Boom time for self-builders
One third of new UK detached homes are self-built. With a maturing market there has been a welcome move away from box-like catalogue homes. Companies are responding to the design tastes of affluent self builders looking for an architecturally special home.
Border Oak builds authentic looking half-timbered houses as well as a range of barns, cottages and outbuildings. Its Halfpenny Cottage (1,575sq ft) costs about £85,000, including ground works. Houses start from about £150,000.
More than 100 designs are available, including thatched roofs, leaded lights, flagstone floors and so on. Call 01568 708752.
Border Oak says most buyers prefer a traditional-looking home. Packages cost from £13,000 (for a small bungalow design) to £78,000 (for Abbotsley in its grand Heritage range of traditional homes).
A contrast in design options is offered by Huf Haus, a German company which has been making top-of-the-range timber-frame houses for three generations.
Its houses have technical and aesthetic qualities superior to the output of many British builders and they can be cheaper than similar-sized properties built of brick and block. An additional advantage is that the post-and-beam construction method allows for big internal spaces because no loadbearing walls are needed.
Houses range up to 9,000sq ft. Most people choose a house between 3,000 and 4,000sq ft.
The company's main presence is in exclusive St George's Hill, Surrey, where the finished homes are worth millions. But the company will consider individual projects anywhere in the UK. Contact 01932 828502.
The next Homebuilding and Renovating Show is at Sandown Park in Surrey from 21-23 June. For tickets call 020 87102186.
