-free approach this time, focusing on enjoying the process rather than rushing to completion.
Navigating Planning and Construction Challenges
The initial phase of their self-build began with Kirsty discovering a suitable plot of land that already had planning permission for a smaller home. After navigating the planning process, including amendments that took eight weeks, they faced delays due to Covid-19, which also impacted the housing market and construction material prices. Although they dealt with cash flow concerns, their experience was largely positive thanks to careful planning and a willingness to adapt to the evolving situation. Kirsty emphasizes the importance of securing reliable contractors, as other builders' busy schedules occasionally pushed back their timeline.
Lessons Learned and Future Considerations
Reflecting on her experience, Kirsty highlights the significance of thorough planning and the benefits of working with a qualified architect rather than a designer, acknowledging that this could have mitigated potential issues during the build. She also notes the necessity of having accurate cost estimates for materials to avoid unrealistic financial expectations, especially when comparing current prices to those from twenty years ago. Kirsty warns future self-builders to book tradesmen well in advance, as delays can cause a domino effect that prolongs the project. While she initially stated she might not build again soon, she remains open to new opportunities in the future.