Viewpoint

Mention self-build homes to the average UK resident, and it probably conjures up images of Grand Designs-style properties; huge, sleek, contemporary builds surrounded by acres of land.

Se lf-build doesn’t just have to be the dream of the wealthy, but can, and should, be considered by anyone. It’s possible to consider self-build projects for a range of budgets as long as you have realistic expectations and are prepared to research.

You don’t have to create your dream home in one go

O ne of the best things about a self-build is that it allows you to create a home that meets your individual needs that may not already exist on the market. But if you’re working with a modest budget, it’s also okay if your dream home is a work in progress.

I f you have ambitious plans but have a small amount of cash upfront, consider planning to create a fully-functional and liveable property for now, with the option to build those ‘nice-to-have’ luxuries in the future. That could be something relatively simple, like adding a conservatory, or you might have bigger plans to add a floor to your property.

O n a similar note, if it’s likely that your budget won’t allow you to create the home you want from scratch comfortably, think about opting for a renovation instead. Taking out a self-build mortgage can enable you to significantly modify your existing home or an existing build or structure you wish to buy. This may work out cheaper than starting from scratch, and you won’t have the hassle of arranging access to services like electricity and water.

K eep your options open when it comes to location

L and is a significant cost when budgeting for your self-build, and this varies considerably throughout the country. If you aren’t tied to a specific area, it may be worth looking at what you could create for your budget elsewhere.

W hen searching for land, remember that whilst most people automatically think about greenfield land when it comes to self-build, you can also consider brownfield sites and urban infill. This can provide more options regarding location, rather than just being limited to open countryside.

B rownfield sites are previously developed land, often used for industrial, commercial or even agricultural purposes, but now lie derelict and redundant. Urban infill isn’t talked about as frequently. This is the development of new homes on vacant or underused land in existing urban areas.

F orge strong relationships

I t’s better to be forewarned than forearmed, so get to know the right people and talk to them as early on in your project as possible. Seek out the most reputable builders, contractors, architects, surveyors and mortgage lenders and make a list of questions to ask them. Get their opinions on your plans and find out what common pitfalls they come across. It’s a good idea to get detailed quotes for costs, too, to limit any unwanted surprises.

Sometimes it is a case of ‘not what you know, but who you know’. Think about what manual labour you could undertake and the skills and expertise of friends and family who might be willing to help out. However, remember, it’s not a decision to take lightly. Only take on what you are physically and technically capable of, what you realistically have time for and stay within the parameters of the law, or it could cost you money rather than saving it!

F rom the cost of the land to the build itself and external works, like drains and fencing, there’s a lot to factor in. This also includes numerous smaller fees often overlooked, such as paying a valuer to conduct quality checks before stage payments can be released. Talking to those who have been through the process before can be beneficial to ensure you’ve thought of everything.

Y ou should also have a healthy contingency budget. As brilliant as self-builds can be, it’s common for them to run over time and budget. So, do factor this in and be prepared to use it. It goes without saying that the more detailed your plans and budget, the less likely you are to face significant financial obstacles. Most mortgage lenders will expect to see a contingency pot before lending to you; it’s prudent and makes good economic sense. www.suffolkbuildingsociety.co.uk

S elf-builds can be a perfect way to create a home that meets your taste and requirements and is an enriching experience. A mortgage broker experienced in self-builds can offer valuable advice and help you find the right lender for your selfbuild mortgage.

Delve into the world of rooflights and skylights with IQ Glass, as the specialist in architectural glass and glazing solutions explores their unique differences and benefits.

Wh ile there may be some overlap in the terms ‘rooflight’ and ‘skylight’, there can be some technical differences between the two. In general, a rooflight is installed flush with the roof surface, while a skylight is typically raised above the surface and mounted on a frame. Skylights may also be larger and more complex in design than rooflights.

T hat said, both rooflights and skylights can provide similar benefits, such as increasing natural light and ventilation. When choosing between the two, it may come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the project.

W ith regards to planning permission, it is always best to check with the local planning authority before undertaking any work. While flat rooflights may not require planning permission in some cases, there may be restrictions on size, height and projection. It is also important to ensure that the installation complies with appropriate standards for thermal performance and safety.

Other important factors when choosing a rooflight or skylight are building type, size and orientation, as well as the desired amount of natural light and ventilation. The design and placement of the rooflight or skylight should also take into account the layout of the room and any potential impact on heating and cooling. North-facing rooms are generally much cooler with limited natural light; therefore, rooflights maximise the amount of natural light ingress into the space.

P itched roof skylights can be a great option for adding natural light and ventilation to a loft conversion or extension, and they can work particularly well in listed or heritage buildings where preserving the character of the property is important. In terms of thermal performance, it is important to ensure that the skylight meets appropriate U-value standards to minimise heat loss and maintain energy efficiency.

T he size of a rooflight can have a significant impact on the overall design and function of the space. A larger rooflight can provide more natural light, creating a brighter and more open feel to the room. However, it can also create a sundial effect where the movement of the sun across the sky creates patterns of light and shade on the floor and walls.

W hile some people may enjoy the aesthetic of the sundial effect, it is important to consider the practical implications as well. Depending on the orientation of the rooflight and the position of the sun, it could create glare or excessive heat gain, particularly in warmer climates. www.iqglassuk.com

Other factors to consider when choosing a rooflight or skylight include the material of the glazing (such as glass or polycarbonate), the framing material and the method of operation (such as fixed or openable). It is also important to ensure that the installation is carried out by a qualified professional and that it meets all relevant Building Regulations and safety standards.

A n interesting fact with regard to all roof glazing is that all Ug values given for architectural glazing are always calculated in their vertical position. Changing the angle that the glass sits at in roof glazing alters the thermal performance and the Ug value of the glass changes. This is due to the convection currents that occur inside all double- or triple-glazed units.

This change in thermal performance is important to note as it will affect the overall Uw value for structural glass roofs and rooflights and may make it difficult to achieve the requisite Uw values for a project if not addressed correctly.

I Q Glass possesses extensive knowledge of architectural glazing, with more than 20 years working alongside architects to deliver on design vision.