Isle of Skye Builder-Building Guide

A J MacPherson Ltd
Tigh Na Bruaich
8 Drumfearn
Sleat
Isle Ornsay
Isle of Skye
IV43 8QZ

info@skye-builder.co.uk

Phone -01471 822607

Fax - 01471 082072

Mobile - 07990 691616

Website by Annealan Design

Content © Annealan Design


	Guide to Building on Skye

	For anyone looking to live on the Isle of Skye there is one major issue to consider, do I buy an existing property or build a new one? House prices on Skye have increased considerably over the past few years and this is reflected in the sale prices for existing homes on the island. Building land prices have also increased on Skye but still represent a considerable saving on land elsewhere on the mainland. Plots can often be larger and of course probably come complete with stunning views. There are many other advantages of building your own home over buying an existing one, such as:- Your choice of location Your choice of design Additional land often available House layout exactly as you want it Your choice of materials and finish Modern kitchen and bathroom No worries over state of wiring, plumbing, heating, roof etc. Immediate return on investment if for business - ready to let on completion




	Once you have found that idyllic plot of land for your new home the next major task is to identify a builder to create that dream home for you. There are few builders on the Isle of Skye and most are busy with the strong demand for new homes on the island. Always ensure that the builder you chose has a good track record of building quality homes, comes recommended from previous clients and that they can start the job when you want them to, not just when they can fit it in.

Some tips to aid your planning:-

Have you acquired the plot of land to build on yet, if not don’t be too premature with the house design as it may not fit or suit your eventual plot.
Allow plenty of time for the necessary consents to be obtained. In the region of 8 - 10 weeks for Planning, 4 - 6 weeks for Building Warrant (usually processed concurrently). If you require a mortgage to build the house the house site will have to be decrofted, taking up to 16 weeks. The seller would normally do this once planning consent had been granted but check this.
There are many costs involved to get services to the house that sometimes get overlooked. Water and electricity are the most costly, depending on how close the supply connection point is and whether it has to cross a road. The trenchwork for both of these connections is not included in their connection price!
The cost of the access road to the house will depend on road length and type of ground encountered, conditions are difficult to predict until work commences. The road is normally finished with crushed stone hauled from local quarries.
If you are planning a self build remember that all the builders and tradesmen are very busy on Skye. If you need a plumber or electrician for the specialist work you will have to book them early or otherwise wait many weeks. One-off self build jobs tend to be fairly low in a busy tradesmans priorities! This delay will typically double the time it would otherwise take to build a house
No reputable builder will offer an Inspection Certificate for insurance purposes unless they have completed the full build including electrics, plumbing etc. Therefore on a self build this will have to be arranged by the client at additional cost. This certificate is vital when selling the property and will reduce the value considerably if not available. Many mortgage companies will not offer a mortgage without one.

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