TOP SELF-BUILD TIPS FROM JULES & NIGEL


• Everyone says it, but the enefits o eing onsite just can’t be over- estimated. You must do your homework on the details of what you want and make sure it gets done. On our build, for example, when we were putting up the timber framework, I noticed we were missing an aperture for a window. A quick check of the plans confirmed it. • Your relationship with the builder is so impor- tant. Ours was a con- tinuous dialogue with a healthy amount of give and take. A good builder will have ideas worth listening to – for example, it was our builder who suggested a timber frame for the extension would be quicker and more cost-effective than using brick. • We are grateful that we took time to decide what we wanted to do and find the right architectural professionals to work with. Inevitably there will be adjustments during the build, but you should be happy with what you’re going to do before you start.


stone bath, ensuite toilet and shower, and walk-in wardrobe. It’s topped off by a fantastic countryside view through the French doors and a Juliet balcony.


Besides industry-standard insulation, ‘green’


eatures at the property include underoor heating, which along with the rest of the house’s hot water is heated by an air source heat pump. The pump cost £13,000 to install but a government grant means the couple will eventually e reunded , o that outlay. Roof-mounted solar panels to generate electricity for a new swimming pool are among plans for the future.


CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS Jules and Nigel borrowed £300,000 from Suf- folk Building Society for their self-build, but had to find additional unding elsewhere when


26 www.sbhonline.co.uk


the final cost was , over that udget. Jules says: “Going over budget was by choice – we just didn’t want to compromise too much on materials and finishes. The result is a larger mortgage than planned, but we’re comfortable with that decision.” The couple are delighted with their rein- vented home, which has now been valued at .m. ules says We like the eterior finish, and it caters to our outdoor lifestyle. Inside, the house delivers what we wanted with its very clever layout.


She concludes: “When there’s just the two of us, we live very comfortably in the new-build extension. When we have family and friends here, we have the self-contained bedrooms where the old bungalow was – so as a property it works for two people, and it works for 10 people. We love it.”


jul/aug 2022


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