12 ways to keep your self-build on budget

Discover the innovative strategies and clever hacks you can use to claw back pennies when building a bespoke home

- By Rebecca Foster

Regardless of the shape, size or style of your dream home, a bespoke self-build is likely to represent the biggest shopping trip you’ll ever take. Whether you’re working with a shoestring budget or a larger sum, it’s important to be realistic about what’s ultimately achievable with the funds you have, in terms of taking materials, labour, permits and fees all into account.

“This will help you stay on track and avoid overspending,” says Harry Reece, managing director at Base Architects. “Careful, considered planning is essential for any self-build project. By forward planning, you can avoid unexpected costs and delays, making the most of your budget.” If one of your goals is to keep spending to a minimum, there are several smart strategies you can employ to keep costs down. To find out the most effective ways to save money, we spoke to several self-builders to discover their top tips and cash-saving tricks.

1 Fine tune your budget