House Planning Help Podcast

With a matter of weeks until he moves into his new home, Ben Adam-Smith shares a list of ten things that he's excited about. Check out the show notes for more information.  

Architect Andrew Goodman explains what it took to create the UK's first load-bearing straw bale Passivhaus home. Check out the show notes for more information. 

Rob Wiggans, land development expert, shares insights on minimizing risks when buying land. Topics discussed include importance of due diligence, determining land value, impact of recession and Brexit, methods of finding land, and the critical research buyers must conduct before proceeding with a site.

Dean Scott takes Ben on a tour of the Graven Hill development, and of his own energy-efficient self build. Check out the show notes for more information.

Karen Curtin, MD of Graven Hill Village Development Company, discusses the process of buying land at Graven Hill, the concept of a plot shop, marketing strategies, and the features and amenities of the village community. They also explore the buying process and customization options at Graven Hill.

As Ben Adam-Smith's build enters the final few weeks he reviews his project's schedule and sequencing. Although a lot of the detail pertains to building a masonry wall Passivhaus, it still serves as an example of the stages any house build might go through. Check out the show notes for more information.

Mike Coe provides a progress update on his second self build project, with finances being stretched as construction is set to begin. Check out the show notes for more information.

Ben Adam-Smith looks at why self build projects often eat into the budget set aside for landscaping. This includes Ben's new home where initial garden plans have been put on hold! Check out the show notes for more information. 

Alex Baines explains the impact a mid-construction delay has had on him, his family, and his Long Barrow Passivhaus project. Check out the show notes for more details.  

Ben Adam-Smith chats to his wife Kay about what it's been like building a house. She never wanted a new build, preferring to buy a period property instead. So why did she agree to do this? And what can we learn about trying to get a partner on board with a self build? Check out the show notes for more information.