It is thought that the self build market, as a whole, might be as many as thirty thousand people. Certainly figures from The Excise regarding Vat reclaims seem to indicate that around fifteen thousand people a year are responsible for the main contracting on their homes and there are probably at least as many again who opt to leave the whole project in the hands of a builder. Many who have their own homes built on land they have chosen to a design and specification that they have determined would be surprised to be considered as self builders. But that indeed is what they are.

Certain parts of the media still express complete amazement that somebody should build their own home rather than buying one of the peg. But it’s an ever dwindling number and most of the national newspapers regularly feature self building. Much of the media coverage of self building concentrates on the financial gains to be made by self building. Whilst for some that might be the primary motive for the majority it is the realisation that, if they self build they can get something that’s exactly how they want it for the money they’ve got.

Still the idea persists that self building is all about picking up a trowel or a saw and breaking your back physically working on site. In fact that’s only ever been a tiny proportion of self building. Some do work on the site. Some, particularly those who are also involved in the building industry, undertake a great deal of the work, whilst others may limit themselves to just clearing up or being a general labourer. Some choose to concentrate on the management of the site, employing tradesmen to carry out the various tasks. Many choose to use a builder for the whole job whilst others might use one for certain parts of the work. Some choose to buy all their own materials. Others buy selected items and quite a few opt for package deal schemes.

The option of building with a recognised and trusted Timber Frame company, such as Target Timber Systems who will offer a package deal that includes a design based service is an extremely attractive one for many discerning self builders. Package deal companies have a vested interest in seeing that their clients are on the right footing. They will be concerned that the design fits the proposed budget and they will wish to know that what is proposed is acceptable to the planners. They are they experts who will guide their clients through the various processes and who will make sure that if help or advice is needed it is obtained from the right sources. With a Timber Frame from Target Timber Systems you can be assured of the quality of the build and the enjoyment of your new home.

For more information the book ‘Building Your Own Home’ (Ebury Press) by David Snell is an enjoyable romp through the concept and the reality of self building. And if seeing is understanding then a visit to the National Self Build & Renovation Centre at Swindon (just off Junction 16 of the M4 motorway) is an absolute must. They are open most days of the week and there are regular seminars and courses where you can learn all about self building.