Self Build Guide - Plot Check List
The overriding problem with the purchase of a building plot is that it is difficult to know exactly what it is that you are buying.
It is therefore critical that you take considerable time in researching the suitability of the building plot for construction purposes. You've been searching for that ideal building plot for over eighteen months now, you've found what you think could be the answer to your dreams, your heart tells you to buy, STOP, a word or two of caution, all could now be dashed because of a potential problem not always apparent to the eye.
Take a step back and consider the implications of a flooded building plot in the middle of winter, or the requirement for a 350 meter water main across a main road. There is obviously no way of removing every risk that could manifest itself, you would be naive to believe so, but it is possible to carry out a number of checks that will give you a fair idea as to the suitability of the building plot prior to purchase.
There are many things to consider. Some of them, such as the slope of the building plot, the view, the orientation, drainage arrangements etc, will affect the design of any new home that you may wish to build. They may or may not have a significant effect on building costs
Remember also that outline planning consent, or even detailed planning permission, is merely consent for a house to be constructed there by someone if they can. There is a legal term, "caveat emptor", which basically means let the buyer beware. What follows is all about what you should be aware of.
Start by wondering just why no one has built there before. Really first class individual building plots have been in very short supply for the last thirty or so years, Why is this still on the market as a building plot? Why did no one build their own self build home there twenty years ago?
Continue Reading: Building Costs
September 2004