Sheila+Peters Selfbuild

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Tales of the Riverbank – Pete & Sheila Boughtwood

Both Peter and Sheila Boughtwood were Health Care workers living and working in Norfolk.  They had often thought about building their own home, but had never seen a suitable site for themselves and their two boys Luke and Joshua.  One evening when Pete was on duty and killing time waiting for the next call, he happened to be walking along the towpath of one of the many canals near Nordelph.  A sign for a large double plot indicated it was for sale and the location was just perfect.

The next day he made enquiries only to find that an offer had already been submitted.  However there were problems regarding access.  Pete spoke with his Solicitor and they decided to offer accepting any conditions that might affect the access to the site.  In fact the access had been in existence for over 50 years but never committed to paper and the couple were not worried.

The Boughtwoods lived nearby and were keen to secure the plot quickly without selling their own house to raise the capital.  By borrowing 95% on the land  through the Accelerator Mortgage they exchanged contracts quickly and could then plan their great adventure.

Pete Boughtwood – “We knew that there was a danger of losing the land if we delayed.  We applied for the Accelerator Mortgage which lent us 95% of the land cost and we were able to clinch the deal very quickly.”

The Boughtwoods chose to sell their existing house and move on to a large caravan on site.  They adapted the mobile home to include an “entrance hall” which housed their washing machine, fridge and microwave, thereby giving them a lot ore room for the family. 

Planning permission followed without incident as they had chosen local timber frame kit firm English Brothers to help with their own design ideas and provide the kit.  Again the Accelerator Mortgage assisted by providing the funds for the timber kit up front.  They could therefore pay for the kit in advance, a facility not available through other self build loan schemes.

The Boughtwoods arranged their own tradesmen with help from Pete’s step father and the actual build took only five months before Pete, Sheila, Luke and Josh were able to move into their new home.  The property has been designed to suit the Boughtwoods lifestyle with the kitchen, dining area and living area located in one area spanning the whole width of the house.  The view over the fields is excellent and they can monitor the movements of their two sons quite easily !  Upstairs the master bedroom with its en suite bathroom looks over the waterway and more open land, fields and trees.   

Through their build Pete and Sheila bought their building materials through the BuildPlan Self Build Trade Account and enjoyed advice from the BuildPlan staff on various aspects of their project.

Pete Boughtwood – “BuildPlan was really helpful.  We were first time self builders and really needed sound advice on materials.  BuildPlan were able to advise on quantities needed and also what the options were for these.  We received good service from the merchants nearby recommended by BuildPlan and we certainly noticed a difference in the prices that we paid for the materials.  They were much much better than we could ever have negotiated.”

Although the couple have moved into their new home and are enjoying living in some style after their caravanning adventures, they have already decided to build again on the adjacent plot which they presently own.

Sheila Boughtwood – “We would certainly make some changes to the design in the next house.  We made only a few mistakes – the front door opens the wrong way, and there aren’t enough cupboards for towels and other things.  We might even move the living accommodation to the first floor so we can look over the canal and see the boats as they go past.  However we’re going to enjoy staying put for a year or so.”

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