Despite the current doom and gloom there are still some sections of the construction industry that are bucking the trend and holding steady, for the moment at least.

In fact, some of the more recent events are even helping to raise cautious optimism that the self-build market will continue at its current levels or achieve modest growth.

A recent survey by Build Store of 500 self-builders and renovators throughout the UK revealed that over 90 percent of them still intended to continue with their projects despite the credit crunch.

This trend is supported by suppliers to this section of the market.  At SkyeHomes we specialise in providing traditionally styled homes, through a very customer focused operation, to self-builders across the UK and Ireland.  Our house designs range from the most modest cottage suitable for a starter home or a “bothy” holiday experience to five bedroom elegance, each one being adapted to suit the clients particular requirements.  We also offer a bespoke design service at very modest fees.  What we provide at SkyeHomes is effectively a full architectural experience in combination with in-house timber frame manufacture of a robust and complete timber frame package delivered to your door.

As yet there has been no noticeable downturn in either new clients committing to the planning application process, or those who are ready to build confirming their delivery dates.  There are a number of reasons for this:

§         Our clients often take a long term view.  They have momentum behind their plans which often involves investing in a new way of life as well as a new home.

§         As self-builders, they are aware that, providing they have chosen the right location, they will immediately have positive equity in their new homes.

This has always been the case, but more recently they are aware that with the downturn in the rest of the construction industry they are currently more likely to obtain very competitive prices from all the trades involved.

They are looking at the savings to be made in their monthly expenditure. A new home will bring result in lower maintenance bills for the foreseeable future and lower heating costs, due to the high insulation properties afforded by our specification.  And, if down-sizing they can also look forward to lower council tax burden.

Timber frame homes are in essence one of the most environmentally friendly methods of construction.  Not only has the wood been grown in replenished forests, removing tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during the first phase of its life, but it requires only a low level of energy to convert it into an adaptable construction material with intrinsic insulation properties.

By taking the self-build route, our clients can be as green as their budgets will allow them to be.  The cost of introducing eco-friendly devices and heating systems into existing buildings is often prohibitive with reduced returns when compared with new build.

So, what is it about the current situation apart from competitive prices that is helping the self-builder?  There is no doubt that a lot of the larger multiple house developments have been stopped in their tracks.  In addition, some of the land bought for future developments is now being sold off and broken up into smaller plots suitable for the self-builder.  Some medium sized plots which might have previously been acquired for high density housing could become an attractive buy for one or two self-builders to join forces to create their new homes with plenty breathing space.