Moderator Says:
Imogen wants to know: "Why have self build become so popular?"

Ashley Ramsay & Julian Owen said:
Ashley says: Britain is becoming a nation of BIYers (build it yourself-ers!). Self-build is set to become an ever more popular way for people to express their lifestyle and personality in their living space. Standard Life Bank Research shows that nearly two thirds of the people in the housing market would consider self-build
Julian says: I think over the last 10 years people have become more and more accustomed to altering and improving their homes and the next logical step is to build an entire house for yourself, The main reason people design and build their own homes is to get an end result that reflects their lifestyle, which is not available with an off the peg house.

Moderator Says:
James wants to know: "Why have we become so obsessed with our homes?"

Ashley Ramsay & Julian Owen said:
Ashley says: Britain is an island and so our homes and our communities are extremely important to us. Over the last 10 years we've enjoyed a healthy housing market with many people benefiting from rising house prices. We're seeing people becoming increasingly confident in using their homes as a financial planning tool - often unlocking equity in their property to finance their dreams, whether that be renovation or for the more adventurous self-build!....
Julian says: this is partly about disposable income that has increased over the past couple of decades. People have always had an eye for design when it comes to contents and interiors of their homes, and even their cars. Partly because of programmes such as Grand Designs, that design awareness and appreciation has now extended to the design of the whole house. Lenders are now prepared to consider more innovative and individual construction; funding has therefore become easier especially when the project is managed by a professional such as an architect.

Moderator Says:
Annie Redburn wants to know: "When people are building their own house do they keep their old one until the new one is built or do they have to stay with friends?"

Ashley Ramsay & Julian Owen said:
Ashley says: This very much depends on your personal circumstances. You should consider whether you can afford to run two mortgages together which could allow you to stay in your old home while the new one is being built. Another option to consider is living on site, although for some this could be disruptive as you are effectively living in a caravan for a protracted period of time. Think about the fact that your project could run for 6 to 12 months (if built by contractors) so if you are staying with friends they'll need to be really good ones!!
Julian says: If you sell your house before you have acquired a site and move into rented accommodation this is possibly a way of gaining an advantage in the market place for plots of land. This is because good sites sell fast and your main competitors are builders who have the money readily available.

Moderator Says:
Sarah wants to know: "What are the easiest and cheapest ways to add value to my house"

Ashley Ramsay & Julian Owen said:
Julian says: It depends on the condition and style of the existing property as well as its location. Improving the decorations can be a cost effective way of increasing the sale price. Upgrading the front garden, adding a parking space if there isn't one, or repainting the windows will all add value. Internally, sub-dividing bedrooms to increase the total number can appreciate the value of a large property....
Ashley says: Remeber, if you're thinking about upgrading your property to sell on one of the most important things to consider is the buyer's market. Who is living in your area? Who do you want to attract? For example, you may want to create a living/kitchen space which will be very attractive to families if indeed that is your market. Young urban professionals may be looking for contemporary interiors. For case studies on how people have used Freestyle to add value to their properties log onto www.freestylemortgages.com.

Moderator Says:
Toby Xavier wants to know: "I am thinking of buying some land that has an old run down house on it which i am thinking of knocking down and starting again. Would it be easier to work with what is already there?"

Ashley Ramsay & Julian Owen said:
Julian says: If you build a completely new house you do not pay VAT on it. If you renovate an existing property unless it is listed VAT is incurred. Provided the property is sufficiently run down and in a poor structural state it is more cost effective to rebuild. Which route would be the easiest depends on the property itself, if it has any attractive period details these are sometimes difficult and expensive to replicate. It is also more expensive to renovate a building in very poor condition than it would be to build an identical property from new... if you have seen a period property that you like it is very easy to create a similar design to benefit from all the advantages of modern day construction..

Moderator Says:
James Moon wants to know: "Is it possible for me to all the paperwork and legal issues myself?"

Ashley Ramsay & Julian Owen said:
Ashley says: As with any complex process it is always better to employ a professional who can deal with both the paperwork and any unforseen issues that may arise. This will save you money in the long run. For details of how to source a variety of professionals (including solicitors) who can help you realise your self-build dream we have a free guide to building your own home on our website www.freestylemortgages.com/granddesigns

Moderator Says:
Jenny Goodge wants to know: "Do I need to use a qualified architect?"

Ashley Ramsay & Julian Owen said:
Julian says: Firstly, an "architect" is someone who has completed a 7 year training course and is registered with the Architects Registration Board - the title is protected by law. You do not necessarily have to use an architect. However architects bring unique design skills and professional management skills to your project. An Architect designed house is said to be worth 10% more than a house not designed by an Architect....
Ashley says: Lenders will require your project to be inspected throughout construction by a suitably qualified professional or through an approved scheme such as the NHBC or similar.

Moderator Says:
Sharon Isaaks wants to know: "How would I go about getting a bank loan to fund a new house I want built?"

Ashley Ramsay & Julian Owen said:
Ashley: Probably the most important part of your self-build project is the project funding!!! Do your research - speak to a lender (such as Standard Life Bank) who is experienced in lending on self-build, renovation and unusual construction. You will need your loan to work flexibly as you progress. Make sure your lender will release funds on 4 key stages - purchasing your plot, foundations, wind and water tight and completion....
Freestyle mortgages for example can give you the flexibility to release additional funds in between certain stages - this is dependent though on your individual circumstances and we'd always encourage you to discuss your options with us.

Moderator Says:
Sammy Plum wants to know: "Will I save money on electricity if i have solar panels on my roof?"

Ashley Ramsay & Julian Owen said:
Ashley says: Interestingly, Standard Life Banks research shows an increasing eco-awareness in self-builders. More and more people are looking to manage their household bills effectively and be environmentally friendly. There are many eco-friendly options available to you in choosing the materials and fittings for your new home. Our self-build guide will give you some great reference points, or if you're in the Birmingham area this weekend pop along to our stand (B507) at Grand Designs Live at the NEC....
Julian says: you will reduce your electricity bills, but you should also consider the "pay-back" period that is the time that it takes you to recover the costs of installing the panels by reduced bills. With photovoltaic panels that generate electricity the pay-back is typically between 10 and 15 years in the UK at the moment. This equation will change in the future as prices drop and also people are prepared to pay more for a house that has energy saving features.

Moderator Says:
Helen wants to know: "What should I look for when hiring a builder? "

Ashley Ramsay & Julian Owen said:
Ashley says: Look for a trade registered professional builder. Ensure they can demonstrate their work with postive client testimonials. And look for the Trustmark logo which signifies membership of a government approved builder. Good Luck!!!