Building your dream home is an exciting journey, especially when standard house plans don't quite match your vision. This guide is here to help fellow residents design and build their dream homes, making the process practical and budget-friendly. It's all about turning your unique vision into a reality, step by step.
Site Assessment:
Before diving into the design process, it's crucial to assess your building site. Consider factors, such as proximity to neighbours, the slope of the land for proper rainwater runoff, optimal sunlight exposure, and the location of municipal utilities like electricity, drains, and water pipes.
Local Municipality Approval:
Contact your local municipal building department to understand the approval process. Fill in the necessary application forms, pay the Plan Examination Fees, and be prepared for a minimum wait of 2 months for plan approval. Engage with the local building inspector to visit your site, confirm property details, and discuss the best placement of your house.
Designing Your Plans:
If you're not an architect, consider contracting a professional plan-drawer. Agree on a set price for drawing up the entire house, even if you plan to build in stages. Ensure the plans are designed for phased construction. Only pay for the plans once they are stamped and approved by the building inspector.
Additional Services:
Discuss additional services with your plan-drawer, such as weekly site inspections during construction or updating drawings for any changes. These services can be valuable in ensuring the quality of the building process.
Budgeting and Quotes:
While waiting for plan approval, visit your nearest Build it store with a set of drawings to get a cost estimate for materials, focusing on the rooms you intend to build first. Inquire about plumbing materials and find out where to get quotes for electricity installation. Get three separate quotes from local builders for 'labour only' contracts or consider 'labour and material' services.
Budget Evaluation:
Discuss the obtained quotes and costs with your plan-drawer to ensure they align with your budget. Make any necessary adjustments to the plans before making any payments.
Final Checks:
Before proceeding, carefully review all costs involved in designing your own home. Ensure that your plans are finalised, approved, and within your budget. Make any last-minute adjustments if needed.
By following these steps, you can embark on the exciting journey of designing and building your dream home while ensuring a smooth and budget-friendly process. Remember, thorough planning is the key to a successful and stress-free home-building experience.