Self Build Living Arrangements

Living arrangements or accommodation when self building should be considered in the early stages. It will affect the cash available to you and additional time constraints that may other wise be spent commuting to your self build.

Current Home

Ideally when self building you would want to remain living in your current home, if practical. Financial pressures will be high in funding the self build let alone any on going costs of living elsewhere. In most cases the house will have to be sold to release funds for your new home and alternative living arrangements made.

If you do choose to live in your current house consider the following:

The running costs of two homes - particularly in the later stages
Time taken to get to and from the site
Security for materials when offsite
The psychological - having another home to go to may give your a break from events on site but equally may slow your determination

Renting

Renting may be an option. You may be able to move nearer to your building plot and may allow your family to settle into the schools that they may attend when the build is complete.

The downsides of renting are that it is money down the drain all the time you are living there. You may only be able to live there for 6 month or 12 month periods of contract that may not tie in with your build schedule - particularly if things take longer than anticipated.

When renting consider the following:

Unfurnished properties mean you can use your current furniture rather than paying for storage
Be clear about any time periods you may be locked into by contract. You may be able to negotiate some flexibility and extend on a month by month basis.

Living On Site - Mobile Home/Caravan

If project managing you may want to remain on site to oversee all work. You will be able to work the hours you need without the stress of travelling to and from the building plot. Mobile homes or static caravans are usually used and are readily available in the second hand market or even the self build market!

The luxury of being able to sit in the warmth and watch the build can provide a range of ideas as it takes shape. You will also be able to get out of the rain and dirt whenever you feel you need a break.

Site security will be much improved with someone permanently based there, deterring thieves and vandals. This will also reduce insurance premiums for the site.

Being in the full flow of the build you will be much more informed and be aware of all events. Deliveries may arrive unexpectedly. but being on site means you will be there to take receipt of them when they may otherwise have gone back.

When living on site consider the following:

Caravans will be very cramped when lived in for months on end. Buy as larger caravan as you can for your family.
Unlike renting there will be little space for possessions and furniture. Storage costs should be considered otherwise aim to distribute them among friends and family.
Transport for the caravan should be considered. The caravan maybe un-roadworthy and mobile homes require a low loader for transportation.
Positioning should also be considered. Being located near the entrance provides security but ensure delivery lorries can pass through easily. Services of electricity and water should also have easy connection.
Planning permission will be required if the caravan is remaining for more than 28 days. There should be little trouble in gaining this but consider your neighbours and position the caravan as un-intrusively as possible.