Meet our oak frame self-builder homeowners

So, if you have a vision in mind for your future oak frame project and/or you are researching the best self-build route for you, we would like to introduce you to our three-part Q&A series, where you will read first-hand experiences from the following oak frame homeowners: Charlie Mills – our Managing Director, Rupert Osborn – one of our Business Development Managers and Iain Hendry – our Scottish Project Manager.

A: We chose the self-management route. We had some experience with previous renovation projects, although we had never built a new house before! 

We did have a useful builder-friend to refer to during the build process, and we also had time to commit to managing the trades as we lived next door during the build. This was vital for us.

A: We love oak frame builds, and we have always lived in older properties which have had oak frames. We wanted an updated version with all the character and interest an oak framed property provides, immediately.

Oak framing as a construction process is also totally honest and traditional; not trying to be something it isn’t.

A: We already owned our plot of land: it was part of our existing back garden, so that was a massive bonus. However, we did have to sell our existing home, pay off the mortgage and use the equity to fund our new self-build project. 

We just about managed to stick to our budget, although it did get tight towards the end of the project as the money was running out, but bills kept coming in! We were lucky to find a little bungalow next door to rent.

A: The main challenge was the seven-year planning battle we had! We originally applied to build our home in 2007 but got turned down by the local planning authority. 

We decided to appeal the decision, however this was also dismissed by the planning inspector in 2008. We were completely stuck for five years and it was only when the National Planning Rules changed (introduction of the NPPF) in 2012 that we were then able to re-apply 12 months later. We finally went back to planning in mid-2013 and got planning approval (at committee) on a majority decision in early 2014!

Other than the planning battle we faced, there were no other significant challenges. We had so long to decide on everything as we battled with the planning that once we had permission, we were ready to go!

A: 1) Be brave and organised: it is an emotional rollercoaster!

2) Do your research thoroughly: decide on what you want and don’t change your mind halfway through!

3) Choose a team you get on well with. The relationship between you and your trades is vital, so treat them well and they will always go the ‘extra mile’ for you… Lots of tea and cakes!

4) Extra one: we employed the 1% rule on everything… You can’t improve one thing in the project by 100% BUT you can improve 100 things by just 1%. Every incremental improvement makes a massive difference.

5) Last but not least: purchase the highest quality fixtures and fittings your budget will allow. There is no substitute for quality, and if you buy cheap, you’ll need to replace quickly!