By using reclaimed materials in a new build you can be assured you have built a home that is unique.

When planning your self-build home the flooring has to be decided upon when the house designs are being drawn up. Consider whether you require under floor heating, as this will have to be integrated into the plans before any flooring is fitted.

These days it is becoming popular to have as many bathrooms in the home as there are bedrooms – more in some instances. We look at the ensuite, where and when you should instal one and whether it will add value to your home.

A bonus for self-builders is that they are able to claim back the value added tax (VAT) at the end of the build. At a time when money will be tight after spending so much on the build it is a treat to have a substantial amount of money to perhaps treat the family to a holiday after a year of hard work.

There seems to be a romantic image that surrounds the words, build your own house. A mock Tudor set in the countryside, an ultra modern town house built of glass, perhaps an Eco-friendly barn type building. Weve all seen the programmes and dreamed the dreams. Reality is a different prospect and many dreamers drop at the first hurdle. How about you?

Planning an underground house can have some very tricky elements and although underground homes are still rare, they are increasing in number, particularly for self-builds, because they can be built on land where a normal house simply could not be built.