The Self Builders Podcast

In this episode of the Self-Builders Podcast, host Sam Taylor speaks with Matthew Jones, who shares the story of building his own family home after nearly two decades working in the construction industry. Matt explains how years of experience in building projects led him to take on his own self-build, and what it was really like managing the process while balancing work, family life, and the realities of construction.

Matt talks through the full journey, from buying a plot of land and waiting for infrastructure and planning approvals, through to managing trades, controlling the budget, and making practical design decisions for a family home. He also reflects on the challenges of building during the COVID period, where material prices and delays added extra pressure to the project.

We discuss the importance of:

• Planning your self-build carefully before starting
• Managing budgets and dealing with rising material costs
• Making smart design decisions around lifestyle and family needs
• The realities of project managing your own build
• Why getting the right professional support can save time and money
• Lessons Matt learned from completing his own self-build project

📞 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 Sam Taylor speaks with Adam, who shares the story of his first self-build project in North Hampshire. Adam explains how he and his family found their plot, how an existing outbuilding is being transformed into a three-bed family home, and the realities of managing a self-build while living nearby in temporary accommodation.

Adam walks through the key stages of the project so far — from planning permission and design decisions through to managing builders, navigating unexpected delays, and keeping control of the budget. He also shares honest reflections on the challenges that come with self-building and what he wishes he had known before starting.

We discuss the importance of:

• Finding the right plot and spotting opportunity
• Working through the planning process and extensions
• Managing delays and unexpected setbacks
• Why cashflow is critical in a self-build project
• Project managing a build alongside experienced trades
• Lessons Adam learned from his first self-build 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 #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.

Our latest self-build client to share their journey is Laurence, who is here to chat about the inspiration behind their self-build, and exactly how their project went.

Covering everything from navigating conservation conditions, construction and material choices, involvement in the project, project timeline and challenges, resilience and problem-solving in building, costing and budgeting, favourite features of the home, architectural influence and technical challenges, to advice for other self-builders. This is a jam packed episode you won't want to miss.

Chapters

• 00:00 Inspiration Behind Self-Building Journey
• 07:03 Involvement in the Project
• 12:11 Costing and Budgeting
• 17:29 Advice for Self-Builders

📞 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.

This week we welcomed one of our clients, Charles, who took on an ambitious barn conversion project with the support of Mayflower Mortgage!

Together we chat about the challenges and considerations involved in a barn conversion project, from finding the ideal property to navigating planning, financing, and unforeseen construction challenges.

Charles also emphasises the importance of professional consultation and the complexities of drainage and waterproofing in such projects.

The conversation covers the topics of project budgeting, cost management, adapting to changes, construction budget, building for lifestyle, reflections on the building process, financial protection, payment terms, and supplier selection and considerations. Highlighting the importance of budget flexibility and effective cost management throughout the construction process.

Chapters

• 00:00 Finding the Ideal Property
• 06:06 The Role of Consultants
• 14:03 Unforeseen Challenges in Construction
• 23:00 Drainage and Waterproofing
• 28:00 Building for Lifestyle and Personalization
• 36:11 Supplier Selection and Considerations

📞 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.