Part self-build? Any good?

[MM]

I bought a copy of the Eastern Daily Press and was browsing the property ads when I came upon one from a builder who is offering part self-build as a way of acquiring a property. What the builder does is build a complete shell with roof, and then you complete it yourself. What you have to do are: First and second fix carpentry, electric and plumbing; plasterboard ceilings and half walls (where needed); ground floor floorboards plus insulation; plaster and decorate inside and out; fit kitchen and sanitary ware; driveways, patio, steps, paths, garage floors and door; connect services; landscaping. Also, the advert has on it "WITH NHBC". The prices are from £130K for a 3-bed detached.

Any comments?

MM

[Colin Wilson]

Sounds like he`s decided Part P and all the other utilities legislation is too much like hard work bothering with !

[MM]

I personally wouldn't touch something like this with a bargepole, but I notice from the web site that some of he plots have already been reserved, so obviously there are enough punters out there for something like this.

MM

[Christian McArdle]

Sounds likes fun to me. He does the heavy stuff and lets you do the best bits!

Christian.

[Andrew Gabriel]

A friend had an extension done a bit like this. Friend was interested in doing electrical and plumbing himself to reduce cost, but builder wasn't happy. When it actually came to doing the build (some 18 months later IIRC, when builder was available), builder couldn't get hold of plumbers or electricians, so was actually very greatful my friend wanted to do these himself. Carpentry and plastering/rendering were done by professionals though.

[MM]

Prices still seem high, though. £130K (min) for the shell only? Completing the property oneself, one would not achieve anything like the cost savings a builder would who is buying 10 baths, 1000 m of cable etc.

MM

[Christian McArdle]

You couldn't get a plot round here for that price. I presume it includes the plot?

Christian.

[MM]

I can only assume so. Nothing is mentioned to the contrary. This is in the back of beyond in Norfolk, not the home counties. Prices are lower.

MM

[Colin Wilson]

There`s a house in Cronton (near Widnes, Merseyside) that`s basically=20 just a shell, and the roof hasn`t even been finished - they were looking=20 for offers over =A3500k for it ! (that`s after its been left in an=20 essentially abandoned state for over 12 months)

[Michael Mcneil]

But he's got all the stuff done that the customer is never going to quibble. Filling the interior can be a real pain when a variety of customers would like little additions at no extra cost.

The problem is the market for mortgages. Most money lenders want something they can sell easily if they have to get their money back by snatching the house off you.

On the up-side you get the choice of furnishings that bulk bought bathrooms and kitchens won't have.

You get to make the odd little changes in design that might make life a little easier.

Or 4 kup the works.