Planning to build your own house takes time, money and lots of patience. Don't expect to have a sturdy, secure house in just a couple of months. And don't expect to keep a clear head the whole time either. Stressing out is very common amongst self-builders!

First of all, assess your finances. The worst thing that can happen is running out of money before the build is completed. Find a suitable plot of land which you'd like to build on and take steps to purchase it and gain planning permission (more about this in future hubs).

Approach motrgage lenders for a self-build mortgage. It's a specialised market but they are available. A self-build mortgage is paid to you in stages as the build progresses. There are more restrictions in place for a self-build mortgage than a normal one, so make sure you can tick all the boxes before you apply.

Now on to the fun stuff (at least for us)! Designing your home. You probably already have an idea of what you want, but the important thing to remember is to be realistic. Don't get carried away and end up with the designs for a mansion if you can only afford a cottage!

Things to consider in your design Your budget: if you're on a tight budget your building methods will be restricted. Design Preference: Certain styles of home are more suited to certain methods of building. For example, if you have your heart set on an open-plan design, go for a steel frame construction as opposed to the old bricks and mortar. Surrounding houses: Some councils specify that your home must at least resemble the buildings around it. If you're buying a plot of land in the middle of a village full of thatched cottages, yet you're planning on a big concrete art-nouveau 3 storey..you may want to re-think your site! Reselling: Most people who self-build wouldn't dream of selling their hard work, but it's always worth thinking about just in case. You may think it's a cool design idea to have steps leading nowhere or doors opening onto nothing, but not everyone else will!

Of course, you don't have to design your house completely on your own; you can hire an architect to assist you. They will probably have a better understanding of what's feasible and legal in a design, and suggest things you may not have thought of. Your input is crucial at all stages to make the design something suitable to you, not the designer.

Some important things to remember, which you must have before any building work begins - insurance. You'll need to cover yourself against injury both to yourself and anyone else on site, as well as any damages and/or loss of materials and equipment. All of this is just good sense, and you may find that your builders will refuse to work for you if your insurance isn't adequate. There are specialist insurers who will offer an 'all risks' policy for self-builders, so shop around.

Another thing to look into is the utilities. Gas and electricity supplies must be present on your plot of land unless you're planning on living in the dark ages. Getting a survey done in the early planning stages will confirm this.

Another factor to think of is where you're going to live while the build is going through. My husband and I are going to be staying in a friends house while our house is being built, as our friends are going abroad for 6 months (lucky them!). Some people prefer to stay on-site in a caravan, or perhaps you alreayd have your own house which you plan to sell after the build is complete. The choices are endless - just make sure you can stand to be in a small confined space like a caravan with each other when the stress mounts up...