Tag: build your own house

Self-building a home in Cheshire, while living abroad

One reason why many of our self-build clients choose us to build their new home is because they are attracted by our turn key package, where we manage every aspect of the build on their behalf. One of our current self-build projects is quite unusual, as our clients chose our turn key package as their preferred option because they are currently living abroad. Until recently they were unable even to visit the site of their new home.

One reason why many of our self-build clients choose us to build their new home is because they are attracted by our turnkey self-build package, where we manage every aspect of the build on their behalf. One of our current self-build projects is quite unusual, as our clients chose our turn key package as their preferred option because they are currently living abroad. Until recently they were unable even to visit the site of their new home.

No strangers to the self-build process, Kevin and Sandra built their own house in Hampshire some time ago. Then they moved to Portugal and once more built their own home, with Kevin taking responsibility for a large part of the build himself.

When they decided they wanted to have a home in the UK once more, they decided the most stress-free option was to opt for CB Homes’ turnkey self-build package. This turned out to be a particularly fortunate decision as, once Covid hit, travel restrictions meant they could not visit the UK so had to rely on the CB Homes team and modern technology to keep up to date on the build’s progress. Luckily, CB Homes is well set up for online meetings via Zoom or for conference calls, which is very useful for clients leading busy lives, whether living abroad or not.

Why choose Cheshire for a self-build project?

Kevin has been a Manchester United FC season ticket holder for years, so having a base within easy reach of Old Trafford had huge appeal for him. Sandra is originally from Yorkshire, so having a home in the North West was also an attraction for her. The close proximity of two airports, the motorway network and the cities of Chester, Liverpool and Manchester also made Cheshire the ideal location, with friends and family in easy reach.

Why build your own house?

In common with most of our self-build clients, Kevin and Sandra recognised that the best way to end up with exactly what you want from a house is to build it yourself. They also both say that they enjoy the process of a self-build and find it very interesting – even if they can currently only observe from a distance, thanks to the pandemic.

Finding a plot of land for a self-build, while living abroad

In today’s market, finding land for a self-build can be challenging. After extensive online searching for a suitable plot, Kevin and Sandra bought a plot of land from CB Homes – a garden plot in the grounds of another house, which already had planning permission for a traditionally designed typical English home, with plenty of modern touches inside. The five-bedroom house will also have a detached garage and enjoys an elevated position, with views across the Cheshire plain.

The new house currently being built by CB Homes in the village of Helsby is currently at the first fix stage with the electrics and plumbing being installed and plastering taking place on the first floor. Normally at this stage, our clients would walk through the property with the site team, pointing out exactly where every power point or appliance would go. In this case, as they are living abroad, Kevin and Sandra have used the power of WhatsApp and email to communicate exactly what they want and where they want it.

Which part of the house will our clients be most excited to see?

Sandra is particularly looking forward to seeing her new kitchen, which will be part of an open plan living/ dining/ family space. Making selections from such a distance has been a challenge, but she has sent samples, where she can, to trusted family members, who have given their opinions to help her make a choice. She admits she has still spent many hours looking at carpet and paint shades online though!

What impact has Covid had on the self-build project?

In addition to making it impossible to visit the site for months at a time, due to living abroad, the pandemic has also caused some delays to appliance deliveries, with some manufacturers needing much longer lead times than usual. This has meant CB Homes has had to adjust the build schedule accordingly in order to keep the delivery date on track.

Managing the budget for a self-build

Kevin and Sandra say that the budget has been exactly as they expected and are definitely fans of CB Homes’ very clear pricing structure.

Sandra says, “You have a great choice of layout and fittings but if you want to choose more expensive options than in CB Homes’ specification, then you’re free to do so. It’s just really important to set your budget for that and then to stick to it.”

Summing up her advice to anyone considering a self-build, she says, “Choose your plot really carefully and then just go for it. CB Homes has been excellent at guiding us through the process and offering advice and suggestions on anything that we have not been sure of, from queries on acquiring land to making decisions on bathroom fixtures and fittings. The team is always very responsive to any questions we have.”

Kevin and Sandra hope to be in their house by February.

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.

Managing and multi-tasking: life as a site manager for CB Homes

Will Marston, 35, has worked as a site manager for CB Homes for the past five years. Originally a joiner by training, we approached Will for the role knowing that he would be an ideal choice as site manager. Since then, he has been in charge of several of our most prestigious developments, including Sawyers Meadow in Bunbury and a number of self-build projects.

Will Marston, 35, has worked as a site manager for CB Homes for the past five years. Originally a joiner by training, we approached Will for the role knowing that he would be an ideal choice as site manager. Since then, he has been in charge of several of our most prestigious developments, including Sawyers Meadow in Bunbury and a number of self-build projects. He is currently dividing his time between five different projects across three construction sites in Cheshire in the villages of Helsby, Alpraham and Eaton.

We caught up with Will when he was opening up the site one morning at our Eaton development. He always has an early start, regularly being on-site by 7.45am.

What does a typical day in your life as a CB Homes site manager look like?

I arrive on site and have time to do a quick walk around to check everything looks as it should before my phone starts going at around 8.00am and usually it doesn’t really stop all day until I go home around 5.00pm. There’s a constant stream of calls from trades, checking dates of the build programme, flagging up any issues and making me aware of any likely delays.

At any one time, I have three or four different trades at work on one site. It’s my job to make sure that everyone has a safety briefing their first time on site and that all Health and Safety rules are abided by to keep safety on site our number one priority. As well as being responsible for all RAMS and Health and Safety requirements, I make sure the site is tidy at all times too. I organise all the work, programming dates and projects. I’m also first point of contact for clients and it’s important I keep them updated with everything that we are achieving on site.

I divide my time between projects that are currently live, so I have what’s effectively a mobile office in my van, with all the paperwork I need. Modern technology has made it all much easier to be mobile now than it used to be too, and I spend a lot of time emailing or WhatsApping for work from my phone.

Have delays been a problem for building during the pandemic?

At the start, with the first lockdown, production slowed right down because of the social distancing requirement and all the Health and Safety conditions that had to be met on site. Obviously, we are still being very careful to keep within public health guidelines and make sure that everyone on site is very aware of how to keep everyone else safe.

Ongoing supply chain and labour issues, which are being experienced everywhere in construction, are also causing some delays but minimising those is a big part of my job. Making sure that we keep to our build schedules and deliver on time for our clients is a key responsibility of mine.

Multi-tasking is essential for a site manager

Multi-tasking is definitely another skill I need as a site manager. Each project is at a different stage. For example, at the moment, plastering has started at one, a roof is going on at another and we’ve just started the footings at the third. So you have to be able to recall a lot of information at one time and easily flip between different projects in your head.

It’s really important, especially for our self-build clients, to be able to provide them with weekly updates or let them know what’s happening at any point if they call for a chat. I also have to be very mindful of minimising waste and being as environmentally friendly as possible. That means, if we have a surplus of something at one site, we can move it to another or make sure we recycle wherever we can. It all needs careful planning.

At the start of each week, I have a plan of where I intend to be on what day but of course things always come up, so you have to be prepared to be very flexible and change your plans where you need to.

What do you enjoy about your job?

CB Homes is a great company to work for and I like working with all our contractors. We have long-term relationships with many of them, so we really get to know each other. They know how fussy we are about the quality of the work we require so they are used to us being very demanding! I like the great variety of sites we have too, from small self-build projects or quite large developments with several houses, up to huge six-bedroom homes. It can be quite a stressful job because of the scale of the responsibility but the end product makes it all worthwhile as we are always proud of the homes we build.  It’s really enjoyable too to see how happy our clients are when their new homes are complete.

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.

CB Homes wins Bronze in What House? Awards 2021

Here at CB Homes, we are delighted to report that we have won the Bronze Award in the Best Luxury House category in this year’s What House? Awards, dubbed the Oscars of the housebuilding industry.

Our clients’ beautiful self-build project, Further Meadow, at our Swallow Close development in the village of Kingsley, Cheshire was a thoroughly deserving winner.

Here at CB Homes, we are delighted to report that we have won the Bronze Award in the Best Luxury House category in this year’s What House? Awards, dubbed the Oscars of the housebuilding industry.

Our clients’ beautiful self-build project, Further Meadow, at our Swallow Close development in the village of Kingsley, Cheshire was a thoroughly deserving winner, described by the judges as,

 “A labour of love. The owners worked closely with CB Homes to create an impressive luxury home that is tailored to their lifestyle while making the most of the extensive south-westerly views across Cheshire farmland………An expansive open plan kitchen/dining/ reception forms the centrepiece of the home, cleverly cantilevered to ensure free-flowing space and uninterrupted views…..there are subtle touches of luxury throughout and each element has been carefully considered to blend with the whole, resulting in a comfortable and striking family home.”

Glittering What House? Awards ceremony

The glittering awards ceremony celebrated some of the brightest stars in the housing sector, honoured those who won their category and celebrated all the well-deserved finalists too.

The WhatHouse? Awards, now in their 41st year, shone a light on customer-focused housebuilders and housing associations, large and small, who have continued to deliver the best new homes in Britain amid the unprecedented challenges of 2020 / 2021.

The gala luncheon was hosted by one of Britain’s greatest-ever Olympians Sir Chris Hoy and renowned sports broadcaster and presenter Clare Balding

Read more about our clients’ journey to self-building their award-winning home here or watch our series of video journals tracking the whole self-build project here.

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.

A classically beautiful self-build Georgian home, with a very modern twist

Work on one of our latest self-build projects, a two storey Georgian countryside property, is continuing apace. This beautiful country house has a historic, Georgian aesthetic where we have managed to retain an authentic character feel but given the property a modern twist with contemporary design features.

Work on one of our latest self-build projects, a two storey Georgian countryside property, is continuing apace. This beautiful country house has a historic, Georgian aesthetic where we have managed to retain an authentic character feel but given the property a modern twist with contemporary design features.

Externally, at first glance, you may not notice some of the intricate detailing that makes this house so special.

The oversized timber frame hardwood windows have sash windows, with traditional style cords and weights to open and close them, rather than being mechanised. Despite this nod to tradition, they still have a very modern take, owing to their full matte charcoal finish. The artstone all around the house is black to match the striking feature of the windows. It provides a strong contrast with the beautiful mellow toned Cheshire brick. Our team has already predicted that this innovative design feature will become really popular when people see how fantastic it looks.

The fascias are also custom-made to match the very specific design requirements. The whole build has been very client lead in terms of the design chosen. Our clients were clear they wanted something very stand out and different, which would still blend with the surrounding Cheshire countryside. We have ensured that every element is designed to meet that criteria, while still working beautifully together as a whole.

Home to roost in a Georgian home

Environmental issues remain high priority in this build with bat boxes built in around the house, along with EV charging points to future proof the home. Internally, the bats have not been forgotten either, with traditional felt used which has a gap at ridge height to allow the bats to fly freely in and out.

Our clients were keen to make the most of the land surrounding the house. Outside, the new garage has been designed to be in keeping with the Georgian theme. It looks exactly like a traditional rural outbuilding, such as an old fashioned stable block. Usually a garage would be constructed as a single skin building but here it has been insulated throughout and heated to widen its capability and increase its functionality.

Through the keyhole

An oversized custom made hardwood front door leads inside the house. High ceilings throughout continue the Georgian home aesthetic but contemporary mouldings and architraves, including a shadow groove, again provide a contemporary twist. Unusually, we have selected black as the colour for all the internal doors, along with contemporary brass ironmongery, which makes the whole look quite opulent, yet refined. The ground floor is tiled throughout which has the effect of luxury wooden flooring but needs far less maintenance, making the upkeep easy.

Fireplaces are being constructed on both the ground and first floors. On the ground floor the fireplace is seamless so completely flush with the floor, providing a breath-taking finish to the main living area. Due to building regulations, the one on the first floor is more traditional, with a mantel and hearth.

A simply stunning handmade kitchen leads into an open plan family living space, perfect for entertaining, with three sets of French doors opening onto the front and rear gardens.

The modern requirement for home working has not been forgotten, with a sizeable office downstairs, complete with a stunning vaulted ceiling and a cosy woodburning stove.

Upstairs, the magnificent master bedroom has two Juliet balconies with wonderful views across the surrounding countryside. The master suite includes a huge walk-in dressing room and a beautiful en suite bathroom with bespoke sanitaryware, featuring brass ironmongery for a luxurious finish.

This striking home is typical of a CB Homes’ self-build project – a classically beautiful bespoke house, built to exceed modern building standards. If you have always dreamed of building your own home, contact CB Homes to find out how we can help you.

Building your own home: all you need to know

In the UK, thousands of people choose to self-build their own home every year. Here at CB Homes, we have been building award-winning self-build homes for 40 years. We have now produced a complete guide to the Self-Build process to download from our website. It contains all the information you need about building your own home, from start to finish.

Have you always dreamed of building your own home?

In the UK, thousands of people choose to self-build their own home every year. Here at CB Homes, we have been building award-winning self-build homes for 40 years. We have now produced a complete guide to the Self-Build process giving you all the information you need about building your own home, from start to finish.

Every CB Homes house is built to the same exacting standards and our dedicated partnership approach is committed to turning self-build dreams into reality. We understand exactly what concerns our customers have and what they need to know before they start their self-build journey.

We use traditional designs and modern, open-plan internal layouts and cutting-edge technology to create beautiful homes that are in harmony with the landscape.

Whatever the scale of your dream home, there are a number of steps to take, from the moment you decide that you want to build your own house to the day that you move in.

From questions on finance and how much building your own home costs, to walking you through the ten steps of the self-build journey, you’ll find a wealth of information in the guide to inform you about building your own house.

Our fixed fee approach provides total peace of mind and gives you the flexibility for building your own home around your budget. The guide includes a number of case studies of some of our customers’ beautiful self-build projects, where their budgets ranged from £200,000 to over £500,000. Download your self-build guides here.

Building your own home: the build progresses quickly

Not having done a self-build before, our client Suzanne didn’t really know what to expect of the actual building process. Despite some Covid-related delays, her self-build project is now back on schedule. The bricklaying is finished, the roof is complete, the windows are about to be installed and Suzanne and her husband are planning to move into their new house before the end of the year.

Not having done a self-build before, our client Suzanne didn’t really know what to expect of the actual building process. Despite some Covid-related delays, her self-build project is now back on schedule. The bricklaying is finished, the roof is complete, the windows are about to be installed and Suzanne and her husband are planning to move into their new house before the end of the year.

Fixed price can save money

Suzanne says,

“It’s all gone very smoothly. I’m now more glad than ever that we went with the turnkey self-build package, especially considering the potential impact of Covid and Brexit on prices. It means that we are paying a fixed price, so regardless of how much prices are fluctuating – and they seem to be going up a lot at the moment – we haven’t had to pay any more than we were quoted at the start.

“We’re paying for a premium service and it’s been worth every penny. I’m not having to worry about anything like finding materials or scheduling deliveries either. I do worry about the site manager, who has to deal with all the stress instead, but he always seems remarkably calm! The whole team has worked very hard to make up for the time lost due to lockdown. We seem to be back on schedule now which is fantastic.

Trust is vital when it comes to a self-build project

“I visit the site every weekend to take photos for my scrapbook and to see what stage the project is at. I tend not to interfere during the week as I completely trust the construction team to be getting on with it all. It also means my husband and I are free to carry on with our own work, which is really good.

Topping out – the roof goes on

“It’s a great feeling to have got to the stage of our house having the roof on and it being watertight. We’re currently living in a mobile home, so I am keen not to still be living in it when the weather turns really wet and wintry.

“When I saw our house for the first time with the roof complete, I was completely bowled over as it looks so lovely. Seeing it was a really pivotal moment. The roof goes so well with the bricks it looks beautiful.

Expert touches

“The design means it has loads of character as it’s not just a regular box. That’s meant more work for the site team as the bricklaying and tiling of the roof was not straightforward but CB Homes encouraged us to have it designed how we wanted, not to make it easy for them! The house looks exactly as I imagined it would from the drawings. To be honest, it actually looks more impressive from the outside than I thought it would as it’s not a very big house. It still feels cute and cosy on the inside, which is exactly what we wanted.”

Decisions, decisions

Suzanne is very pleased that restrictions eased when they did as she has been able to visit shops and showrooms to look at samples of tiles and sanitaryware etc.  She continues,

“I’ve had a lot of fun and I’ve actually chosen lots of things that CB Homes has already used in some of their other building projects – they have good reasons for their choices as they just always look so good and are clearly of such high quality.”

Expert advice at every step of building your own home

CB Homes turn key package includes professional drawings and expert advice from an architect. His experience and skill are invaluable, especially when it comes to solving some tricky questions of design. Suzanne explains,

“I’ve always wanted to have a kitchen with a walk-in pantry in but we just didn’t have the space for it in the design. Increasing the size of the house would have put us over our budget. However, rather than having to just accept that, the architect has done something brilliant. The kitchen backs on to the hall and he suggested ‘reversing out’ one of the cupboards in the hall so that it is accessed from the kitchen. So I’ve ended up with a good alternative to what I had originally wanted, a really deep pantry ‘cupboard’ that is more or less floor to ceiling height. It was a novel idea that I would never have thought of myself but the CB Homes team is just really experienced at making things work and coming up with creative solutions.”

Bringing in light and colour

“I’ve already confirmed the colours for the interior paints. I’m going for quite neutral colours but I’m bringing in some colour with a large bespoke stairwell light fitting. I was inspired by a beautiful light fitting at a friend’s house. After consulting with the site manager and CB Homes’ electrician I have gone to a bespoke company who make glass for statement light fittings. I’m very excited as it’s going to be a really modern feature with lots of colour. I’ve chosen a very traditional aesthetic for everything else so I’m looking forward to seeing the contrast.

“Planning the kitchen has been very enjoyable. CB Homes recommended a fantastic supplier, Panorama Kitchens. I’ve selected a dove grey and blue kitchen and I can’t wait to see what it’s going to look like with all the natural light coming in from the bifold doors that run across the rear of the property.”

Everything exactly where you want it

CB Homes clients often say that one of the best things about a self-build is being able to design your home exactly as you want it; even down to choosing the location of every electric socket. Suzanne says,

“It’s been fantastic going through the house with an electrician, pointing to where I would like to have sockets and him making very useful suggestions for locations I might not have thought of. It was the same thing with plumber too. In most houses, even a new build, you just have to go with whatever has been decided by the builder. This way we’re going to have exactly what we want in the most convenient places for our needs.”

“Other little handy tips from CB Homes have been so useful too.  They suggested that I have an outdoor dog wash for my hairy dog. I would never have thought of that but what a great idea – warm water so he doesn’t get cold and a grid in the ground so all the muddy water drains away straightaway – perfect!”

Finishing touches outside

Being artistic, Suzanne has enjoyed drawing up plans for the gardens and planning out the planting she would like. She has liaised with the CB Homes team, who recommended a contractor when it came to organising the construction of the paths and patio. She is also going to turf the garden when all the construction is complete.

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.

Recommendations could transform self-building

A recent report by an MP may make all the difference in getting a clear voice on the subject of self-build heard in the halls of Westminster. With the ongoing housing crisis in the UK and the simple fact that not enough houses are being built to meet demand, the Bacon Review hopes to galvanise opinion and move the self-build sector into increased activity. This could deliver between 30,000 and 40,000 self-build homes annually.

A recent report by an MP may make all the difference in getting a clear voice on the subject of self-build heard in the halls of Westminster. With the ongoing housing crisis in the UK and the simple fact that not enough houses are being built to meet demand, the Bacon Review hopes its recommendations will galvanise opinion and move the self-build sector into increased activity. This could deliver between 30,000 and 40,000 self-build homes annually.

Creative overdrive

MP Richard Bacon is keen to raise the profile of custom and self-building, focusing on efficiency and attractiveness. Earlier this year, the prime minister asked him to undertake a review of the current state of play of self-build, and to make a series of recommendations on his findings. The 114-page review has now been completed and published, and it makes encouraging reading, both for anyone looking at embarking on a self-build project and self-build specialists, such as ourselves. It addresses a wide range of subjects and looks at how self-build can be promoted as a viable option for anyone to undertake. 

The report, called House: How Putting Customers in Charge Can Change Everything, notes that ‘Instead of beauty and a natural order, we see a sterile sameness almost everywhere we look…We are failing to create the listed buildings of tomorrow.’

While houses are being built by developers to meet the current huge demand, it is at the cost of the distinctiveness that a self-build scheme brings to the appearance of a completely new construction project.

The review lays out six main recommendations for growing and strengthening the self-build sector, which would make it much simpler and more straightforward for people to build their own homes, in their own style, in their own way.

Recommendations for self-building

In his review, Bacon makes six key recommendations, which map out a clear way forward for the sector.

Greater role for Homes England

The report recommends a new ‘Custom and Self-Build Housing Delivery Unit’ to be formed within Homes England, to enable the creation of serviced building plots on small and large sites. It will also support the delivery of custom and self-build housing at greater volume across the country.

Raise Awareness of the Right to Build

The Government, working through Homes England and in partnership with the custom and self-build industry, should create a custom and self-build housing ‘Show Park’. It should also strengthen existing legislation, to ensure the wider publicity of ‘Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Registers’, and the sharing of key data between landowners and people on these registers.

Support Community-Led Housing, Diversity of Supply and Levelling Up

The successful Community Housing Fund should be reactivated. This will create accessible opportunities for communities to help themselves, by introducing a Self-Help Housing Programme and introduce a ‘Plot to Rent’ scheme.

Promote Greener homes and more use of advanced manufacturing

The trailblazing role of custom and self-builders should be recognised for its use of advanced manufacturing and its ongoing investment in greener homes, to accelerate the delivery of the government’s ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ and ‘Net Zero Housing’ ambitions.

Support Custom and Self-build housebuilding through the Planning Reforms

Any future planning reforms should ensure that they maximise opportunities for access to permissioned land. This should include making focused changes to the ‘Right to Build’ legislation, so it achieves its objectives.

Iron out any tax creases for building houses

The government should investigate any possible tax disadvantages between self-building and other forms of house construction and identify specific actions to eradicate them.

Here at CB Homes, we welcome these recommendations. We are pleased that finally a spotlight is being shone on a sector of the construction industry that is often neglected. We hope that the government can now implement these recommendations in a way that works for everyone, so they can make a real and lasting difference to the custom and self-build sector. This will deliver both confidence in the industry and more diverse houses for people to live in.

Interested in self-building and not sure where to start? We have lots of useful resources on our website with loads of information on everything you need to know. Get in touch to find out how we can help with our fixed fee turn key self-build package.

Unlocking the financial potential of your land

From beautiful turnkey self-build projects to distinctive developments and exclusive barn conversions, we at CB Homes have been designing and building award-winning homes since 1981.
Each bespoke home we build requires land and space, so we are always on the lookout for suitable land to purchase for our clients’ self-build dreams or bespoke and intimate housing developments.

From beautiful turnkey self-build projects to distinctive developments and exclusive barn conversions, we at CB Homes have been designing and building award-winning homes since 1981.

Each bespoke home we build requires land and space, so we are always on the lookout for suitable land to purchase for our clients’ self-build dreams or bespoke housing developments.

Do you have land to sell?

If you have a large garden which you are interested in developing, or you own land with or without buildings that you wish to sell, we might be interested in purchasing it for an exclusive bespoke development or the construction of a custom home.

All sorts of options may be open to you, from an outright sale to a joint venture or profit share, you may even want to develop for yourself for an investment or new home.

What about planning permission for your land?

Whether or not you have planning permission for your plot of land, we may be interested in purchasing it for an exclusive bespoke development or the construction of a custom home.

Why sell your land to CB Homes?

With a proven track record for delivering a dedicated and reliable service, offering a fully transparent approach, you can trust us to purchase your plot of any size at a fair and competitive price.

Having purchased numerous plots of land in the past, we have a wide variety of options available to landowners, from an outright sale to a joint venture or profit share, or you may even want to develop for yourself for an investment or new home. We will work closely with you to ensure a mutually beneficial outcome.

Free, no-obligation consultation

As experienced developers with over 40 years’ experience, we are ideally placed to assess the suitability of your plot for development. We offer a free, no obligation planning appraisal service to assess your land, and can work with you to maximise the planning potential and land value. Our team of professionals will then complete all aspects of the planning promotional work, managing the application through to a decision. This ensures a streamlined process, with no cost or risk to you.

So, whether you have a small single or large garden plot, or an ex commercial site, with or without redundant buildings or barns, we are interested in all types of available land for sale for our exclusive homes.

If you are interested in unlocking the financial potential of your plot, please get in touch with us by calling 01829 730244 or email enquiries@cbhomes.co.uk. Or visit our new dedicated land website to find out more.

The Self-Build Guide to The Build: 6. From Dream to Reality

Now that their self-build home is complete, we can look back to the start of our client’s adventure, from pre-start to completion, to provide the whole story.

The keys have been handed over, and our clients can finally call their new self-build house their home.

Now that their self-build home is complete, we can look back to the start of our clients’ adventure, from pre-start to completion, to provide the whole story.

Pre-Start

Our clients decided to go down the self-build route, but having had experience of this before, which had been quite stressful, they sought the assistance and guidance of CB Homes to realise their self-build dream in Cheshire.

They were extremely excited to get started, knowing that they were going to get a modern, warm comfortable house built to brilliant standards, so in retirement they would be comfortable.

Laying the groundwork

Before work could start, a new road had to built, as the original gravel track couldn’t have accommodated the trucks and lorries to build our client’s new home. But within two weeks we had a new road in, and the work could commence!

Raising the roof

Steve and Sue found the whole self-build process so much easier with us project managing it and co-ordinating all the contractors.

Sue said: “We had utter confidence in CB Homes to deliver, and they really exceeded our expectations.”

The First Fix

At CB Homes, we aim to take all the stress out of self-building as much as possible, just

Steve and Sue said that they really enjoyed having the absolutely ‘clean slate’ of a self-build project, and the totally free rein when it came to choosing precisely what their new home would look like. These included the fun and practical decisions, such as where to fit which sockets, where is the kitchen sink going to go, and how is the bathroom going to look, as well as everything in between.

Sue said: “My job was to plough through all the brochures and give Steve a choice of about three.”

As Steve reflected: “You can have grey, grey or grey. All right, we’ll have grey!”

The Second Fix

Steve and Sue really enjoyed visiting the site to see how the build was progressing. Every day there was something new, and were really impressed with the speed and care at which things developed.

With all CB Homes self-builds, we provide a schedule giving our clients an idea of when things needed to be done on site. This really helps our clients to plan well ahead of when the actual date for their items they would like to be fitted needs delivering, ready for installation.

Completion

Steve and Sue love the design and finish of their stunning new home.

The fixed fee price included the cost for supplying and installing kitchen units, sanitary ware, wall tiles, fireplace and flooring. This gave them the flexibility and peace of mind to build the dream home that they were looking for around their budget.

Steve and Sue concluded: “CB Homes’ turnkey self-build package was the ideal solution. We are absolutely thrilled with the result of our new home, and CB Homes has helped us to truly realise our self-build dream. We couldn’t recommend working with CB Homes highly enough.”

See the round-up of our clients’ self-build video journal here.

Designing a Georgian country house for the 21st century

Recently, a client came to us looking for assistance with design and planning for a replacement dwelling. They had a clear idea of what they wanted to build, a two storey Georgian countryside property with simple authentic period detailing, appropriate to its rural surroundings in the heart of Cheshire.

The brief was to create a beautiful four bedroom home, fit for 21st century living but which would reflect the style and formality of the Georgian era. This meant that the front of the house would be rectangular and very symmetrical in appearance.

Recently, a client came to us looking for assistance with design and planning for a replacement dwelling. They had a clear idea of what they wanted to build, a two storey Georgian countryside property with simple authentic period detailing, appropriate to its rural surroundings in the heart of Cheshire.

The brief was to create a beautiful four bedroom home, fit for 21st century living but which would reflect the style and formality of the Georgian era. This meant that the front of the house would be rectangular and very symmetrical in appearance.

Authentic Georgian detail  

The owners wanted authentic, joiner-made, period sash windows, including carefully observed Georgian proportions, using the Golden Ratio. Owing to this perfect symmetry, on paper at least, Georgian houses look like a deceptively simple rectangular box. What sets them apart and makes them look really special is when every tiny detail of their appearance is exactly right. Every pane of glass, every panel of bricks and every detail of moulding needs to be in the right proportion to everything else. Achieving these perfect proportions is absolutely key to building a stunning home.

As our clients wanted the windows to have tall, elegant proportions, our architect Russell Baker recommended making the ground floor ceiling height taller and also lowering the level of the window sills. This meant they would maintain the slim and elegant look that our client wanted but would also remain in perfect proportion with the tall facades of the house.

The front door of a house is always an important part of design and this project will be no exception. Georgian front doors were really imposing and were a definite style statement for the homeowner. Today, you can still be very authentic as to the Georgian design, with the added advantage of using modern, hard wearing, materials.

Rural farmhouse appeal

Georgian houses, especially town houses, are known for their formality. As this is to be a rural home, based on a Georgian farmhouse look, it can be slightly less formal, a little more cosy and a little lighter on things like the details of the mouldings, which on a more urban authentic Georgian townhouse are often heavier and more ornate.

To maintain the appropriate size and scale of proportions to the Georgian, symmetrical front elevation, our architect designed a further rear L-shaped section. This was to accommodate our client’s more modern preference for open plan living. This includes the kitchen and a dining/ family area with views from glazed walls across the countryside to make the most of afternoon and evening sunshine.

Finding an architect and developer who understand exactly what you want from your self-build is very important. If you have always dreamed of building your perfect country home, contact CB Homes to find out how we can help with our complete turn key self-build package.

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