Building a one-off house on your own site – often on family land – is a long-held ambition for many people in Northern Ireland. It gives you a home designed around the way you live. It also involves more decisions than buying a finished house, so it helps to know what lies ahead.
Planning comes first
Rural planning in Northern Ireland is tightly controlled. For many years, single dwellings in the countryside have been assessed against the regional policy known as PPS 21, and councils are now bringing in their own Local Development Plans. Opportunities include replacement dwellings, infill sites, and dwellings on farms, among others, each with specific criteria. Getting good planning advice before you buy or commit to a site is essential.
Site services
Rural sites often lack the services a town plot takes for granted:
- Drainage: without a public sewer, you will need a septic tank or packaged treatment plant and discharge consent
- Water: a new connection from NI Water, which may involve a long supply run
- Electricity: connection costs vary with distance from the network
- Access: visibility splays and an entrance approved by DfI Roads are usually conditions of planning
These costs can be significant, so price them early.
Ground and foundations
Rural sites can have anything from firm rock to soft, wet ground. A site investigation helps the engineer design the right foundations and avoids expensive surprises once digging starts.
Design and energy
A new home must meet current Building Regulations for energy efficiency. Many self-builders go further, with heat pumps, high insulation levels and good airtightness, which keep running costs low for decades. Orientation matters too – positioning living spaces to face the sun is free energy.
Budget and programme
Build a realistic budget including fees, services, finishes and landscaping, with a contingency. Self-build mortgages usually release money in stages, so your builder’s programme needs to line up with the lender’s valuations.
Choosing your builder
Look for a contractor with a track record of one-off homes, who will give you a clear price and programme and keep you informed. SC Developments have built high-quality new homes across Northern Ireland – see some of them on our projects page.
Thinking about building your own home? Talk to SC Developments.
