More Brits beginning to design and build their own homes
Published on: 16-Jul-2007
Many Britons are being inspired to design and build their own homes thanks to the continued popularity of TV DIY shows like Grand Designs, a leading industry expert has explained.According to Ross Stokes, editor of SelfBuild and Design Magazine, the hit Channel Four show, which features the construction of a new home from start to finish, has gained a "cult reputation" which has served to inspire many other design-your-own style projects.
Self-build ideas appeal to people for many different reasons, says Mr Stokes and, although such projects are often out of the reach of first-time buyers on the property market, they are an achievable dream for those further up the property ladder.
"It is more achievable for professional people who have got a little bit of collateral behind them. They've got something to borrow money on," said Mr Stokes.
"There are risks involved with any sort of undertaking like this but realistically most self builds are completed without too many problems.
"I don't think it's any more of a risk than people taking mortgages with huge outgoings which a lot of banks and building societies seem to be encouraging at the moment," added Mr Stokes.
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