Design Buy Build Issue 38 2019 | Page 34

Making the impossible possible: The custom build journey Building a home is an aspiration for many, but often, the perceived realities can put a number of people off. Worries about unknown costs, gaining planning permission and dealing with contractors can deter people from exploring this exciting route to getting a new home. As an antidote to this, custom build new homes are coming to the market, offering a happy medium between new and self-build homes, with the benefits of high-quality living space, tailored to suit people’s needs, without the heavy lifting. The opportunities and options that custom build new homes provide could make them the future of UK housing. Design freedom is the main advantage of custom building, enabling people to create the layout to suit their needs and tastes. Many custom build new homes are built with no internal load-bearing walls, so rooms can be designed without any restrictions and layouts easily changed in future. This ability to construct a home that fits the personality and requirements of a person without starting from scratch is an innovative concept. Custom building allows those who love to cook to have a large kitchen with all the appliances and features they could desire, while those with growing families can have spare bedrooms and a dedicated playroom. 34 Future-proofing is also a possibility, particularly for those who may be approaching retirement or have already retired. Wider door frames, a downstairs bedroom and washroom, and lower light-switches can all be created, so a forever home can truly be forever. Custom building enables people to design a home that reflects their needs, both now and in the future. This not only eases pressure on the UK housing market, but also allows people to stay comfortable as they age. Accessibility is essential when it comes to purchasing a house, in both physical and financial terms. Custom building is increasingly ticking both boxes. As well as designing a house to suit both expected and unexpected needs, custom builds are financially achievable for even first-time buyers.