As the new year gets underway, now’s the perfect time to find the resolve to create the bespoke home you’ve been dreaming about. This month the Build It editorial team has teamed up with our experts to reveal what you need to know when you’re starting out on the self-build journey

This striking modern home goes to show the power of a scheme that makes the most of its setting. The 200m2 self-build, designed by Millar + Howard Workshop (www.mhworkshop.co.uk), won a 2017 Build It Award for the clever way it nestles into the wooded plot

IS SELFBUILD FOR ME?

Self-builders come from pretty much every walk of life – from families keen to build an affordable home that can adapt over time, through to empty nesters looking to downsize to a high-spec house with minimal running costs. If you’re at the early stages of looking into this route to a bespoke home, here are six essentials to bear in mind:

Self-building doesn’t have to be hands-on. In fact, very few projects involve much in the way of DIY. Unless you’ve got genuine construction skills, you’re probably better off commissioning professional designers and contractors to deliver your tailor-made home. Emily Smith, Build It deputy editor

Consider teaming up with a specialist package house supplier to take the stress out of some of the key elements of your scheme. The basic service starts with structural design and building of the shell on site, but can run right up to turnkey delivery of your new home, where the company holds your hand through the process from start to finish. Sofia Delgado, Build It assistant editor

Self-building gives you the opportunity to get more bang for your buck: this is undoubtedly the best way to create a high-quality home that’s tailored to your family’s needs at a cost-effective price. Chris Bates, Build It editor