Architect Julian Owen has updated his advice book, Self-build: How to Design and Build Your Own Home, with a sumptuous second edition, a jargon-free walk through that’s essential for anyone building their own home.
The book is aimed at homeowners and self builders, both aspirational and those about to start a real project. It draws together the practical knowledge that anyone planning to build will need, as well as highlighting pitfalls and ways to avoid them.
As well as useful for independent knowledge, it’s always handy for NaCSBA members to be able to refer customers to the latest advice publications as they start their journey.
Throughout, the book is supported by case studies from architects including Baca Architects, Barefoot Architects, Satish Jassal Architects, Julian Owen Associates Architects, MawsonKerr Architects, Wilkinson King Architects and Tikari Works.
The case studies give indications of costs and timescales, which helps demystify the process of budgeting, finding a site, gaining planning permission, designing your home, and all of the surrounding issues to do with sustainability, planning, regulations, procurement and the use of building contracts.
Owen, who is also founder and a director of the Association of Self Build Architects, has over 30 years experience in his own Nottingham-based practice, and has authored other books, including Home Extension Design.
