Architect Julian Owen takes a closer look at common selfbuild pitfalls and how to make sure your project doesn’t fall victim to them

Julian Owen

Architectural practice Melt Design Hub (www.meltdesignhub.com) took a holistic approach to the interiors and structural design of this building; a photography studio and space for guests to stay.

The integrated approach has created an impressive response to the challenging site and brief

Bad luck can affect any of us at any time, and the same holds true with self-building. Perhaps the neighbour that objects to your project turns out to be an influential councillor; a gas main is in a completely different place to the maps and didn’t show up on the survey; a 500-year-old skeleton is discovered beneath the centre of your proposed dwelling; and so on. Some things you can come up against are simply out of our control, regardless of how much preparation you’ve done.

It seems nearly every episode of the big self-build TV shows features something that doesn’t go according to plan. Many mistakes made are because the owner underestimated the risk of a potentially vital part of the preparation or process. In fact, a wellorganised self-build probably wouldn’t fit the director’s brief for good TV viewing because of the lack of drama. Coming in on time and on budget would no doubt leave viewers feeling cheated of entertainment. But if you aren’t keen on giving Kevin McCloud the chance to dissect your mistakes, here are some scenarios you’ll recognise from the television and how you can avoid them.

1 I don’t need to pay for that professional

You may have a clear vision of what your new home will look like, and of course it makes sense for you to take the helm as you’ll be the one living in it once built. But working alongside a good architect to come up with plans will allow you to benefit from their knowledge, skills and experience. This runs from their understanding of Building Regulations and what the local planning department might object to, through to suggesting materials you might not know of and pointing you in the direction of good builders. While it might be cheaper to go with a less experienced designer, think about whether it’s worth the risk.