In this article we cover:

  • Common pitfalls when self-building
  • How to approach house design
  • Example of how costs can spiral out of control

Q: : How can I keep costs down on my build, and still end up in an energy efficient,
comfortable home?

Liam says: Don’t skimp on the building fabric and control the design.

It’s all too common for people to focus on the building cost per square metre, but when you think about it, no one who’s building their own house is going for a straightforward design. No one wants an average design, yet everyone wants an average cost.

In terms of design, the simpler the shape the better – a rectangle with an ‘A’ roof is the most cost effective. As soon as you start adding dormers, corner windows, porches and so on, or go with L or H or U shaped designs, you’re looking at adding more detailing with valleys, hips and flat roofs.

Without regular maintenance, these areas will eventually cause trouble, not to mention adding complications to the airtightness and insulation details. All contributing to the building costs at different stages.

In my opinion, the only way to build a cost effective home is to stick with a straightforward design. The best way to think about it is to focus on what’s important, which is the insulation and airtightness of the building. This equates to the comfort you will appreciate and enjoy in the finished product.

I had an Australian woman come to me with her plans; in Australia builders are part of the design process to give their input on the feasibility of building the house that the architect designs.

It was an architect’s design that essentially consisted of three bungalows linked with flat roofs. I counted 13 external corners, six internal corners and nine roof planes. She was essentially building three houses; there’s no way that could be built cost effectively.

I know architects aren’t builders but they could still be more tuned in to their clients’ budgets. As a self-builder, if you’re on a really tight budget, your best bet is likely to be to go for a very simple design, so simple that you could get it in a book of plans.

‘In my opinion, the only way to build a cost effective home is to stick with a straightforward design’ – Liam Walsh