14 secrets to self-build success

If you're tempted to step foot into the world of self-build but want to know more, read these words of wisdom from those who built their own!

- MICHELLE GUY

Trailblazers, innovators, groundbreakers (quite literally) - these are just some of the many words used to describe T self-builders. But it's often tenacity, vision, graft and grit that are familiar traits of the self-builders who have graced the pages of Homebuilding & Renovating over the years. Self-build is a journey, and like any journey bumps, obstructions and hold-ups will most likely crop up along the way. As well as ticking along smoothly some aspects may slow you down or make you change direction - - whether that's planning obstacles or the unpredictable British weather! But how you deal with and navigate these circumstances is often how a project ends its build journey successfully. Of course, budget, planning and conditions and finding the right plot will be influential factors in determining what you can and can't do at the start but there are certain things to consider that will help drive your project forward once it's off the starting blocks. These successful self-builders share the secrets behind their best build decisions.

1 Embrace the constraints

Whether it's site access issues, the plot, order delays, the weather or neighbours, there are many situations on a build that will present problems, big or small. The secret to overcoming them is to embrace them. And problem solve. Architect Joanna and her husband David self-built on a tiny plot of just 130m² (at street facing less than 4m deep), to reinstate a cottage that resided on the site (right). Joanna managed to navigate a difficult planning process, get creative with construction solutions and design a contemporary family home.