Self-build vs. Custom build: How do they differ?
The terms ‘self-build’ and ‘custom build’ are similar in their end result and how individuals achieve a home that meets their specific living needs and aspirations. However, it’s the home building journey and the level of personal involvement which separates their meanings.
So, the question is: what is self-build and what is custom build, and how do they differ?
So, the question is: what is self-build and what is custom build, and how do they differ?
To help us answer these questions for this blog, we spoke with our Head of Custom Build and Turnkey here at Oakwrights, James Buchanan, who compares both processes to help budding home builders, like you, choose the perfect path for your future oak framed home.
What is self-build?
What is self-build?
A traditional self-build project requires the plot purchaser to be responsible for all elements of their build.
From browsing building plots for sale at the beginning, and later achieving planning permission on the house design you wish to build there, through to sourcing your own builders and trades, taking on the role of project manager, and sometimes turning your hand to physical construction work if you’d like to.
Client case study
Explore some of our clients’ self-build case studies
Explore some of our clients’ self-build case studies
What is custom build?
What is custom build?
Custom build essentially alleviates certain pressures within the self-build process and entrusts them to a professional, so you feel supported and assured those aspects are in experienced, safe hands.
The developer at your chosen custom build site will typically oversee and achieve planning permission for your plot and provide the site’s services and infrastructure.
Five key features associated with custom build
Five key features associated with custom build
1. Join a close-knit community - At a custom build site, every plot purchaser has chosen to embark on a custom build journey. This nurtures a community during construction which continues to flourish after completion.
2. Benefit from established services - Custom build developers will manage and oversee the implementation of services, such as providing a mains electricity supply to all the plots and constructing the main adopted highway to and throughout the site.
3. Receive on-site building support - What’s more, developers will be on hand to help you on your journey should you have chosen to undertake elements of your build yourself.
4. Understand the aesthetics of your site from the outset - Most custom build developers will talk you through the site’s ‘plot passports’ – designs which act as a guide to what’s achievable on the plots by outlining what the homes surrounding yours will look like.
Details within these plot passports will include the palette of materials and the external finishes and features for each home to ensure a consistent look and feel is achieved across the custom build site.
5. Have the ability to change planning permission
The majority of developers will have a level of planning permission already in place at their site. This will vary from full planning permission that can then be amended, to outline planning permission, which offers you the opportunity to design your new home to your exact specifications.
Client case study
Explore some of our clients’ custom build case studies
Explore some of our clients’ custom build case studies
Where can you find your dream custom build plot?
Where can you find your dream custom build plot?
Are you searching for land with planning permission near you?
If you are, keep an eye on our ‘Plots for Sale’ webpage which is regularly updated with the latest plots of land for sale across the country that vary in size and cost to suit your home building requirements.
We also offer a turnkey project management service here at Oakwrights, where we can look after your entire build from start to finish…
Have you heard about the government self-build scheme, ‘Help to Build’?
Have you heard about the government self-build scheme, ‘Help to Build’?
Similar to ‘Help to Buy’, Help to Build is an equity loan scheme that’s backed by the government where you can release equity during key stages of your self-build or custom build from the government.
Launched in 2022, the scheme enables you to go up to a 95% loan-to-value ratio mortgage during your build, releases equity which varies from 5% – 20% depending on your financial situation and your geographical location, and allows you to borrow up to £600,000 (£200,000 to purchase your plot and £400,000 towards the build of your home).
The three primary eligibility requirements are:
1. You need to be over the age of 18,
2. You need to have the right to live in the UK,
3. You need to prove you can secure a self-build mortgage and provide a 5% deposit.
Follow this link to discover how to apply for a Help to Build equity loan.
Get in touch
Get in touch
If you’d like to see what your future custom build oak framed home journey would look like with our teams, please get in touch here.
