Damson House Self-Build Case Study

What was your main reason for wanting to self-build?

I had bought a bungalow with a piece of land and when I moved in, I realised just how much space there was so I decided it would be nice to build something, which would be mine from the start. Something which I could design and have input into what I desired for a house.

What was your financing route?

It was mostly private funds, and I took out a mortgage towards the end of the build which worked very well.

How did you find the design process with CB Homes?

I had the land cleared and I initially approached CB Homes with a view to selling them the land. I had thought about doing a self-build but it was at a time when my work was really busy. CB Homes suggested a self-build, which could be project managed by them with only partial involvement by myself with regard to design and choices – this was perfect as it took the strain off me.

I met with their architect and explained the sort of ideas I had, which included somewhere suitable I could entertain and to be a reasonable size but not too big. There is an inside/outside element to the design of the build, so I can move into the garden from the kitchen, which is perfect for entertaining. The budget was decided right at the beginning in the form of a fixed fee and CB Homes listened and implemented the ideas I had.

“I can move into the garden from the kitchen, which is perfect for entertaining”.

Did you have any specific design requirements and if so, how were these met?

They were perfectly met. I met with their architect and explained the sort of ideas I had, which included somewhere suitable I could entertain; we designed an inside/outside element to my home so I can move into the garden from the kitchen, which is perfect for entertaining and creates a beautiful space.
I also need a modest sized home but the bedrooms need to be the right size for my family when they came home to stay. All were perfectly met.

What was the planning process like for you?

The planning process was very good. I didn’t have too much involvement as CB Homes took care of all the detail and management of the application and just provided updates along the way.

How did you find the build process with CB Homes?

It was absolutely fine. The only comment to point out was that at certain points the number of decisions required is a lot, such as where lights are going and where sockets are going. I was being asked lots of questions, which was demanding at the time, but, in hindsight, actually worked very well, as decisions were made instinctively.

How involved did you get in the build process?

I did not need to get involved earlier on in the build. However, later I needed to be more involved, due to decisions being required such as where certain fixtures and fittings needed to go. There were a couple of things which I wish I had taken more time to think about before making a decision; for example there are two outside lights which are a bit low and I keep walking into them so they need to be moved to a higher position. I would also like to say that Andy the Site Manager was superb throughout the build and always had time to discuss points and to advise, which I found so very helpful.

What were your high and low points of your project?

The low point was that, within the build contract for my project, the landscaping was not included. I understood fully that landscaping was not part of the build contract, however I did expect the area to be level when CB Homes finished the build. If it had been left with the hardcore level that would have been much better as I found it unpractical. In hindsight, both CB Homes and I should have communicated better with regard to the landscaping.

The high point is the design and flow of the house; being able to use the kitchen and outside area during the beautiful weather is very special.

What are the best features of your home?

The gallery landing and the large glazed feature window, and of course the kitchen/outdoor area.

What was the best buy on your self-build project?

The kitchen area and the triple windows were positive buys for my home.

What was your biggest extravagance?

There are three; the large windows, the large light fitting in the family area and the underfloor heating, but if I had to choose one, I would say the underfloor heating.

What are your home running costs like?

They seem to be very reasonable but it is a bit early to tell as I have not been in the house that long and the good weather has prevented me from turning on the underfloor heating.

What are your ‘Top Tips’ for Self-Builders?

I would recommend you go to a self-build company. I did try and start this myself but unfortunately someone in the family became ill and I couldn’t follow it through. With CB Homes managing it they take the strain off you and although I have learned a lot, I still would not want to do it myself.

Please sum up your self-build home.

It’s perfect. Although I might have re-designed the plot differently. I had the choice at the beginning to take what land I wanted from the original bungalow and split it but being under pressure with work due to Covid I had to make very sudden decisions; so if I had had more time, I might have designed it a bit differently. That said, I do think it is perfect and the garden is just the right size for me.

Would you self-build again, if so, do you still feel a turn key option is the best solution?

Yes definitely. I would absolutely love to do it again. I have always worked in the public sector, so doing a self-build feels like it is something you are doing yourself and you have got some form of input, they are your private and personal decisions – in the public sector it is very different. Working as a private individual was something I enjoyed very much. I would certainly use CB Homes if I did a self-build again and the whole process has been worthwhile.