New build developments have received a lot of criticism and negative media attention in recent years. It’s no surprise that some people have begun to feel concerned, or even anxious about the concept of building their own home. But upon close investigation, many of the negative aspects of self build homes are either untrue or completely avoidable. In this article, we will be addressing some concerns people have about self build houses while also clearing up misconceptions about recently built homes.
Why Some People Are Concerned About Self Build Homes
Before we get into the myth-busting, it is necessary to acknowledge that not all of the concerns people have are based on groundless rumours. Reports about newly built homes show that these homes often have defects such as faulty plastering. A poll conducted by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) showed that 94% of new build homes have some sort of damage after construction.
The same report also indicates that the average new build home in the current decade comes with at least 157 defects. This number is a 96% increase from the average 80 defects as reported in 2005. With statistics like these, it is no wonder that buyers are reluctant to build or purchase new build homes.
However, these reports neglect to mention something important. The issue with these current homes isn’t that they were built recently. It is that they were not built with care. Whether you buy a home that was built in the last year or one that was built in 1965, your house won’t feel secure if it wasn’t built with care. A self build project will allow you to keep a close eye on the construction process. It will prove to be both a great investment, and a wonderful place to live.
Instead of getting caught up in the numbers and statistics, focus on finding a quality construction company. Remember that a house on a recent development is not the only option available to you. Instead of getting drawn in by rumours and sensationalist media headlines, educate yourself on the basics of a sturdy house. With proper collaboration between you and a trusted contractor, you can build a quality home that is safe and secure.
5 Myths About Buying Self Build Homes
Many concerns that people have about new build homes are valid. However, there are also many groundless myths that tarnish the reputation of all houses that were built recently – even in cases where they do not apply, such as self build homes. To help you separate the truth from the lies, we’re going to debunk five of the most common misconceptions people have about self build homes.
Self Build Homes Are Too Expensive
Building your own home can be expensive. However, if you compare it to the cost of renovating an existing home, self build homes can work out to be cheaper. Many old homes are quite pricey due to their historical relevance or architectural design. Additionally, they require countless revisions to meet the needs of a modern lifestyle. If it happens to be a listed building, you will need to obtain permission for every single renovation you need to carry out.
It can be more cost-effective to have everything built to your specifications, rather than make these changes later. With a quality construction company, you can be sure that your self build home will follow the latest building regulations. This means that these homes are much more energy-efficient. Most new homes achieve A or B rankings in their Energy Performance Certificates (EPC).
Getting Planning Permissions Can Take Forever
Like most other big commitments, building a house requires a lot of paperwork. Some people say that housing paperwork can take forever to be processed – but this is not necessarily true. As long as you research and prepare documents thoroughly, you can get your papers processed in no time. In addition, most forms and guides are available online these days – making the process easier.
As long as you go about it the smart way, getting permission for your self build project will not be an issue. Regardless of what house you obtain, you will need to get permission from lots of different institutions. Therefore, paperwork and planning permissions is hardly a good enough reason to skip out on building the house of your dreams.
There Can Be Unexpected Hidden Costs
Many people think that once the build has begun, there are risks of large problems incurring additional costs. If you work with a reputable developer, this is highly unlikely to happen. Usually, an attorney reads through your contract with your developer or contractor and will help you to understand the terms. Additionally, the developing company also has company protocols they must follow. Ultimately, when undertaking your own self build project, you should spend time on research and perform due diligence. Only work with reputable companies that you can trust.
Modern Homes Lack Personality
Some would argue that older homes are better because they have more character. It is true that existing houses possess features from the era in which they were built. However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Recently built homes tend to have a more modern design – unique and beautiful in their own right. However, if that is not what you want, you can always include elements from historical architecture in your self build home. The possibilities for your self build project are endless.
It Takes a Long Time to Build a House from Scratch
One of the biggest concerns people have about building homes is how long it will take. Most people assume building a house takes a lot of time. However, with a stable design and schedule, the average house takes around a year to build.
Most old houses will require a lot of renovation, and many additional cosmetic changes to suit your tastes. If you have to go through the trouble of renovation anyway, why not just build a new house instead? You can control what features to include in your self build project. Thus even if it takes a while, the results are more than worth the wait.
Why Astrum Is The Best Home Developer For You
Astrum Construction is one of Britain’s finest home developers and consultants. With 20 years of experience in the industry, we love to help our clients get the home of their dreams. Whether you want to build a new home or restore an old one, we have the experience and the know-how to do it all. Additionally, we also build conversions and extensions to elevate your current home to the next level.
At Astrum, we treat our clients more like partners than customers. With consultations with our skilled team, you will have the perfect solution for all your housing needs. Our projects are all versatile and of the highest quality. With an excellent track record thus far, we hope to continue helping our clients turn their houses into their dream homes.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you may decide to buy an existing home over a self build home. But it’s important to make this decision based on facts and research, not myths. We hope this article cleared up some common misconceptions people have about self build homes.
For expert advice and consultations about building your new home, you can rely on Astrum. Get a quote now for our services – with our vast experience, we are confident that we can help you realise your vision. And to find out more about the quality of our work, check out our past projects or contact us directly. We operate in Bedfordshire and surrounding areas – we look forward to assisting you with the house of your dreams.
There are many more advantages to self build homes. Read on to find more.
Wondering how to get started? We’ve written a handy guide on your first steps and compiled some tips for finding your self build plot.