6. Splashing the cash in the wrong places
“Think carefully about where you spend your budget,” says of Nikki Ritchie of Hyve Architects in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, “I sometimes see people get persuaded by the fancy kitchen company to put in a £65,000 kitchen and then they scrimp on the things that really, really matter. Like good quality insulation, doors, windows and heating… all of those less fancy things that are the important building blocks of a building. Your house is going to be around for at least 30 years, hopefully more, whereas you’ll be bored with your kitchen in ten.”
Jonathan Hetreed, Director of Hetreed Ross Architects from Bath agrees, “Some clients get obsessed with particular details and that's their right and privilege. But I think it can lead them down a blind alley that ends up costing them time and money. Be adaptable and don’t lose sight of the big picture.”
Work closely with your architect to determine what your budget allows, and prioritise the design details that matter most to you while making sure you’ve nailed the basic requirements of a good, solidly built home.
Thinking of appointing a contactor? Here’s our guide of important questions to ask before building your own home.