Let’s talk about self-building in 2025.
Self-building is one of the most rewarding ventures in construction. It’s about creating a home that’s truly yours—a place that reflects your vision, needs, and lifestyle. However, in 2025, the process presents its own set of challenges. From rising material costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions to the pressure of coordinating every detail, it can quickly become overwhelming and costly for any self-builder or home owner.
As the Director of Belinda Grace Consulting, and an Associate of the RICS, I have worked with a huge variety of private clients and main contactors, helping them navigate legal and commercial complexities. Through my international experience and expertise, I’ve learned what strategies work.
Look out for my free weekly insights to make your build a success.
The Growing Appeal of Self-Building
Self-building has never been more popular. With people spending more time at home, there’s a growing desire to create spaces that are designed around personal needs and lifestyles.
Whether it’s accommodating a home office or simply creating more functional living spaces, self-building offers a solution for many. However, self-building in 2025 comes with a unique set of challenges. Material prices continue to rise, and supply chain disruptions remain a reality. For anyone thinking of building their own home, it’s crucial to approach the process with a clear, practical strategy
Managing Rising Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions
The construction industry, both in the UK and globally, is dealing with significant challenges when it comes to material costs and supply chain disruptions. These factors have a direct impact on self-build projects, making effective procurement strategies more essential than ever before.
As a commercial manager, I’ve worked on projects where managing procurement has been key to staying within budget. That’s why, in my current research for my thesis, I’m focused on optimising procurement strategies for residential construction. A key takeaway is the importance of sourcing materials early and exploring alternative suppliers. We also work closely with our clients to ensure they’re aware of potential price fluctuations, allowing them to make informed decisions. It’s about being proactive and strategic—planning ahead so that cost escalations don’t derail your project
Planning, Budgeting, and Timing: The Key to Success
When it comes to self-building, successful projects are built on detailed planning and effective budgeting. But it’s not just about estimating the right costs—there’s the added complexity of balancing time, costs, and the ordering and delivery of materials to keep things on track. Many self-builders overlook how interlinked these factors are. If the right materials aren’t ordered at the right time, or the budget isn’t flexible enough to accommodate changes in price, it can delay the project and escalate costs. It’s crucial to programme your project effectively, ensuring you have contingency plans in place and that you can respond to any delays or unexpected issues.
This is where my team of quantity surveyors can provide real value. We help our clients put together detailed, realistic budgets and schedules, with clear timelines for material ordering and project milestones. We help you manage your cash flow and ensure you’re never caught out by hidden costs or missed deadlines.
How We Can Help You
Self-building is a huge undertaking, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Belinda Grace Group, we offer expert advice on procurement, contract and cost management, and more—ensuring your self-build stays on track, within budget, and delivers a high-quality finish. Whether you’re just beginning the search for land or already well into the planning stages, we’re here to support you through every step of the process. My vision for BGG is to be your one-stop shop. We don’t just manage your build from start to finish—we also offer refurbishment or staging services to maximise the market value of your current home and get it sold for you. Using a dedicated team with passion and experience, combined with my personal dedication to utilising the latest software for cost reporting and procurement of building materials, means we can guide you through the complexities of self-building with ease. We ensure no time is wasted, keeping your project efficient, transparent, and on track. If you’re ready to bring your self-build vision to life, we’re here to make the journey as smooth as possible.
