Designing a home from scratch, whether as a new build or a major transformation, is exciting but complex. Following a clear sequence helps you avoid costly mistakes. Here is the process, step by step.
Step 1: Write your brief
Describe how you want to live, not just the rooms you want. Think about:
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms, now and in future
- Open-plan or separate rooms
- Home working space
- Storage, parking and garden
- Accessibility needs as you age
- Style and materials you like
Collect pictures, sketches and notes. A clear brief saves time and money.
Step 2: Set a realistic budget
Include everything: land or existing house, design fees, approvals, build costs, fit-out, landscaping, VAT where it applies, and a contingency of around 10–15%. Look at typical costs, such as our extension cost guide, to test your assumptions.
Step 3: Understand your site
Whether you are building new or adapting a house, check:
- Planning policy and local restrictions
- Ground conditions, drainage and flood risk
- Utilities: water, electricity, gas and broadband
- Orientation: where the sun rises and sets
- Access for machinery and deliveries
- Neighbours, boundaries and party walls
Step 4: Choose your design team
Depending on the project, you may need an architect or architectural designer, a structural engineer, a planning consultant and a quantity surveyor. Many homeowners start with a builder who can recommend professionals. Check experience with similar projects.
Step 5: Develop the concept
The designer will propose layouts, elevations and materials. Review them carefully and test them against your brief: Does the plan flow? Is there enough storage? Does light reach the main rooms?
Step 6: Get approvals
Submit planning if required, and make a building regulations application. See planning permission for extensions and building regulations.
Step 7: Detailed design and specification
Technical drawings and a written specification describe exactly what will be built and which products will be used. This is what builders price, so the more detailed it is, the more accurate and comparable the quotes will be.
Step 8: Tender and choose a builder
Get several itemised quotes and compare them like for like. Read our tips for choosing a builder.
Step 9: Build
During construction, keep in regular contact with your builder, attend site meetings, agree changes in writing and make decisions on time. Late changes cause delays and extra cost.
Step 10: Finish and move in
Snag, obtain completion certificates and guarantees, and keep all documentation. Take meter readings and learn how the heating and ventilation systems work.
Design principles worth remembering
- Think in zones: quiet, noisy, public, private
- Maximise natural light with generous glazing and good orientation
- Plan storage early
- Design for flexibility, so rooms can change use
- Consider running costs and energy performance from day one; see sustainable construction
Start with a conversation
Abron Contracting builds new homes and extensions in Newport. If you are at the early stages, contact us or call 01633379170.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to design a house?
Design fees vary widely, commonly a percentage of the build cost or a fixed fee agreed up front. Get quotes from several professionals.
Do I need an architect?
Not always. Some projects work with an architectural designer or a design-and-build contractor. Complex or sensitive sites benefit from an architect.
How long does it take to design and build a house?
Design and approvals often take several months, and construction several months more, so plan for a year or longer for a new home.
What should I decide first?
Your brief and budget, before you choose a site or designer.
How do I avoid going over budget?
Fix the design before building, itemise the specification and keep a contingency.
