A.B.C. OF BUILDING YOUR OWN HOUSE
It has been said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The journey to building your own home need not be out of reach .It is something that several people have successfully started and completed. Thankfully, it is not rocket science. You can learn the rudiments and by taking small and simple steps reach the goal in a few months or year depending on your economic circumstances and commitment. Frankly, it could be as simple as A.B.C.
Acquire a plot of land
The first step is for you to get a buildable piece or parcel of land. You can save towards this using personal or target savings. You can join co-operatives that are seeking to acquire land or have already acquired land in a good place. Sometimes you may be opportune to pay for such land in installments. It is advisable to avoid swampy land except you have the necessary resources to spend on a very good foundation. Also note that the location of your land is dependent on the amount you can afford to pay for land. Location determines cost.
Be prepared to start small
It is not necessary to calculate the entire amount that you need to build and then accumulate it in a bank account before you commence the project. Be willing to start with what you have or what you can reasonably save. In constructing a building, the three primary cost centers are foundation, decking (if it is not a bungalow) and roofing. These are areas where you need to have the materials, money and manpower at hand before you commence. Aside from these areas, you can take on other stages gradually, in phases or according to available funds.
Gather information and experience
Once the thought cross your mind to build your own house, you need to start showing interest in construction related issues. Visit sites of friends and family. Ask questions and make enquiries on issues that are related to their project. You'll gain knowledge and experience. You'll also probably gain referrals on reliable workmen's that you can use when you begin to build and probably begin to test them with smaller jobs or assignments.
Design your home
The man or woman qualified to design buildings is the architect. He is expected to design the building, approve the builder and help carry out periodic inspection to ensure that the building is according to plan. In designing your house you need to know that irregular shapes and fanciful designs could generate more costs. And you should be concerned with functionality. Big and multiple fancy pillars lined around a building are serious cost multipliers. Irregular roof shapes will cost you more. All you need to do is to be aware of the cost and the functionality of the design.
These days there are several computer programmes that could be used to carry out do-it-yourself 3D designs and even arrange how the furniture will look in a completed house. At least they give you an idea of how your house will look like and the opportunity to discuss intelligently with your Architect. Also note the height of the building. The higher the costlier. Every decking comes with a cost increase.
Secure necessary approvals
The Government has various policies on building regulations as well as effective monitoring systems. The implication of this is that you need to get your building plan approval, stacking permits and other permits. Normally you'll need copies of your survey plan, evidence of processing of the certificate of occupancy or title papers and architectural drawings. It is important to start this process some months before the actual commencement of construction because the process takes time.
A good foundation
Building professionals will tell you that there are different types of foundation and each one comes with its own disadvantages and advantages based on the geographical location of the land, topography or slop of the land. Since the entire building rests on this you should be careful who handles it and what it can carry.
Be careful how you cut cost
When you begin to build you must be careful what you count as cost savings. For instance, reducing the number of cement and size of iron needed to complete a concrete work contrary to sound professional advice is not cost saving. In fact, it is dangerous. If you want to save money, buy the right quantity but endeavour to get them from source or in bulk at a discount.
Building a house is not rocket science. Start now.