Brand new house built in 12 weeks
Discussion
Mark Benson said:
We're having plans drawn up for an extension at the moment and last night while discussing the changes we want to make my wife commented on how she thinks I'll want to build my own place at some point. She may well be right.
Looking forward to the updates.
I would suggest, wherever possible, that everyone builds their own.Looking forward to the updates.
The stress, pain and ultimately the pleasure and reward are like nothing else.
I'll hopefully be doing another once my current place sells. The fun and excitement of designing exactly what you want (planners permitting) is also pretty amazing.
For those interested in doing their own build on the future, a couple of key points worth noting.
For best bang for buck, a square house is the cheapest per sq ft design you can do. If you think about it, if a perimeter costs £X per ft, the biggest internal sqft space you can get for a given perimeter is always going to be a square shape.
Roofing is very expensive, so a simple square design is always cheaper. Lots of dormers etc look nice, but add to the price.
You'll note that my house is completely square. Now let's be honest, square is boring. Fact. We broke it up with a front porch (not shown in my floor plan) , we added a sunroom as well as a bay window at the side to help break up the square shape.
In summary, if money isn't a concern, that's great but if you need to maximize space per £££ then the above tips will help.
Last point is high ceilings. This is a really cheap way to add space to your house and add a bit of character. Our sunroom is roughly 12x14 and to vault the ceiling versus a flat roof, it was only another £600. No brainer and in one of the pics I posted earlier, you get a glimpse of the effect.
The whole ground floor was upped from 8ft ceilings to 9ft ceilings (roughly 15% higher)
When we asked for a cost, I was thinking if it cost under £10k to raise the ceiling height we would do it. He came back with a bill for £1.5k (yes, the decimal point is correct!)
Looking at it another way - we see in 3 dimensions, not 2 but people always think of floor space, sqft, but that's not how we perceive space. Higher ceilings create a more spacious feel overall. Effectively, we created an extra 15% of cubic space downstairs for only £1.5k.
We also went for a cutaway at the front door so instead of having more landing space, we have an 18ft high 2 storey feature at the front door which creates a spacious feel to a relatively narrow hallway. You'll see this in later pics.
But if I was to advise one thing, 9ft ceilings in the ground floor make a huge difference, 15% more space for little cost. It also means you can have more height for light fittings too, which accentuate the height as well
For best bang for buck, a square house is the cheapest per sq ft design you can do. If you think about it, if a perimeter costs £X per ft, the biggest internal sqft space you can get for a given perimeter is always going to be a square shape.
Roofing is very expensive, so a simple square design is always cheaper. Lots of dormers etc look nice, but add to the price.
You'll note that my house is completely square. Now let's be honest, square is boring. Fact. We broke it up with a front porch (not shown in my floor plan) , we added a sunroom as well as a bay window at the side to help break up the square shape.
In summary, if money isn't a concern, that's great but if you need to maximize space per £££ then the above tips will help.
Last point is high ceilings. This is a really cheap way to add space to your house and add a bit of character. Our sunroom is roughly 12x14 and to vault the ceiling versus a flat roof, it was only another £600. No brainer and in one of the pics I posted earlier, you get a glimpse of the effect.
The whole ground floor was upped from 8ft ceilings to 9ft ceilings (roughly 15% higher)
When we asked for a cost, I was thinking if it cost under £10k to raise the ceiling height we would do it. He came back with a bill for £1.5k (yes, the decimal point is correct!)
Looking at it another way - we see in 3 dimensions, not 2 but people always think of floor space, sqft, but that's not how we perceive space. Higher ceilings create a more spacious feel overall. Effectively, we created an extra 15% of cubic space downstairs for only £1.5k.
We also went for a cutaway at the front door so instead of having more landing space, we have an 18ft high 2 storey feature at the front door which creates a spacious feel to a relatively narrow hallway. You'll see this in later pics.
But if I was to advise one thing, 9ft ceilings in the ground floor make a huge difference, 15% more space for little cost. It also means you can have more height for light fittings too, which accentuate the height as well
garyhun said:
I would suggest, wherever possible, that everyone builds their own.
The stress, pain and ultimately the pleasure and reward are like nothing else.
I'll hopefully be doing another once my current place sells. The fun and excitement of designing exactly what you want (planners permitting) is also pretty amazing.
I read your 2014 build - stunning in every aspect. Are you still in that house or did you move as the last post on the thread was 2014 and you had mentioned you wanted to sell?The stress, pain and ultimately the pleasure and reward are like nothing else.
I'll hopefully be doing another once my current place sells. The fun and excitement of designing exactly what you want (planners permitting) is also pretty amazing.
So after agreeing the layout, specifications and prices with the builder, it was time to dig the founds, pour the concrete and get the construction started.
Week 1
Pic from the front porch and into the hallway.
And from the dining room corner at the rear, looking to the front. You can see while we were hammering out the house details, the builder already had his team crack on and get the garage (outhouse) started
On Good Friday I was off work but the builder and his team, the crane man, the timber frame team, all worked the bank holiday to get my house started. I wanted to see how it all was put together so I popped round to the site at 11am and they were well on their way, erecting the frame. This is the cinema room directly in front and the porch just to the right
View in the front door. You can see the dining room wall hanging from the crane and getting slotted into position
The jigsaw puzzle continues...pic from sunroom into kitchen
I then took a run to the local park and came back at tea time to see where they had got to and the 2nd floor was started. This is the left side, dining room left and cinema room right. Up above, is the master bedroom left, ensuite middle and dressing room to the right
This shows the sunroom and bay window
And this the the back, dining right, utility middle and kitchen to the left
Not bad for 1 days construction - most of the house frame in place already
Week 1
Pic from the front porch and into the hallway.
And from the dining room corner at the rear, looking to the front. You can see while we were hammering out the house details, the builder already had his team crack on and get the garage (outhouse) started
On Good Friday I was off work but the builder and his team, the crane man, the timber frame team, all worked the bank holiday to get my house started. I wanted to see how it all was put together so I popped round to the site at 11am and they were well on their way, erecting the frame. This is the cinema room directly in front and the porch just to the right
View in the front door. You can see the dining room wall hanging from the crane and getting slotted into position
The jigsaw puzzle continues...pic from sunroom into kitchen
I then took a run to the local park and came back at tea time to see where they had got to and the 2nd floor was started. This is the left side, dining room left and cinema room right. Up above, is the master bedroom left, ensuite middle and dressing room to the right
This shows the sunroom and bay window
And this the the back, dining right, utility middle and kitchen to the left
Not bad for 1 days construction - most of the house frame in place already
soupdragon1 said:
Last point is high ceilings. This is a really cheap way to add space to your house and add a bit of character. Our sunroom is roughly 12x14 and to vault the ceiling versus a flat roof, it was only another £600. No brainer and in one of the pics I posted earlier, you get a glimpse of the effect.
The whole ground floor was upped from 8ft ceilings to 9ft ceilings (roughly 15% higher)
When we asked for a cost, I was thinking if it cost under £10k to raise the ceiling height we would do it. He came back with a bill for £1.5k (yes, the decimal point is correct!)
Looking at it another way - we see in 3 dimensions, not 2 but people always think of floor space, sqft, but that's not how we perceive space. Higher ceilings create a more spacious feel overall. Effectively, we created an extra 15% of cubic space downstairs for only £1.5k.
We also went for a cutaway at the front door so instead of having more landing space, we have an 18ft high 2 storey feature at the front door which creates a spacious feel to a relatively narrow hallway. You'll see this in later pics.
But if I was to advise one thing, 9ft ceilings in the ground floor make a huge difference, 15% more space for little cost. It also means you can have more height for light fittings too, which accentuate the height as well
This is a great point. We have just moved to a house with 11 foot ceilings on the ground floor and 9 foot ceilings on the main floor. It is technically only 10% bigger in square footage terms than our old house, but literally feels 50% bigger.The whole ground floor was upped from 8ft ceilings to 9ft ceilings (roughly 15% higher)
When we asked for a cost, I was thinking if it cost under £10k to raise the ceiling height we would do it. He came back with a bill for £1.5k (yes, the decimal point is correct!)
Looking at it another way - we see in 3 dimensions, not 2 but people always think of floor space, sqft, but that's not how we perceive space. Higher ceilings create a more spacious feel overall. Effectively, we created an extra 15% of cubic space downstairs for only £1.5k.
We also went for a cutaway at the front door so instead of having more landing space, we have an 18ft high 2 storey feature at the front door which creates a spacious feel to a relatively narrow hallway. You'll see this in later pics.
But if I was to advise one thing, 9ft ceilings in the ground floor make a huge difference, 15% more space for little cost. It also means you can have more height for light fittings too, which accentuate the height as well
It's Victorian, so the heating bills will be aggressive due to the volumes - but in a proper modern house, this can be managed.
Square footage is really only a piece of the equation when determining how a space feels.
Great thread - more please, as well as tips about what you'd do/notdo if doingi t again!
Collectingbrass said:
OP, what was the lead time to get the panels on site, did you have to commit before the groundworks started?
Also, how much extra did the easter weekend work cost?
The lead time could be anything from a couple of days to a couple of weeks depending on the supplier -ours was local (I live in N Ireland) and I was very impressed with how quickly they could quote any changes to design, along with how quickly they managed to supply it.Also, how much extra did the easter weekend work cost?
For groundworks, you absolutely need to have the design finalised as changing and digging more trenches afterwards will just add additional cost. I guess you could maybe change some internal walls a bit after the groundworks have started, but the externals need to be quite precise in terms of frame design matching the founds.
The Easter work was normal price - no extra charge. I was quite surprised when the builder told me they were starting to do the frame on Good Friday. He had a few big projects lined up for after my house was built so I guess it was in his best interest as well, to get my house built to enable his team to move onto the next projects.
Harry Flashman said:
This is a great point. We have just moved to a house with 11 foot ceilings on the ground floor and 9 foot ceilings on the main floor. It is technically only 10% bigger in square footage terms than our old house, but literally feels 50% bigger.
It's Victorian, so the heating bills will be aggressive due to the volumes - but in a proper modern house, this can be managed.
Square footage is really only a piece of the equation when determining how a space feels.
Great thread - more please, as well as tips about what you'd do/notdo if doingi t again!
It makes more of a difference than you would think, doesn't it!It's Victorian, so the heating bills will be aggressive due to the volumes - but in a proper modern house, this can be managed.
Square footage is really only a piece of the equation when determining how a space feels.
Great thread - more please, as well as tips about what you'd do/notdo if doingi t again!
If you ever watch any of those house refurb/buying/selling property shows - any house that has high ceilings or aspects of raised heights at certain points - people will ALWAYS remark on it. When you build a house from scratch like we have done - its by far and away the cheapest way to add extra 'space' to your property and it leaves you more space to have nicer light fixtures, add picture rails, high windows and that type of thing as they all help accentuate the feeling of extra space. If you build from new, unless you have a restriction on peak height of the building, I would STRONGLY suggest to think about putting in higher ceilings. I'm so glad that we did, and it only cost us £1.5k for 15% more cubic space - that was quite an easy decision
So week 1 and week 2 were basically foundations, frame and roof. I was away and unable to get the roof building pics unfortunately but you'll see it in later pics.
Week 3
Once the design was finalised, the builder had obviously ordered the windows as in week 3 - the windows were in, roof was on, and house was water tight (relatively - not completely finished but well started)
Then the block building commenced. As mentioned earlier, to suit the planning and neighouring houses, the plan was going to be a rough grey render finish over the block.
Windows installed. Timber frame was already sitting waiting with the correct space for each window so it was a simple matter of taking them out of the packet and attaching to the frame of the house. Windows were installed in one day - really simple job
You can see here better how the window attach is a simple process - put window in the space, bring block work to required height, add window sill and thats that
Lounge side
Cinema room side
Left side
Week 3
Once the design was finalised, the builder had obviously ordered the windows as in week 3 - the windows were in, roof was on, and house was water tight (relatively - not completely finished but well started)
Then the block building commenced. As mentioned earlier, to suit the planning and neighouring houses, the plan was going to be a rough grey render finish over the block.
Windows installed. Timber frame was already sitting waiting with the correct space for each window so it was a simple matter of taking them out of the packet and attaching to the frame of the house. Windows were installed in one day - really simple job
You can see here better how the window attach is a simple process - put window in the space, bring block work to required height, add window sill and thats that
Lounge side
Cinema room side
Left side
Edited by soupdragon1 on Tuesday 5th September 16:38
So in the space of 3 weeks, we had went from a spare piece of land to a piece of land with a house shaped object constructed on it.
The builder is obviously very experienced at timing all the trades in to match up with each other - but there was still a lot of pressure on us at this point. With everything moving so quickly, we had decisions to make - and fast. We had already been to the kitchen designer which made us feel super organised. But then the reality hit in.
Builder contacted me to say 1st fix plumbing and electrics are going in next week. Oh b
ks!
Where will the TV go - where will the kettle go - where do I want all my speakers - I want to network the house and interconnect everything - where will our bed go - do we want sockets either side of the bed for table lamps - do we want outdoor lights - where is the bath going - toilets - sinks - showers - heating control switches - light sockets - spotlights - garage connection - do you want lights over the island - oh st!!! I'm not ready yet. After putting pressure on the builder to build the house quickly, all of a sudden is was me under pressure - and that is just a very short list of questions needing answered - there were hundreds more!
I felt pressured at this point as the whole idea was to have everything so well thought out and everything to be where you want it - but once it dawns on you how many decisions you need to make very very quickly and not wanting to screw it up - all of a sudden I'm under pressure.
So I spent the weekend sitting on the site - in the part built house, going from space to space - trying to visualise a 'home' when all I could actually see was wood, brick and dirt. That was a tough weekend
The builder is obviously very experienced at timing all the trades in to match up with each other - but there was still a lot of pressure on us at this point. With everything moving so quickly, we had decisions to make - and fast. We had already been to the kitchen designer which made us feel super organised. But then the reality hit in.
Builder contacted me to say 1st fix plumbing and electrics are going in next week. Oh b
ks!Where will the TV go - where will the kettle go - where do I want all my speakers - I want to network the house and interconnect everything - where will our bed go - do we want sockets either side of the bed for table lamps - do we want outdoor lights - where is the bath going - toilets - sinks - showers - heating control switches - light sockets - spotlights - garage connection - do you want lights over the island - oh s
t!!! I'm not ready yet. After putting pressure on the builder to build the house quickly, all of a sudden is was me under pressure - and that is just a very short list of questions needing answered - there were hundreds more!I felt pressured at this point as the whole idea was to have everything so well thought out and everything to be where you want it - but once it dawns on you how many decisions you need to make very very quickly and not wanting to screw it up - all of a sudden I'm under pressure.
So I spent the weekend sitting on the site - in the part built house, going from space to space - trying to visualise a 'home' when all I could actually see was wood, brick and dirt. That was a tough weekend
Equus said:
I'm assuming that the blockwork shown in the above photos is to be rendered?
Out of interest, what led your decision to use rendered blockwork, rather than a renderboard or renderlath fixed directly to the timber frame?
Due to rendering in neighbouring houses, we had to go for the same grey rough render exterior otherwise we would have had planning issues so it wasn't even a decision for us. It was the builders idea to render the block and I'm not even aware of the other options you mention. We never gave it much consideration to be perfectly honest.Out of interest, what led your decision to use rendered blockwork, rather than a renderboard or renderlath fixed directly to the timber frame?
Some of you may question the use of pvc windows. I did give consideration to aluminium windows but due to both the expense and the fact that the rough render is never going to be a beautiful look, it made sense to spend the money getting the inside to look great. We always had planned to fit shutters anyway, so any benefit from aluminium windows from an aesthetic point of view were very small versus the outlay on cost.
PhilboSE said:
Focal Sib XL and Sib speakers side and rear in the cinema room and a JVC projector.
Ah, you know your focals then Being piston heads, I'm sure a few members will be familiar with focal brand due to their car audio heritage.
The surrounds are good speakers but its the front 3 where I've got the best quality. These are 30th anniversary special editions with the 'W' sandwich drivers that are normally reserved for the high end models, but put into this midrange model as a one off. Amazing clarity with nice clean bass and fantastic midrange.
Next update is the garage/outhouse. It was never going to be a garage as I had planned to put a concrete base in the back garden to house a couple of sheds. They would take care of storage space and to use the garage as something more exciting - a home cinema, a gym, or maybe a den for my son once he gets a bit older.
My last garage was the same - it wasn't used as a garage - this is what I did with it
A golf simulator. I got some 'indoor bowls' type flooring which acted as a putting green. I also added light rough to the rear to practice chip shots.
Putter collection for practice
Doing the golf simulator made me realise using a garage to store stuff was such a waste, hence having a concrete base made in the garden for shed space which would open up the option for another room in the garage.
Getting started
And rendered
Roof ob
It's around 20ft long and 14ft wide
And then starting the interior.
Later on, we had spotlights in the ceiling, skirting boards installed, painted and then wired for a home cinema. Considering we had a cinema room planned for the house already, this wiring was done 'just in case' as we hadn't decided what to do with the space at that moment in time.
So that's the little garage story. Will continue with the actual house update tomorrow
My last garage was the same - it wasn't used as a garage - this is what I did with it
A golf simulator. I got some 'indoor bowls' type flooring which acted as a putting green. I also added light rough to the rear to practice chip shots.
Putter collection for practice
Doing the golf simulator made me realise using a garage to store stuff was such a waste, hence having a concrete base made in the garden for shed space which would open up the option for another room in the garage.
Getting started
And rendered
Roof ob
It's around 20ft long and 14ft wide
And then starting the interior.
Later on, we had spotlights in the ceiling, skirting boards installed, painted and then wired for a home cinema. Considering we had a cinema room planned for the house already, this wiring was done 'just in case' as we hadn't decided what to do with the space at that moment in time.
So that's the little garage story. Will continue with the actual house update tomorrow
soupdragon1 said:
PhilboSE said:
Focal Sib XL and Sib speakers side and rear in the cinema room and a JVC projector.
Ah, you know your focals then Being piston heads, I'm sure a few members will be familiar with focal brand due to their car audio heritage.
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