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House and home

Building a house

(78 Posts)
Grammaretto Wed 21-May-25 19:38:37

Has anyone done this? Are you able to offer advice?
I would like to have a house built for myself. It would be quite small, very well insulated and in a good position for access to shops and transport etc.

I have begun the process but am still at an early stage. I have a plot and have an architect who has drawn up plans.
We have submitted these for planning consent and after a few hiccups hope they might be accepted soon.

I would need to sell my house to pay for the building and I expect the process won't be straightforward. I will need to live somewhere while the new house is being built.
The architect suggests it could take a year. Is he being optimistic?

My DC think I am bonkers and are sure the project will be far more expensive than I imagine, take a very long time and will be incredibly stressful. They are probably right but I would like to pursue it as far as I can.

I'm mid 70s now, on my own and I would like to have a few good years to enjoy the dream!

J52 Tue 11-Aug-26 17:10:14

We have gutted and rebuilt three houses, in the past. We are weeks away from buying a house that needs minor building works ( minor in our opinions).
If you feel fit enough and have worked out a carefully itemised budget, with contingency money and have good professional expert's advice then go for it.
At the end of the day it can only be your decision. Good luck.

petra Tue 11-Aug-26 17:29:32

Grammaretto
Slightly envious Re the Passivhaus 🥰