architectural design, nor a major feat of engineering, but it is an extraordinary accomplishment which demonstrates how hard work, commitment and a very tight budget can produce a comfortable – and affordable – family home. It’s a property of modest proportions –
V
the width of a double garage across the front by four metres front to back – and it sits at the bottom of their daughter’s garden. Just a zig-zag of washing lines and a plethora of play equipment separates them from the end-of- terrace townhouse which is home to seven of their grandchildren. And for Lilian and Vic their house, which isn’t visible from the road, is idyllic. For years they lived in unassuming tied
properties as they moved around the country – 26 times in all – through Vic’s last employment as a hospital chaplain and they are delighted to be putting down roots at the start of their retirement. But their self-build has been a mammoth task,
with Vic doing most of the work single handedly, supported by family and friends lending a hand whenever they could. “It started with the idea of building a
log cabin, but we were advised that it wouldn’t meet Building Regs,” says Vic. “So we decided on a more conventional build which would include eco-friendly elements, such as extra thick insulation and environmentally friendly build materials.”
ic and Lilian Davidson built their house with their own bare hands for the grand sum of £28,000. It’s neither a futuristic nod to
Taking control
They applied for planning permission in December 2014 based on Vic’s own plan draw- ings and were given the go-ahead just three months later. Following a rethink over the design, they successfully applied for additional planning to extend the length of the building to create a bit more living space – thus avoiding unneces- sary costs with retrospective alterations. “I was retiring in April so we were chomping
at the bit,” says Vic. “We didn’t have much in the way of savings so we were basically using our pension to build the house. The only way we could achieve what we wanted was to build it ourselves and pay for things as we went along. We also did a lot of research to get the best possible prices. We probably couldn’t have done it without eBay – or Construction Materials Online who supplied most of our building materials.” Although Vic was once an engineer, he had
no experience of homebuilding and at the age of 66 quickly discovered muscles, resilience and stamina he never knew he had. He and Lilian moved into their motor home parked in their daughter’s driveway and Vic began to dig the foundations for what he affectionately calls the “granny annex”. “We were like the Lady in the Van,” says
Lilian. “We lived in it for 17 months in total and it’s amazing how quickly you get used to living in a small space. But it was fine for us. We could help with our grandchildren and be on site for the build. You just need to have lots of patience and not be too ambitious.”
selfbuilder & homemaker
www.sbhonline.co.uk 25
For years the Davidsons lived in unassuming tied properties as they moved around the country – 26 times in all – and they are delighted to be putting down roots at the start of their retirement
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