Building your own home is one challenge.

Building it largely on your own is another entirely.

In this episode of The Self Builders Podcast, Jack speaks with Adrian, who shares the remarkable story of building his own home from the ground up after years of struggling to get planning permission for his original renovation project.

What began as a plan to renovate an old cottage eventually turned into a full self-build project after expert planning advice revealed a completely different route forward.

Adrian explains how the project evolved, why he chose an ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) build method, and how he has managed to keep costs under control by doing the vast majority of the work himself.

In this episode we discuss:

• how planning rules in the green belt changed the entire project
• why demolishing the old cottage opened the door to a new build
• choosing ICF construction for airtightness and energy efficiency
• managing a self-build project largely on your own
• how organisation and planning keeps the build moving forward
• keeping costs under control with trade accounts and DIY labour
• the realities of building a home yourself

Adrian also shares the mindset that has helped him tackle such a huge project step by step — focusing on small daily progress rather than the full scale of the challenge.

If you're considering a self-build, this episode offers a fascinating insight into what’s possible with determination, planning, and the right approach.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here:
https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking

📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources:
https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject

The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

In this episode of The Self Builders Podcast, Jodie and James share the full story behind their self-build journey: from renovating a 17th-century cottage to splitting their land and building a brand new home next door. Yes - both in one go!

They talk honestly about the highs and the challenges along the way, including planning issues, neighbour objections, managing trades, and the realities of trying to project manage a build while also working full time and raising a young family.

Inside the episode they discuss:
• how they found the property and decided to split the plot
• renovating the original cottage before starting the self-build
• planning objections and dealing with difficult neighbours
• project managing the build themselves
• what went well during the early construction stages
• where things became more difficult during the finishing stages
• the biggest lessons they would apply if they built again

Despite the challenges, the project ultimately resulted in a beautiful family home, and plenty of valuable lessons for anyone thinking about taking on a self-build project themselves.

If you're considering building your own home, this episode is packed with real-world experience that can help you avoid some of the same mistakes.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here:
https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking

📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources:
https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject

The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

In this episode of the Self-Builders Podcast, we speak with a homeowner who completed a full self-build project in the UK. From buying the plot to moving into a brand new, self-built five-bedroom house, in just 11 months.

He shares what motivated him to build instead of buying on the open market, how he found the plot, and what the journey looked like from planning permission through to construction and completion.

Self-build projects can feel daunting at first, but this conversation gives a realistic look at what the process involves and where preparation makes the biggest difference.

In this episode we discuss:

🎤 Why some buyers choose self-build instead of buying an existing home
🎤 How this project went from plot purchase to completion in around 11 months
🎤 The process of finding contractors and managing trades
🎤 The planning permission journey and dealing with local authorities
🎤 Why preparation (soil tests, asbestos checks, material supply) is critical
🎤 The benefits of brick-and-block construction for resale and mortgage options
🎤 How material sourcing can dramatically affect build costs
🎤 The challenges of interior finishes and design decisions
🎤 How financing a self-build project works in practice
🎤 Practical lessons and tips for anyone considering building their own home

Self-building isn’t always the easiest route, but as this project shows, with the right preparation and structure it can be an incredibly rewarding way to create a home that fits your life perfectly.

If you’re exploring your own self-build project and want expert guidance on financing, Mayflower Mortgage specialises in helping clients structure their projects from start to finish.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject #SelfBuildMortgage

The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

In this episode of the Self Builders podcast, host Mike Pawley speaks with Charles, a client of Mayflower Mortgage, who undertook a self-build project to convert an old barn. Charles shares his journey of finding the perfect property, navigating planning permissions, and the importance of good financing. He discusses the challenges encountered during construction, including unexpected costs and structural issues, while emphasising the need for flexible budgeting. The conversation also highlights the significance of good design, water management, and the emotional highs and lows of self-building. Charles concludes with valuable tips for aspiring self-builders.

We discuss:

• Charles’s barn conversion project.
• Finding the right property took four years.
• Be mindful of your criteria when searching for a property.
• Engage a planning consultant early to avoid complications.
• Expect unexpected costs in renovations.
• A good structural engineer is invaluable.
• Water management is crucial in building projects.
• Flexibility in budgeting is essential.
• Pay for significant expenses on a credit card for protection.
• Shop around for the best terms with suppliers.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here:
https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 

📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources:
https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources 

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject #SelfBuildMortgage

The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

In this episode of the Self Builders podcast, host Mike Paulie speaks with Paul Grice, a self-build mortgage client, about his journey through the self-build process. Paul shares insights on choosing the right property, navigating planning permissions, the importance of hiring a good architect, and finding the right builder.

He discusses the challenges faced during the build, including unexpected costs and delays, and emphasises the value of open book contracts for transparency. The conversation concludes with Paul's top tips for prospective self-builders, highlighting the importance of collaboration and careful planning.

We discuss:
☑️ Choosing the right property is crucial for a successful self-build.
☑️ Planning permissions can be straightforward if you meet local criteria.
☑️ A good architect can make a significant difference in the design process.
☑️ Finding a builder you trust is essential for a smooth project.
☑️ Open book contracts provide transparency and control over costs.
☑️ Self-building can be stressful, especially during the demolition phase.
☑️ Unexpected costs often arise during construction, especially underground work.
☑️ Delays due to weather can impact the timeline significantly.
☑️ It's important to make decisions quickly during the build process.
☑️ Collaboration between the architect and builder is key to achieving your vision.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject #SelfBuildMortgage

The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

In this episode of the Self Builders podcast, host Mike Pawley speaks with Helen and Simon, who share their experiences and insights from their self-build journey. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of finding the right plot, navigating planning permissions, managing the construction process, and the importance of being hands-on throughout the project. The conversation also highlights key tips for future self-builders, emphasising the need for meticulous planning and decision-making.

We discuss:
The project was born out of lockdown and a desire for a forever home.
They found their plot on Rightmove, which was a brownfield site.
The original use of the land was a petrol station and later a garden machinery shop.
They leveraged their real estate experience to navigate the complexities of the project.
The planning process was relatively smooth, taking about six months.
They managed the project themselves while working full-time jobs.
It's crucial to be present on-site to make timely decisions.
They tendered key packages separately while keeping the builder involved.
They moved in just over 12 months after starting the build.
Top tips include not changing your mind and nailing down specifications early.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking 📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject #SelfBuildMortgage

The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

In this episode of the Self Builders Podcast, host Mike Pawley engages with Sarah Mattheson from Fleming Homes and Joe Higginson from Hugo Homes to explore the world of custom building and timber frame construction. They discuss the history and values of their respective companies, the benefits of timber frame homes, and the challenges faced by self-builders. The conversation also delves into the importance of collaboration between builders and suppliers, the advantages of a free design service, and the innovative Plot Collective initiative to make land more accessible to aspiring homeowners.

We discuss:
☑️ Fleming Homes has a rich history of timber frame construction.
☑️ Custom building is becoming more mainstream and accessible.
☑️ The free design service helps self-builders visualize their projects without upfront costs.
☑️ Timber frame construction is faster and more efficient than traditional methods.
☑️ Self-builders often need guidance and support throughout the building process.
☑️ The Plot Collective connects potential self-builders to available land.
☑️ Timber frame homes are highly thermally efficient and sustainable.
☑️ Common myths about timber frame homes can be debunked with education.
☑️ Collaboration between builders and suppliers enhances the self-building experience.
☑️ Self-build is a significant emotional and financial commitment for individuals.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking

📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources: https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject #SelfBuildMortgage

The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

Building your own home sounds like the dream.

But what actually happens once you buy the plot and start the build?

In this episode of The Self Builders Podcast, we speak with Sanjay, who shares the story behind building his 6,000 sq ft self-build home near Woburn, from spotting the perfect plot and paying over the guide price to managing trades, materials, and planning changes along the way.

Sanjay talks openly about the reality of the process:
• how he found the plot
• why he offered over 20% above guide price
• the planning changes that added extra space to the house
• managing materials and deliveries himself
• choosing the right builders and trades
• the mistakes and risks that come with self-building

There are also some brilliant practical takeaways for anyone considering a self-build, including how to work with planning officers, why relationships with suppliers matter, and why having the right people around you makes all the difference.

If you're planning a self-build or renovation project, this conversation is packed with real-world insight.

Listen now and learn from someone who has been through the entire journey.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here:
https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/booking

📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources:
https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/free-self-build-resources

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildMortgage #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject

The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

In this episode of the Self-Builders podcast, host Sam Taylor and Mike Pawley welcome Andy Howes, who shares his journey of building his dream home.

Andy discusses the challenges and decisions he faced, from choosing the right construction method to navigating the mortgage process and making design choices. He emphasizes the importance of understanding ground conditions, managing the construction process, and the value of having experienced guidance. As he nears completion of his project, Andy offers valuable tips for aspiring self-builders, highlighting the significance of planning and project management.

We discuss the importance of:
Clear plans
Accurate prices
The difficulties with finding land, particularly in the South
How to make or break your budget
The importance of having experts in your corner
Top tips Andy learned from his own experience

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here:
https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/b...
📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources:
https://www.mayflowermortgage.co.uk/f...

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject #SelfBuildMortgage
The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.

In this episode of the Self Builders podcast, host Mike Pawley discusses the concept of custom-built homes with guests Janet Nuttall and Joe Higginson.

They explore the unique offerings of Wellbank Park, a custom-built site in the Lake District, emphasising the importance of community, well-being, and the personalised journey of building a home. The conversation covers the process of purchasing a plot, the design journey, and the pricing structure, highlighting the value proposition of custom builds compared to traditional housing options.

We discuss:
✔️ How custom-built homes allow for personalised design and specifications.
✔️ Wellbank Park emphasises community and well-being in its development.
✔️ You can get a well-connected site even in a rural location.
✔️ Designing a home should reflect the owner's lifestyle and needs.
✔️ Community involvement is crucial for the success of custom builds.
✔️ The process of building a home can be a collaborative journey.
✔️ Plots starting at £125,000.
✔️ Custom builds offer a competitive price per square meter compared to traditional builders.
✔️ The importance of sustainability and energy efficiency in home design.

📞 Book a call with Mayflower Mortgage here:
https://zurl.co/kyyny
📘 Download our FREE Self-Build Resources:
https://zurl.co/stpUh

#SelfBuild #SelfBuildUK #SelfBuildProject #SelfBuildMortgage

The views and information discussed in this video/podcast are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute regulated mortgage or financial advice. Mortgage recommendations depend on a full assessment of an individual’s needs, objectives, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, please ensure you obtain personalised advice from a suitably qualified and authorised mortgage adviser.