Self-build

Self-build is the practice of creating an individual home for oneself through a variety of different methods. The self-builder's input into this process varies from doing the actual building work to contracting out all the work to an architect or building package company. The term self-build in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland is expressly used when an individual obtains a building plot and then builds his or her own home on that plot.

People build individual homes for all sorts of reasons, but mainly because they want to create something tailored to their family's unique requirements; or something architecturally appealing in all manner of styles; or because they want to live in a home that they might not be able to afford on the open market. There is something uniquely rewarding about building a home for you and your family, it harks back to the most basic of human instincts. Nowadays, however, self-build homes are not just about shelter and security, they are about expressing yourself and changing your lifestyle. For many, self-build is a chance to create the life they have always dreamed of.

Self-builders create their homes through a variety of methods - and very few actually build it entirely themselves. The majority employ an architect to come up with the design of the new home and contract a builder to construct it; others use so-called 'package' companies to provide a one-stop solution. Many others find themselves managing building sites and dealing directly with planners, tradespeople and materials suppliers.

Self-build in its wider meaning is an ordinary practice in many developing countries. It is also common among certain religious communities like the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) or subcultures such as 'hippies'. Usually ecovillages are realised through self building techniques. In most developed countries self-build is regulated by the public administration, while in developing countries self-build is sometimes supported by NGOs or international organisations like, for instance, United Nations Volunteers.

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Wikipedia