Building your own home: opting for a turn key package

Once our client Suzanne had decided to build her own house on the plot she had bought at an online auction, she selected CB Homes’ turnkey self-build service to deliver her self-build. Knowing the total price up front, as well as having every aspect of the self-build taken care of, was a very attractive proposition for her and her husband.

Having bought the property in March 2020 and spent some time deciding whether to renovate the old building or to go with the self-build plan, the plans were ready to submit for planning permission by August. The planning process did take some weeks longer than usual, owing to COVID-19.

Planning application paperwork

Suzanne says,

“Buying the property during the first lockdown was probably quite bad timing! Luckily, the CB Homes team continued to work the whole way through the pandemic. I was taken aback by all the paperwork involved in housebuilding, in addition to the planning application. Luckily, it’s all being handled by CB Homes but I did not anticipate how long it would take. I suppose this is one of the big differences between a mass developer throwing lots of houses up very quickly and a developer that specialises in individual bespoke homes. I don’t mind though, this is a really big investment for us and if it takes longer then so be it. I’m very confident that it will turn out exactly how I have envisaged it.”

As part of our turn key service at CB Homes, our planning experts pull all the paperwork together and submit everything at once, which saves our clients a lot of time going back and forth with the Planning Officer. Suzanne continues,

“I was shocked by how expensive a bat survey can be. It’s obviously really important ecologically to make sure these things are carried out but I was quite pleased we didn’t need a newt survey as well! Luckily, CB Homes could advise us on which surveys were required and the company has contacts with the expertise to carry them out efficiently.”

Freedom to choose the finishings with a turn key solution

Part of our service is to provide clients with plenty of freedom to choose finishings for their new home. Now that the foundations have been dug, the time has come for our clients to start making exciting choices for their house. Sometimes the amount of choice available may seem slightly overwhelming, but Suzanne says,

“I have to say, the whole process is really very easy. We have basically had our hands held by the CB Homes team the whole way through so everything seems really simple.

“My husband works very long hours so is not always available to discuss things with. One of the best things about CB Homes is that there is a dedicated person for each aspect of the build – so there is a project manager and a site manager and I can just speak to the right person straightaway. The lines of communication are really good. It really is a pain free way of building your own house.

“With their years of experience of self-builds, the team can provide really good advice on what will or won’t work and also what is most practical yet effective.”

Considering value with a turn key package

When it comes to budgeting, Suzanne admits she is a little obsessed with her spreadsheets. She says,

“I like to know exactly where we are with the budget at any time. The staged payment process that CB Homes uses makes it easy. The company has been very helpful with advice and keeping an eye on potential re-sale value too. At this stage, we don’t know how long we will live in this new home and we don’t want to put potential future buyers off by choosing things that might be considered a bit outlandish by someone else. CB Homes really understands that and have helped guide me very step of the way.

“It has been so helpful to have professional advice on things like choices of materials and finishes. I never knew that choosing small floor tiles make rooms look smaller for instance. CB Homes has also recommended suppliers. With the team’s years of experience these things really matter.”

Sticking to the budget with our turn key service

“When it comes to extras, you do need to be careful – it would be easy to get carried away with things like upgrading door furniture and it can quickly add up. Luckily, little things are standard for CB Homes that would be considered an upgrade by another company – now I am making my choices of finishings, the quality of everything they build really comes through.

“It may seem a small thing, but I really appreciate having the site kept so neat and tidy. Even our new neighbours have been complimentary about that. CB Homes wrote to all of them to advise that work would be starting which I hope got us off on the right foot with them straightaway.”

With the foundations complete, the next job will be the bricklaying.

Suzanne commented,

“Before finding my perfect plot, I had never heard of a full turnkey package for self-building before. Basically, it means that taking on a self-build doesn’t need to be scary at all.”

Have you always dreamed of building your own home? Have you got a plot of land suitable for building on? Contact CB Homes today to find out how we can help you.