Tag: cheshire

The Self-Build experience: choosing every detail of your dream home

The brickwork is complete and the roof is now being constructed at our clients’ stunning self-build project in Kingsley. Once the superstructure is complete and the roof is finished, it will be time to make some very important final decisions on this self-build project. Our clients will need to decide exactly what they want inside their new home, from the bathroom fixtures and fittings to the entire kitchen, as well as everything in between.

The brickwork is complete and the roof is now being constructed at our clients’ stunning self-build project in Kingsley.

Once the superstructure is complete and the roof is finished, it will be time to make some very important final decisions on this self-build project. Our clients will need to decide exactly what they want inside their new home, from the bathroom fixtures and fittings to the entire kitchen, as well as everything in between.

According to our clients, this is where they are going to really enjoy having the absolutely ‘clean slate’ of a self-build project and what they describe as a totally free rein when it comes to choosing precisely what their new home will look like.

Our fixed fee price includes the cost for supplying and installing kitchen units, sanitary ware, wall tiles, fireplace and flooring. This gives all our clients total peace of mind when it comes to building their dream home around their budget. It also means they can upgrade some of these finishing touches if they wish to or they can choose where to make significant savings, providing maximum flexibility when it comes to the specification of their new home.

Follow Steve and Sue’s self-build journey by watching the third instalment of their video journal here.

Self-building your own home: what is the experience of self-building really like?

Here at CB Homes we are often asked about the process of self-building. As well as wanting to know exactly what happens on a self-build, people are keen to know the advantages of working with CB Homes to deliver their project.

Here at CB Homes we are often asked about the process and experience of self-building. As well as wanting to know exactly what happens on a self-build, people are keen to know the advantages of working with CB Homes to deliver their project.

What exactly do we do, how do we help and how do we take away so much potential stress from our clients?

To provide some answers to these questions, we are filming the progress of two of our clients who are currently enjoying the experience of self-building their own stunning home in Cheshire.

Click here to watch the first instalment of their video journal.

Grander Designs: How to get inspiration for your self-build

If you’ve dreamed for years of building your own house, now would be a great time to do some research and start putting some ideas together for what you would like your dream home to look like.

Luckily, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding sources of inspiration for building our own homes.

If you’ve dreamed for years of building your own house, now would be a great time to do some research and start putting some ideas together for what you would like your dream home to look like.

Do you want to find a plot of land and build from scratch or does renovating a derelict property appeal to you more?

Do you like minimalist, sleek interiors or are you a pushover for shabby chic? Are environmental considerations top of your wishlist or is making an architectural statement more important to you?

Luckily, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding sources of inspiration for building our own homes. From the moment Grand Designs arrived on our screens over 20 years ago, TV production companies realised that viewers have a huge appetite for programmes that capture the highs and lows of building projects. There’s an incredible number available to watch. Even if the scope of many of them is not necessarily a practical choice for most of us, there’s no doubt that watching a few of these programmes can really help spark ideas and get the creative juices flowing.

Here are a few of our favourites:

  • Grand Designs, currently available on Netflix and Channel 4 is still going strong. The most memorable builds are not necessarily the largest or most ambitious. They do show how important it is for any self-builder to focus on creating a home, rather than just building a house. The projects are all enthralling, ranging from converting a shipping container to an extraordinary underground home with a retractable roof. The planning application for that one took over two years to secure!
  • Building Dream Houses, a popular BBC series, follows architects who are leading the way in groundbreaking design and working hard to keep their clients happy. Some clips are available here.
  • For escapism at its best, it’s hard to beat Escape to the Chateau on Channel 4, which follows the adventures of Dick Strawbridge and his wife Angel who renovated a 45 bedroom dilapidated 19th century French chateau, set in acres of neglected land and turned it into a spectacular events venue. Clearly beyond most of our budgets, not to mention ambitions, it’s worth a look to see just what can be achieved with the right craftspeople and how something that starts out as a ruin, can be turned into something beautiful. All set against a backdrop of sun-drenched French countryside.
  • At the other end of the scale, The House that 100k built has some great, sometimes wacky, ideas for stretching a small budget, including recycling aeroplane parts! Some clips are still available here on BBC iPlayer.
  • Dreamers and technical geeks alike will enjoy Your Home Made Perfect, which harnesses the power of virtual reality to show homeowners how their dream home could look, thanks to computer wizardry, before building it in reality. You can catch it here on BBC iPlayer.
  • If you want to make your imagination really take flight, why not take a look at The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes? Available here on Netflix, every episode features four incredible homes all round the world. The architect and owner are interviewed, which provides unique insight into the design process, in some of the most beautiful locations imaginable.

    Don’t forget, if you want to explore the possibilities of self-building, we would be happy to discuss a potential project with you. Whether you are in the first stages of looking for land or you have already secured planning permission and know exactly what you want to build, we would love to work with you. Contact us to find out more.

Planning your home, from home

You can go on planning your self-build, even in isolation. In these extraordinary times, with many of us having to practise ‘physical distancing’ at home, it is good to know that many of our professional and social activities can still continue, albeit in a different way.

You can go on planning your self-build, even in isolation. In these extraordinary times, with many of us having to practise ‘physical distancing’ at home, it is good to know that many of our professional and social activities can still continue, albeit in a different way.

We may not be able to go out, but luckily, thanks to the World Wide Web, we can still access much of what we need to continue to plan for our personal dreams. For a growing number of people, those dreams include building our very own home one day.

Business as usual, as far as possible

Here at CB Homes, where we specialise in self-building projects, it is pretty much business as usual, in these very unusual days. On the self-build front, our architects are continuing their work, whether it’s creating a client’s own design or developing one of our own signature designs, fitted to specific requirements and budgets. Our planning team is pushing ahead with applications, working with Local Authorities’ planning departments. Luckily, the whole planning application process, from start to finish, can be completed online. Similarly, we are still working through tender processes and providing clients with advice on potential land purchases and house design, thanks to the power of virtual communications.

Fixed price quotations, whatever your budget

Today, as ever, we are continuing to work with a wide range of self-build budgets. Regardless of the size of home, we provide a fixed price quotation on each custom house build. We also structure each project with stage payments. This means that the first payment only becomes due when the foundations are complete – and the project is really beginning to look like a house. As part of our turnkey service, we deal with all the pre-start documentation that has to be completed too. That means there’s no need for anyone to feel intimidated at the thought of lots of complicated paperwork as we can take care of all that for you.

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you start to progress your self-building dream or just if you fancy a chat in these unusual days.

Keep safe.

Our favourite quirky things to see and do in Cheshire

We may be biased, but Cheshire is one of the finest places to live and visit, and not just for the quaint pubs, fine foods and stunning countryside.

Once life gets back to normal, we’re looking forward to exploring even more of our fabulous county. In the meantime, here’s our roundup of our six favourite quirky things to see and do around Cheshire.

Anderton Boat Lift

The Anderton Boat Lift, known as the Cathedral of the Canals, is an extraordinary feat of engineering. It can lift boats and barges 50 feet, between the River Weaver to the Trent and Mersey Canal. Thrill seekers with a good head for heights can take a ‘behind the scenes’ tour to the top of the lift itself!

Gargoyle Spotting at Chester Cathedral

There are plenty of strange and wonderful figures to be found tucked away in the naves and crevices of Chester Cathedral, both inside and outside. One of which is the infamous ‘Chester Imp’, which inspired a Scottish artist to create a trail of 25 inspired gargoyles across the city. From the amusing to the bizarre, gargoyle spotting is the perfect way to while away an afternoon in the city.

The ‘Secret’ Nuclear Bunker

Further afield into Nantwich, and literally in a field, lies the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker – so secret that its existence remained unknown for over 60 years! What would have been the seat for the regional government in the event of nuclear war, the bunker now serves as a Cold War museum and unusual attraction for this picturesque town.

Crocky Trail

Renowned for its adventurous pathways and daredevil challenges, The Crocky Trail is the ideal day out for kids to burn off some energy and have plenty of fun in the process.

With the award-winning mile-long adventure trail winding through deep forest, muddy slopes and wobbly bridges, it’s sure to be an action-packed day for all the family.

Cheshire Alpacas

Originally native to South America, visitors can now take a walk on the wild side with Cheshire Alpacas. Famed for their hypo-allergenic fluffy wool and smiley faces, you can enjoy a meet and greet with these fleecy four-legged friends, or even take an alpaca for a stroll. Walking the dog will just never be the same…

Hot Air Balloon Ride

There’s nothing like a hot air balloon ride to take in the beautiful Cheshire countryside in all its glory. With uninterrupted views across this breath-taking landscape, there’s no other way to see Cheshire than getting a birds-eye view.

And if you happen to spot a piece of land which could be the perfect site for your new home, speak to one of our advisors to help make your self-build dream into a reality.

Is your plot viable for self-build?

When it comes to purchasing building land, it’s not always as straightforward as it seems. Not all land is viable as a building plot.

However, when you have found your potential building plot, you need to be really ruthless with your assessment of whether it is suitable for your self-build project. So, what do you need to look for?

The Self-Build Guide Part 5

When it comes to purchasing building land, it’s not always as straightforward as it seems. Not all land is viable as a building plot.

However, when you have found your potential building plot, you need to be really ruthless with your assessment of whether it is suitable for your self-build project. So, what do you need to look for?

Access

Good access is imperative. This will be a condition of any planning application so you must ensure that the access meets current highway standards. Will your new-build impact on highway safety? Is the visibility acceptable? How many dwellings does your access serve? Advice on access through highways consultants or planning specialists like CB homes is also worth knowing before making an offer for a plot.

Water, water everywhere?

Ground conditions need careful investigation and planning for as these can really impede or push costs up on your build. The two main areas are;

Surface water: it’s important to make sure that you understand hierarchy for surface water discharge. Discharge to soakaways is usually the preferred method. Is the ground capable of draining away at the required rates? If not, are there any accessible water courses nearby? Are there any surface water or combined sewers that are accessible? All possible solutions will require permits by the relevant authorities so ensure that you have this checked off before any commitment. Rainwater harvesting systems are becoming a popular and sustainable choice and are definitely worth considering too.

Foundations: we have a saying that until you are out of the ground with any project you need to expect the worse. That is why thorough due diligence of the ground before embarking on a project is well worth the time and energy expended. What foundations have you planned for your project? Will the ground conditions be viable for this? The foundations will have to pass building regulations and warranty providers so make sure you know the requirements for that specific ground condition.

Utilities

Your preferred plot may be far removed from necessary utilities. This isn’t just mains sewerage and gas but also electricity, water and phone/ internet services.

If you are interested in a replacement building plot then it is highly likely that re-connecting these services will be easy to do. However, if you are breaking new ground, even if it is not remotely located, you must consider how you are going to access utilities and find out how much it’s going to cost. You should do this as soon as you can. Remember that your self-build project will be a lot more straightforward if you have power and water on-site from the start.

Many plots will be near enough to a water main to make connection straightforward. If connecting to mains water isn’t practical, then drilling a borehole could be the best solution.

When it comes to sewerage, if there’s more than a couple of hundred metres to cover, it may make more financial sense to look at installing a treatment plant.

Facing one or more of these challenges need not be a deal breaker but before taking the plunge with your self-build, you need to understand the scope of works that may be necessary to undertake and what costs will be involved so you can tailor your budget accordingly.

Any objections?

Always investigate to find out if there are likely to be objections made to your building before you go in for planning. Are there acceptable privacy distances between you and your nearest neighbours? Could you be causing a loss of light to them? Your development will be deemed unsuitable for the plot if what you plan to build there will overshadow a neighbour, causing loss of light, or overlooking issues.

Find out if planning permission has been sought for the plot before. If it was refused, investigate on what grounds. It might be perfectly possible to work around the problem.

Are there any local restrictions in place that could prevent you from building what you want? A tree with a protection order on it located where you want your house to be built could present an insurmountable problem or an issue with foundations.

Protected land

Land that is dedicated as protected can be defined as ancient woodland, ancient trees and veteran trees and land with protected areas and wildlife in the vicinity. You’ll need to check if your proposed development is on, or might affect, an internationally or European protected site, a nationally protected site, a locally protected site or a protected area.

It is also recommended to check land titles and plans to make sure there are no restrictions in place which prevent any development. Land titles are easily available from land registry and it is always worth taking legal advice if unsure.

Animal rights?

The presence of particular wildlife doesn’t automatically prevent development, but you can get advice from Natural England on planning proposals that will require a protected species mitigation licence. The organisation offers a pre-submission screening service so you can get advice on planning and development proposals which might affect European or nationally protected species, before planning permission is secured.

Remember that the above are just preliminary searches that we advise should be undertaken. There are many more items involved with plot due diligence and it is always worth seeking the advice of a professional before committing to a plot.

CB Homes can offer you help every step of the way with your self-build project, including free planning and pre-construction advice. Talk to us to find out more.

What makes the county of Cheshire so special?

The beautiful county of Cheshire covers an area of just under 1000 square miles and has a population of around one million people. Mainly rural, Cheshire is steeped in history but is certainly not hampered by the past.

The beautiful county of Cheshire (we might be biased) covers an area of just under 1000 square miles and has a population of around one million people. A mainly rural county, Cheshire has a high concentration of villages. Agriculture is generally based on the dairy trade, and cattle are the predominant livestock. It is a county steeped in history but it is certainly not one hampered by the past, as it has become one of the leading counties for STEM development in the UK.  Historically known for its Cheshire Cheese, salt and silk, the county is now home to Jodrell Bank, and the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone, which includes Thornton Science Park, and of course Alderley Park.

Science and nature

Cheshire is rich in nature and has some 63 areas that have been designated as areas of Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). With some of the leading science and technology companies located here, Cheshire has become synonymous with innovation.  Jodrell Bank has received huge investment and holds a world-leading place in the history of astronomy, and a pioneering chapter in British scientific and cultural history. The Cheshire Science Corridor has been awarded Enterprise Zone status. It covers over 100 hectares, and has the potential to attract 20,000 jobs and 500 businesses to Cheshire and Warrington.

Elsewhere in Cheshire, Winsford has the largest working salt mine in Britain, originally opened in 1844.  It uses the world’s largest underground digger, weighing in at 130 tonnes, and over the years has cut 135 miles of tunnels beneath the Cheshire countryside, yielding 1,000,000 tonnes of salt annually.

Leisure time in Cheshire

Outside work, there is plenty in the county to keep its residents and visitors occupied.  World-leading attractions include Chester Zoo, Cheshire Oaks and the Anderton Boat Lift, and over 100 golf courses here are members of the Cheshire Union of Golf courses. Chester Racecourse is not only a highly popular horse racing venue but is also the oldest sporting venue in continual use since 1539. There are also shopping and restaurant options to meet every taste.  Keen walkers and cyclists have plenty to keep them entertained too.  The 34-mile Sandstone Trail runs from Frodsham to Whitchurch and can be completed in a strenuous one – or more leisurely – two-day walk. While the canals, rivers and woodlands in the area offer plenty to entertain.

But don’t just take our word for it

Cheshire houses the hometowns of many famous faces both current and in the past.  And many more have chosen to make their home here.  One of the counties most famous authors was Lewis Carroll (1832-1898), who wrote the Alice in Wonderland books. He was born in Daresbury.  And in more recent years, 007 James Bond actor, Daniel Craig was brought up in Frodsham. Singers and songwriters Harry Styles and Gary Barlow also both hale from Cheshire.

Cheshire is home to many footballing stars and their families, with the area around Alderley Edge being renowned as the area of choice for many of the footballing elite. Local hero and ex-footballer Michael Owen and his family have also chosen leafy Cheshire to base their racehorse stables.

Based in the heart of Cheshire, we’ve been designing and building award winning homes since we started in 1981 and we pride ourselves on our local knowledge. So, whether you’re looking to buy a new home, have dreams of a self-build project or you’re looking to buy or sell land for building, we can work with you at every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your next move.

In the market for Christmas in Cheshire

In recent years festive Christmas markets have become a mainstay in the run up to Christmas. These tend to range from local arts and crafts markets, through to seasonal produce and of course, the ever-popular German and European markets.

Cheshire hosts a wonderful variety of Christmas markets, and there is something to suit everyone.

In recent years festive Christmas markets have become a mainstay in the run up to Christmas.  These tend to range from local arts and crafts markets, through to seasonal produce and of course, the ever-popular German and European markets.

Cheshire Christmas markets

Cheshire hosts a wonderful variety of these, and there is something to suit everyone. We have diarised a few of the main ones below:

  • Chester Christmas Market – From 30 November
  • Christmas at Reaseheath – 30 November
  • Hoole Christmas Market – 30 November
  • Knutsford Christmas Weekend – 30 November
  • Tatton Christmas Shopping Fair – 6-8 December
  • Frodsham Frost Fair – 7 December.

The following local attractions are also offering something a little special and a bit different this Christmas:

Tatton Park

Tatton Park, a National Trust property in Knutsford becomes a self-styled ‘magical Christmas Mansion themed with all of your favourite fairy tales and decorated with special lighting and stunning decorations’ this Christmas. There are Christmas events happening from the 26 November through to early January.

Arley Hall

Arley Hall and Gardens near Northwich has a special Christmas Floral Extravaganza, which runs from 30 November – 5 December. You can visit the Hall daily and see each room decorated with hundreds of fresh flowers and foliage from the Arley Gardens. The Chapel is also decorated, and local schools have been invited to each decorate a Christmas tree which will be on display in the Cruck Barn.  The Hall also has various Christmas events running throughout December from Candlelight and Carols through to festive wreath making.

Anderton Boat Lift

The famous Anderton Boat Lift is also offering you and your children the chance to visit Santa on a cruise along the River Weaver.  Santa and his helpers are planning on taking over the Edwin Clark trip boat every weekend this December, with storytelling, songs and a special present for each child!

Chester Zoo

The Lanterns at Chester Zoo has become an eagerly anticipated Christmas event. ‘Set off on The Great Christmas Expedition to discover exotic illuminated wildlife and animal characters in nine different fantastical worlds’.

These are just a few of the exciting Christmas markets and events happening in Cheshire throughout December.  You might know of others and we would love to hear about them.

Self-Build Budget: How not to break the bank

Self-build Budget Considerations

Many different concerns need to be considered when you begin to look at self-build projects. Setting your budget early on and sticking to it is easier said than done. If you have a self-build project in mind, we can help you manage the turnkey project, from land acquisition and planning permission, through to design and construction.

Bespoke homes to meet your requirements

One of the attractions of employing CB Homes to manage your project is that we offer a free, no obligation design meeting as part of our design consultation. This can begin the creative process towards making your home a real project. You’ll have the option to design your self-build to your own specific concept, working with our design team, or choose from one of our signature designs. If you have a specific budget in mind, we can tailor the design to your vision, to make the most out of your investment. Your personalised plans will be prepared with a fixed-fee quote.

Managing the planning process

Gaining planning permission is one of the key hurdles in self-build developments. You know what your dream home would look like, but does the local planning authority agree? Is it in keeping with the surrounding area, or does it adhere to any conservation area stipulations or limitations on size and style? Again, your allotted budget is a vital part of this process. As part of your bespoke self-build package with us, all planning submission documentation is prepared and submitted by CB Homes. We’ll also manage your application, and any appeals or modifications this entails, through to the planning authority’s final decision. We are proud of our planning credentials and have built long-standing and reliable relationships with local authorities in the region.

In case of emergency

Keep an eye on your budget at every stage of the planning, design and building of your project. Making the most of your available budget will ensure that you won’t overspend later. However, it’s also worth having contingency funds, in case of delays or unseen challenges which arise, outside the parameters of good planning. CB Homes can help you budget realistically and make sure that every penny can be seen in the ‘final product’ design of your project.  

If you would like to discuss what sort of budget would make your turnkey project a success, then email or calls us today or visit our website and try out our cost calculator.

What makes the perfect plot for self-build?

If you have ambitions to develop land by building a property on it, when it comes to finding the perfect plot, it’s important that you bear some simple rules in mind. Sometimes the plot can already have development approval and planning permission in place. While others will simply be a plot of land, a blank slate with development potential.

Planning for the future

If the plot has planning permission already granted, make sure that the plot is available for residential development. Residential plots tend to go for the highest prices. They will often have a better standard of infrastructure.  This makes it easier for the property to be incorporated into the wider network of services and amenities – for example the sewer system. In a more isolated rural location, the land prices might be cheaper. However, a development may have to have its own septic tank for wastewater disposal, rather than be part of an integrated drain system.

Nowadays, essential services such as broadband and Wi-Fi are also important to daily life.  The availability of these services can have a real impact on the appeal of living in remote county locations. Even if it’s not required for working from home, then it’s a crucial part of recreational home life. Services such as streaming are now part of many families’ entertainment menu. 

Where are you?

It’s a cliché, but location is everything when it comes to buying a plot. The logistics of carrying out the work, the site’s accessibility and locality to building suppliers all feed into the budget and need to be taken into account. They will also be reflected in the asking price for the plot in the first instance.

The perfect square footage is dependent on budget and requirements. One aspect of modern housebuilding that does seem to be at a premium is garden space. Most people would like a decent-sized garden and off-road parking.  However, when it comes to making the most of a plot, this is sometimes seen as a waste of valuable land resource.  However, landscaping, garaging and outside space can make all the difference when it comes to making the most of a development opportunity.  Getting the balance right between indoors and outdoors is absolutely essential.

Investigating the possibilities for a perfect plot

If you’re on the lookout for a specific location and type of building plot, scour the local listings of land for sale. Alternatively, make enquiries about parcels of land that are not being used or buildings that have fallen into disrepair. Sometimes a bit of investigative work can pay dividends. There are also many online land-finding services, such as plotfinder.net, primelocation.com or even on online marketplaces such as gumtree.com. 

If would like to explore the options regarding land purchase and development, get in touch with CB Homes today and make your self-build dreams a reality.

Award winning homes

6 times winners

13 times winners

8 times winners

2 Awards for best luxury home

Pride in the job award