Steps to start building your own home

Published on : 04 May 20204 min reading time

The construction of his detached house is a large-scale project. Whether the house to be built is quite modest or daring, there are a number of essential steps that must be taken to ensure that the project is a success. These steps can be summed up in four questions that must be answered even before construction begins.

What financing for the construction?

Unless you already have all the money you need at your disposal, building a house often requires a mortgage or financial assistance. The type of financing you receive will depend on the nature of your construction and your financial situation, among other things.

A home loan taken out with a banking institution remains the classic solution. The financing will be granted to you according to your budget and your solvency. As a general rule, the bank has a maximum debt ratio of 33%. The real estate loan is granted over a period varying between 25 and 30 years. It is advisable in this case to be covered by a borrower’s insurance, a condition often required by the bank.

The State particularly encourages the construction of new houses. French legislation allows you to benefit from reduced notary fees for such construction. Financial aid is also provided. The interest-free loan or PTZ allows you to finance part of the construction (up to 40%) at a zero interest rate, for a 25-year repayment period. It is specially designed for first-time buyers. The conventional loan and the social accession loan or PAS mean a rate determined according to the duration of the repayment. They are taken out with banking institutions that have signed an agreement with the State for this purpose. To find out more, expobat.fr details the aspects of each type of financing to better inform your decision.

How to choose the right land?

This is also an unavoidable question. Here, you will need to combine your criteria with the town planning rules governing the locality. The following points deserve special attention: the accessibility of the land, its practical location (proximity to work, school, business, etc.) and its environment. These criteria are essential, in the sense that they determine your future pace of life if you plan to make your building your home. Inherent characteristics of the land should also be considered. First of all, the orientation of the land, knowing that the South-West orientation will be favoured over the South orientation. Then, consider the constructibility of the land, to be checked through a planning certificate available from the town hall. The viability of the land is also essential. It is a question of making sure of the electrical connections and the proximity of the water point to your building plot.

Which professional to call upon?

While some people prefer to build their house themselves, others choose to be accompanied by professionals. If you fall into the latter category, there are three possibilities. First of all, you can call on the services of an architect. With his own expertise and professionalism, he will draw up the plans for your new home according to the rules of the trade and your tastes and needs. He will accompany you until the reception of the building site if he is qualified to do so. However, the costs of an architect are more expensive than for a builder. The builder also draws up plans and accompanies you up to the acceptance of the building site. But unlike an architect, the plans are proposed on catalogue and you must choose among them. You will then do without personalisation. The non-architect contractor takes care of the actual construction of the house. He entrusts the design to the architect. The contract signed with a project manager is not governed by any regulations, so it should be carefully examined before being signed.

What administrative formalities must be carried out?

The building permit is the key to start all construction work. If you have chosen to be accompanied by an architect, the architect will take care of all the formalities concerning the permit application. This will also increase your chance of having your construction granted by the town planning department. The architect will then compile your file and submit it to the town hall. The town hall generally has two months to refuse or accept your application. Within two months of the building permit being issued, your neighbours may object. You still have a right of appeal to justify your construction.

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