We were delighted to see Architecture Vogue Magazine run an article on quickSAP for Home Energy Modelling, the new plugin for Sketchup that we’ve created to allow architects and designers to run energy use calculations directly in Sketchup and to test design ideas for energy efficiency as well as producing detailed results for use in Energy Statements with indicative CO2 emissions, SAP and EPC Ratings.

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The exposed original oak frame and beams contrast with the honed and polished travertine flooring and clean lines of the new insertions. The steel and solid oak tread staircase with glass balustrading features in the double height new entrance hall behind the new oak frame gable. In the bathrooms, a more traditional approach was taken with painted wooden panelling and free-standing vanity unit furniture and traditional sanitaryware.

For other BWP Architects traditional designed homes please click here.

Haddonstone have now published the project as one of their Case Studies here.

A standing seam metal roofing with self-coloured silicone anti-crack render and narrow rainscreen larch cladding and zinc rainwater goods give a contemporary aesthetic to the traditional building forms of a T-shaped plan, steep duo-pitched roofs and gable ends. Large first floor windows with juliette balconies maximise views to the south and the open pergola structure gives a partially sheltered outdoor entertaining space. The simple pergola design is echoed in the design of the front porch.

A small back garden site access off a cul-de-sac meant that a timber frame solution allowed for quick construction of the main superstructure and minimised deliveries to site.

Local planning policy limits replacement dwellings to 10% larger than the existing dwelling so a series of step-by-step planning applications to extend (on paper at least!) the original house together with Permitted Development Rights extensions, followed by an application for a traditional scheme on the same site, were used to justify the size of this new house.

Although the opportunity is enticing, if you haven’t got the funds readily available, you might be wondering if you can afford to build your own home at all. Below, Richard Bousfield from The Surrey Mortgage Broker, explores one of the routes you could take to fund your self-build project.

Can I afford to build my own home? Your financing options explored:

There are many different ways to fund your self-build project. You may be lucky enough to have the funds readily available, or you might have to take out a loan. Alternatively, you could consider a self-build mortgage.

Much depends on your financial situation of course and alsoyour residential circumstances. All circumstances will vary but you may well be eligible for a self-build mortgage.

Self-build mortgages explained:

Essentially self-build mortgages are the same as normal mortgages. However, instead of funds being released in one go, money is released at various stages throughout the self-build process (e.g. when the foundations go down, when it’s watertight, etc).

The money is released in one of two ways. Either at the end of a completion milestone (arrears self-build mortgage) or at the start of a completion milestone (advance self-build mortgage).Therefore, it’s absolutely essential that you get the project planning spot on as you’ll need to make sure your funds will last you from one milestone to another. Consider enlisting the services of a firm like BWP Architects who can help you with the management of the project. See more here.

It’s trickier to secure a self-build mortgage than a standard mortgage, considering there are only around 12 lenders in the UK that offer this type of product. Typically, they’ll only loan up to 60% of the final valuation of the property where that doesn’t exceed 75% of the total cost of the build. Make sure you are fully aware of how much the build will cost, and how much your property will be worth once it’s finished to ensure you are eligible for a self-build mortgage.

Things to consider with a self-build mortgage:

Self-build mortgages come with their own set of rules, terms and restrictions. So, it’s important to consider the following before taking the leap:

Getting started:

Building your own home isn’t a decision to rush into, and you must thoroughly consider your finance options before you take the leap. Do you have the large deposit required for a self-build mortgage? Will you be able to afford the hefty interest rates?

All routes of financing your project will have pros and cons and ultimately what works for you, will be different from the next person. If you want help exploring the possibility of a self-build mortgage, why not contact The Surrey Mortgage Broker who will be happy to offer advice based on your circumstances. They’ll be more than happy to offer you a no-obligation, free initial consultation to see if this route would work for you.

You can find out more about The Surrey Mortgage Broker by visiting https://www.thesurreymortgagebroker.co.uk/, or you can contact Richard Bousfield on 01252 759 233 or info@thesurreymortgagebroker.co.uk.

About the guest author:

Richard Bousfield, Managing Director of The Surrey Mortgage Broker, has been offering reliable and unbiased mortgage advice since 2003. Richard prides himself on giving jargon-free and plain-speaking mortgage advice and ensuring each application goes through as smoothly as possible. Richard ensures you have one less thing to worry about in the often stressful and complex scenario of buying a property.

Richard can offer advice on mortgages for first-time buyers, self-builders, house movers and remortgages. He can also offer advice on buy to let mortgages as well as help for those who have previously been turned down.

Find out more: https://www.thesurreymortgagebroker.co.uk/