To help you in the first steps for your self build home, we have covered the build process in 2 sections here:-

1. planning and associated pre-build activities
2. an outline of the build process itself - with an associated picture gallery

There is obviously an overall logical order in which a house is built, and we have shown the main steps in the outline process with a picture gallery to whet your appetite before coming back here to get an insight into the planning activities involved.

More information can be found on the Communities and Local Government - Planning, building and the environment site.

Planning and Associated Pre-build Activities

Getting an Architect

Getting a good architect is key - you will need someone who has both good design ideas as well as a good grasp of the current Building Regulations - which are being updated all the time. The RIBA site guide Use an architect provides guidance on using an architect.

Getting a Plot

There are a number of plot finder web sites (we've put them together in Useful Links - Plot Search Sites) and some monthly magazines have extensive lists.

One thing to consider is that there seems to be more plots which are on sloping sites - as people are looking for more opportunities to sell their land. There is nothing wrong with this but be aware of the costs involved. There may be a lot of digging out involved, perhaps with the need for retaining walls, and there will obviously be associated costs. Ask your architect to give you an idea of the costs for this type of work.

Unless you are you sure that there are no services crossing the land, you should get a survey carried out to detect them before you start any excavations. Telltale signs of the possibility of services include:

• the absence of a pavement - any services will go underneath the road or under the land, or both
• poles carrying, usually, electricity or telephone cables sited on or at the edge of the land
• concrete markers identifying services below

And don't forget, the occurrence of trees and the type of soil may have an impact on the build so, again involve your architect or a surveyor.

Planning Permission

Local Authority Planning Permission

Normally, land is bought with at least Outline Planning Permission (OPP), and sometimes with Full Planning Permission. It is dangerous to buy land without at least OPP or with an almost cast iron certainty that planning permission will be granted - discussion with the local planning office is a must if you have a plot in mind without any permission. Some of your questions at this stage may be answered by the FAQ page on the Roger Stephens (Architectural services) web site .

Your architect will know what is required in order to make a planning application and will probably know the people in the Local Authority planning office. It is a good idea to let the architect submit the planning application on your behalf.

Although your architect may be submitting your application it is a good idea to also contact the planners in order to build a rapport with them. Find your local planning office at the Local Planning Office website This site provides you with information on all aspects of planning and building control, including building regulations, listings of Council Planning Offices and local relevant services and suppliers.

Firstly, ask the planners for a design guide, which provides some planning constrictions, usually to maintain a build in keeping with a local traditional style. You will need to discuss your ideas for the build with your architect who will produce outline floor plans and elevation drawings for further discussion. Once these plans are refined to your satisfaction, the architect will submit them to the local planning office. If you are thinking of adding a conservatory later, then include it in the first planning submission - doing it later will need a further planning request and further fees for both planning and building regs.

The Directgov site Planning permission - before you start work provides some useful tips.

If you need to chase progress on your submission then its best if you do this rather than your architect who will have many other projects on his plate.

Once the planning office has agreed your application, the architect will produce plans in order to apply for Detailed Planning Permission (DPP). He will prepare, typically, the following plans:

1. A Location Plan at 1:1250 or 1:2500 with the site outlined in red
2. A Site Plan at 1:500 or 1:200 showing the building in relation to site boundaries and any other buildings within the site
3. Elevation Plans at 1:100 or 1:50 showing how the building will look
4. Floor Plans at 1:100 or 1:50 showing the proposed floor plan of each story of the building

The details of your application will be displayed on a Planning Register that is publicly accessible, and a notice posted at the site. Any neighbours of the site will also be contacted and informed where they can see the details of your proposed building.