New Construction: What You Need to Know Before Building Your Home

When you start new construction, the process of building a home from the ground up, often with custom design and materials. Also known as custom home building, it’s not just about laying bricks—it’s about planning a space that fits your life, not just a blueprint. Most people think it’s cheaper to buy an existing house, but that’s not always true. Hidden repairs, outdated systems, and poor layouts can cost more over time than starting fresh with energy-efficient materials, smart layouts, and modern insulation.

Construction costs, the total expense of building a home, including materials, labor, permits, and design fees have jumped in 2025 due to supply chain delays, skilled labor shortages, and rising material prices. A typical UK new construction project now runs between £200,000 and £400,000, depending on size, location, and finishes. But you can cut costs without cutting corners—by choosing standard window sizes, avoiding complex rooflines, and doing some of the planning yourself. Custom home, a house designed specifically for one family’s needs, not mass-produced by a developer doesn’t mean going overboard. It means getting the kitchen layout right, placing the bedroom away from noisy streets, or adding enough storage so you never feel cramped.

Building a house, the physical act of turning plans into a livable structure takes time—usually 6 to 12 months in the UK. Delays happen because of weather, permit backlogs, or last-minute changes. The key is to lock in your design early, pick a builder with a clear timeline, and stick to it. Don’t let excitement lead to scope creep. That extra island, upgraded flooring, or outdoor kitchen might sound great now, but they add thousands—and delay your move-in date.

What you’ll find below are real stories and breakdowns from people who’ve done it. From how to avoid the most expensive mistakes in new construction, to what materials actually last, to why some builders charge more but deliver less. You’ll see how others handled permits, negotiated with contractors, and stayed on budget. Whether you’re just dreaming or ready to sign a contract, these posts give you the unfiltered truth—not marketing fluff.