How to reduce self-build costs

With the continued rise in the price of energy and rising inflation due to increased costs of consumer goods, the cost of living is at an all-time high in the UK.

According to the Office for National Statistics, 89% of adults in the Great Britain reported an increase in their living in August 2022. .

Self-build costs can escalate. Fact. But there are some cunning ways to keep your budget in check through self-build planning and project management. Clever design combined with choosing the right materials can also be a winning combination when it comes to reducing your self-build costs.

Keep your design simple

There really is beauty in simplicity and keeping your self-build construction simple is the best option for keeping down costs.

If you are looking to build a home on a tight budget, this is the number one rule. An uncomplicated shape is the best way to reduce the overall construction cost. Every bend in a wall, additional junction or roof valley means more labour and materials.

Features like bay windows and small porches add expense for very little floor space in return. However, just because you build a simple shape does not mean it has to be mundane. Adding different materials like timber cladding or stonework are a fantastic way to give your home warmth and texture, like Gareth Boyd’s self-build home, The House in the Hollow.

Take the fabric first approach

If you get the design right, choose the right building materials with effective insulation, and have your home built to a high standard, then you’ll reduce the need for more complex heating systems.

Build to the Passivhaus standard

Passivhaus design can maintain a comfortable temperature with better airtightness, high levels of insulation, ‘thermal bridge free’ construction and high performance windows.

A self-build that follows the Passivhaus standard can become an energy efficient home that provides high levels of occupant comfort as well as reducing energy use of a building which will ultimately decrease running costs.

Install a Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) system

MVHR is beneficial for self-builders looking to save money in the long-term. This type of system reduces your heating bills and the need for air conditioning, keeps your home warm and well ventilated, and eliminates moisture out of the buildings and furnishings.

Self-builder John Pryer installed an MVHR system in his four-bedroom home in Bedfordshire. After living in many different types of properties – new builds to Victorian semis – John understood all of the elements that created an uncomfortable home. He wanted an air-tight, energy-efficient home and he realised that installing an MVHR system was a solution to creating a ventilated, comfortable home.

Use renewables

Natural resources can create comfortable homes with minimal running costs and reduce the environmental impact of your self-build. There may be a bigger upfront cost initially, but these can help to save future costs and eventually provide a return on the initial building costs.

Try out an estimating service

Elliott Thomas, from Build Aviator, believes that an estimating service can save you cash and time in the long run.
He said: “We’ve seen many of our self-build clients coming to us for help to generate those all-important cost estimates. Not only are they pushed for time but it’s a worry for many customers that they over-order or even under-order on their materials – which can cause more expense and delays to a self-build. They really don’t need that. This is where Build Aviator can help self-builders save time.

Discover Build Aviator’s estimating services.