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First Steps |
Site Introduction | |
Building the dream can sometimes sound more like a nightmare but one of the tips from our follow the dream section is to treat the project as a series of "bite size" chunks making it a far less daunting task.
We decided to follow that approach with the web site and take you through each stage of the process of a self-build.
---| First Steps |---
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Once you have decided on the area in which you wish
to build, a quick ring round of local estate agents asking if they deal
in plot sales will give you a short list of those to keep in contact with.
Some will keep a register of people looking for land and will happily
add you to it, compare their fees even at this early stage.
- Local newspapers are also a good source of information and you may
be able to subscribe by post to the "rag" in your area of choice.
This has the added bonus of keeping you abreast of the local news.
- Planning records, held by local planning councils, could help identify
the right plot for you. Applicants for Outline Planning Permission are
sometimes looking to sell a plot with OPP so keep an eye out for those.
- Existing Properties can be ideal self-build opportunities, particularly
where the building is run-down. There may be an opportunity for a "demolish
and re-build" rather than a renovation.
- Large and small companies alike often sell surplus land - from the local farmer through to utilities and railways.
---| Starting Out |---
In Starting Out we cover more tangible steps to building the dream. Our "Cost The Dream" service will provide you with a detailed schedule of building materials and suggested labour costs based on your plans, click here for full details.
Follow the Dream traces the progress of two self-builders as they move from footings to fittings in their project. If you have completed a self-build or are ready to start out and would like to share your experiences with others, click here.
As a nationwide builders merchant with over 750 branches, our credit account facilities are very popular with self-builders. If you are keen to pay as you go, we offer a trade cash card allowing you to pay by cash, cheque, or credit card. The added benefit of our card is that it is a unique reference to your agreed prices whether you purchase from Aberdeen or Andover. Click here for further details and application forms.
---| Building Your Dream |---
Building Your Dream is where we get down to the detail of materials and tools used in the project. We take you through each construction stage and link you to the web sites of our quality suppliers.
Brick Search allows you to search our on-line database of over 1,000 bricks. Choosing the brick is one of the most important decisions you will make. Whilst the virtual brick library is a start, we can also point you towards branches who are specialists in heavy building materials and more likely to have an assortment of bricks for you to view.
We also offer essential advice relating to site safety and site clearance including finding the right tools for the job.
---| Finishing Touches |---
Finishing Touches is simply that. Those of you embarking on a build project in autumn or winter will hope to be finished by spring or summer and the perfect place to take a look at the finished product could be from a timber deck. We also feature kitchens, timber flooring and other garden accessories.
As we said on the home page this site is produced by Travis Perkins, winner of self-build merchant of the year and builders merchant of the year on five of the six occasions it was awarded. Our staff have experience of self-build customers and will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Click here and enter your postcode (or that of your dream home site) for branches near you.