We’ve been lucky enough to feature some wonderful self-built homes over the years at Ocean Home. From beachfront builds, to incredible waterfront properties, we have seen it all. So, the big question is – are you up for the challenge?
There are several excellent reasons why you should consider building your own property. Who knows – perhaps this article could give you the confidence you need to create a dream living space for your family.
Let’s take a look at some of the best reasons to embrace the self-build ethos.
You get more for your money
Buying a home off the shelf, or through a broker, comes with a high price tag. The average self-build costs around 25% less than a home that already exists. So, those extra two bedrooms may not be as out of reach as you think. You can also save a considerable amount if you are clever with your planning, buying, and building.
It’s good for the soul
If money isn’t an issue, why else would you build a home yourself? It takes time, of course, and it can be highly inconvenient. But, there is a major plus that all self-builders enjoy. The feeling of building a home yourself is second to none. Not only are you providing for your family, but you are also an architect of the living space you all enjoy. If you want to achieve something special, why not give it a try?
You will learn a lot about the building process
Buy an existing home, and you can live in it for years without ever understanding quite how it works. Sure, you might know some rudimentary plumbing, or how the electric circuits work. But do you really know what makes it tick, or how it was constructed? If you ever wanted to know more about the building process, build your own – it’s as simple as that. You will have a newfound respect for the construction trade, and you will also know exactly how all the inner workings of your home connect.
You’re adding something to your community
Building a home has an impact on your local community. It’s not always a good thing, of course – but we would like to think your good taste will prevail here. You will be creating something that your family will enjoy – and many more families more after it. If you have ever wanted to make more of a mark in your life, building a home in a great location does just that.
There’s plenty of inspiration
Stuck for ideas and don’t feel you can design and plan a home? The good news is there is a lot of help and inspiration on hand. Get in touch with a local architect who will happily give you a hand with your plans. Companies such as Serenity Homes also exist. Take a look online and see what you can find. You might find some fantastic inspiration and beginning-to-end help with the build. You can even take a look at our online magazine, where you will find some spectacular self-builds. Make a note of what you like, and see what you can come up with!
You can meet your exact needs
Of course, one of the major benefits of designing a home yourself is that you can create precisely what you need. We all know that when we move into an existing home, there are little parts of it that we don’t like. A little niche here, an awkward corner there – there’s no denying it can be a real pain. Well, design a home yourself and there will be no problems. An architect will help you create the house of your dreams – as close to perfection as you allow it.
Better construction
Fed up with your home crumbling around your ears? Then build one yourself – and use the best materials you can. Many people suffer from shoddy building work and quick fixes, and you have no control over it when you buy a house. It’s a different story when you self-build. You can ensure that your builders use the best materials, and keep close tabs on their progress and workmanship.
You can boost your local economy
Building a property takes a lot of time, dedication, and hard work. And, you will need a lot of help to complete your project. Local builders and tradespeople will spend a lot of time working on your home, and it will keep people in jobs, working, and earning money. Of course, you would rather not pay a thing – but there is an element of social responsibility at play here, too.
No more mortgage
Want to be mortgage free for the rest of your life? Then invest your money in building a new home, rather than getting one off the shelf. Of course, it’s going to cost you a considerable amount of money. But, in many cases, it’s the only way of funding your dream. Banks and lenders tend to be hesitant about offering mortgages and home loans for brand new properties. Especially if you have no experience. See this as a good thing, though. What better way is there to invest your savings than building something of value that should see a fantastic return in the future?
Earlier retirement
Given the enormous costs of home loan repayments, it’s no surprise that many of us are working well into retirement. But, what if you could take away those costs? Without expensive monthly payments in place, it will give you a lot more flexibility to ease up with work. OK, so you might not be able to hit the retire button just yet, but you can certainly enjoy a better work-life balance.
So, there you have it – ten excellent reasons to build a home yourself. It’s an enjoyable experience that many people never get the opportunity to try themselves. But, it is a possibility – and one that you shouldn’t discount. Let us know your thoughts about self-build homes in the comments section.