Budgeting for a self-build is like "how long is a piece of string?"
Self-build can cost more and take longer than expected.
It may also be the only and most affordable way to get a
simple, natural and unique home of your own.
Quality
Cost
Speed
Consider the
Triangle of Compromise
and Sacrifice
Rough cost to build
Item
*Rough Cost
Land / site
Professional fees (architect, solicitor, structural engineer)
Planning permission and building warrant
Ground works: site cleared secured, access road
Foundations and damp proof course
Site servicing (electricity, water, drainage)
The build (straw-bale, 40% own labour)
Mortgage fees, insurance, contingencies @ 10%
* Ball park approximate rough cost for a small scale, 40m2, 2 bedroom, straw-bale build in rural Scotland
Approx £5000, less if shared, resourceful and use what's available
Approx £5000, less if using freely available local and natural resources
Approx £5000, less if shared site = shared cost
Approx £40,000, less if buy in shared bulk, resourceful and creative
Approx £4000
£20,000 - £120,000, less if you share with others
Approx £8000, less if you can manage without an architect
Approx £500
To live or not to live on site?
Item
Rough Cost
Caravan purchase
Caravan delivery
Services to caravan
Secure storage (including delivery) for worldly possessions
Shed or workshop
Travel to and from site
To live on site
To live off site
Rent for storage for worldly possessions
Rent and bills for accommodation
Will depend on size age and standard. Rough guide for a
used caravan: £200 to £2000
Will depend on size and distance to deliver. Rough guide 32ft static,
20 miles £500
Will depend on distance and availability of services. Very rough guide £1000 to £8000
Will depend on size, age and distance to deliver. Rough guide used, 20 miles £300
Be creative and build your own with reused materials. £20 to £4000
Depends on location, size, standard, availability. What are you paying now?
Can be very costly, shop around or store with friends if possible
Will depend on distance, frequency of travel, size and age of car etc.
How will I finance my build?
Mortgage
Getting a mortgage for an eco-build is anything but simple!
Loans
Could you find a source of interest free borrowing from family or friends?
Savings
Any lifetime savings accounts?
Trust Funds
Any pots of finance waiting to be discovered?
Sharing
How about getting together with other self-builders to share costs, labour and provide mutual support?
Any other way?
Housing co-ops, shared equity opportunities, community shares, community land owners, land owners supporting regeneration...
Check-out The Ecology Building Society
they lead the way we hope others will follow!
Time costs money, would you sacrifice quality and cost for speed?
Would you compromise speed and create quality and lower cost by building yourself with friends and family?
How could you achieve low cost, quality and speed?
Where does control come into the equation?
If you want a low cost build, would you compromise on quality?
How much control do you need and want?