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Finding your self-build plot

It’s the starting point to any self-build dream. Here’s what to consider when plot hunting

HELPFUL ADVICE Colin Potter of Architeco advised first-time self-builder Paula before she purchased her plot. She chose to build a Caber House Type C for her home.
IMAGE: DAVID BARBOUR

You may be fortunate enough to have a plot already at your disposal — a large side garden, for instance. However, for many self-builders, their journey begins with finding a suitable plot.

It’s important to keep an open mind when looking for a plot. Typical plot types do include greenfield sites as well as fully serviced plots offered by developers with self-builders in mind, but plots may also be brownfield land, or old buildings that can be replaced.

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Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine
February 2021
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Other Articles in this Issue


CONTENTS
EDITOR’S LETTER
CLAIRE LLOYD has been a member of the Homebuilding
REGULARS
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Self-build & renovation
One in three wants to self-build One in three
THINK BIG TO HEAT SMALL HOMES
Green
KITCHEN FANS
Kitchens & bathrooms
The great British materials shortage?
Builder Andy Stevens asks whether there is going to be a major shortage of materials in 2021 as Brexit approaches…
Homes
Inspiring self-build, renovation, conversion and extension projects from across the UK
ADDING SPACE & VALUE
IMAGE: EDWARD MCCANN ARCHITECTURE PHOTOGRAPHER LYNDON DOUGLAS PART
CONNECTING THE SPACES TOGETHER
There are various options for linking the en suite
CHOOSING BIFOLD OR SLIDING DOORS FOR YOUR HOME
Kloeber helps you decide between these two popular options to connect any home to the great outdoors
ASK THE EXPERTS
Whether you’re disposing of hazardous waste or want to know more about cavity wall insulation, our team of experts can help
Renewables: to own or not to own?
That is the question when it comes to technologies such as solar panels and biomass boilers. Should you invest or opt for the ‘free’ install offered by a growing number of companies?
Beginner’s guide to self-build
AN URBAN BUILD Situated on a tight, sloping
Pre-build essentials
Here are some of the key things you need to consider before ‘going on-site’ with your build
FINANCING YOUR BUILD
Funding your project may require a specialist self-build mortgage…
WINNING WAYS FOR KORNICHE
Discover contemporary glazing products that bring swathes of natural light into an extension or new home, delivering everything a self-builder could wish for`
Signing OFF…
What the Homebuilding team have seen, recommend and love this month
HOMES
OLD MEETS NEW
David and Fiona Patten realised a lifelong ambition when they found a run-down property with glorious countryside views — now, their new on site combines character with modern living
THE KNOWLEDGE
LOCALLY SOURCED TIMBER
Worth the wait
Kevin and Tommy Porter lived in their terrace for 17 years before embarking on a renovation and extension project to create their dream home
LIGHTING the way
Architect Ian Harvey has opened up this once dark and tired house into a contemporary home that flows naturally to the garden beyond
THE BUILD
SELECTED COSTS Demolition and alteration £12,319 Foundations £11,787 Steel
A touch of luxury
Shankari and Ian Chilcott have transformed their loft space into a spa-like master suite, complete with freestanding bathtub and steam room
Our self-build journey
Over the last year, expert Mark Brinkley has been sharing wisdom and lessons learnt from his latest self-build. Here, he reflects on moving into his new home
Seventies revıval
Mike and Ruth Vernam have taken a dormer bungalow, untouched since it was built in the 1970s, and transformed it into a modern home full of light and open-plan spaces
THE BUILD
THE FLOORPLANS
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Jane and Jack Cresswell can’t wait to move into their first self-build — complete with a family slide into the basement
Brilliant BARN CONVERSIONS
Converting an agricultural building can throw up its challenges, butI barns can make for amazing homes, as these projects go to show
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REGULARS
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HOW TO FIND A PLOT
PART FOUR: IUNDERSTANDING POLICY AND LAND DESIGNATIONS
A beginner’s guide to MANAGING YOUR EXTENSION PROJECT
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EXPERT ADVICE
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DESIGN
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