While I am in the planning process I have decided to re-let the duplex on a short lease. For those who are not sure what a duplex is, it's what the Brits call a semi-detached house, or in this case, a semi-detached bungalow.
A friend suggested I book in to a place called, 'Home Base' a company that run courses for potential Owner Builders. These courses not only outline the steps that need to be followed, as well as give the names of local authorities that have to be consulted but apparently have many tips and suggestions, all aimed at making building ones own home a much easier process.
Something else to follow up in the not too distant future.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
An Idea.......or madness?
Owner builders are a breed of people who think they might be able to save a few dollars by project managing the building of their own homes.
From all accounts it can actually save a massive amount, but and it is a big BUT, the associated stresses that go with contracting all the contractors, getting them on site at the right time and ensuring the work is up to standard can try the patience of the even the most placid of people and one of those, I have to admit, I'm not.
Last year I had a surveyor, divide the duplex block I own. This will allow me to demolish one half of the existing duplex and have it rebuilt on its own piece of land. That first step took around six to eight months before the final paper work was through.
The next step, as I see it, is to get a decent design. The block size is quite small at 430 sq m. added to that it is a corner site, part of which is truncated. Also I want the house to be as energy efficient as possible, so I realise I have a lot of research to carry out if I want to achieve a truly solar passive home.
From all accounts it can actually save a massive amount, but and it is a big BUT, the associated stresses that go with contracting all the contractors, getting them on site at the right time and ensuring the work is up to standard can try the patience of the even the most placid of people and one of those, I have to admit, I'm not.
Last year I had a surveyor, divide the duplex block I own. This will allow me to demolish one half of the existing duplex and have it rebuilt on its own piece of land. That first step took around six to eight months before the final paper work was through.
The next step, as I see it, is to get a decent design. The block size is quite small at 430 sq m. added to that it is a corner site, part of which is truncated. Also I want the house to be as energy efficient as possible, so I realise I have a lot of research to carry out if I want to achieve a truly solar passive home.
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