Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The names of our kit house designs follow a simple system. First, we use a prefix to indicate the design range:

• ‘AGH’ stands for Airigh
• ‘LH’ stands for Longhouse
• ‘ALH’ stands for Accessible Longhouse
• ‘TH’ and ‘UH’ models are from our Steading range.

The subsequent numbers indicate the design and how many storeys it has: so, LH102 is the first design from our Longhouse range, and has two floors.

We also use suffixes to indicate if a porch extension (P) or dormer window (D) has been added to the core design.

The package price depends on which type of package you choose. For example, you may wish to choose a supply and install package rather than supply and deliver only. The base prices shown on our website are for supply and delivery only.

For all our kits Sales Tax will be applied, depending on your location. We will provide you with this information at the beginning of our discussions on price.

The rest of the build will be handled by the contractor of your choice. Alternatively, you may wish to 'self-build', where you arrange the rest of the build yourself. This involves arranging the various trades and materials required, possibly even with an element of your own labour.

Try getting to know the locals in the area where you want to build, often the best plots are not advertised. Remember to contact the local real estate agents and get them to put you on their lists.

Finally check the internet there are a whole range of websites that can help you find your ideal plot. 

To view the indicative floorplans of our houses you need to register with us. Use the 'register' link on the left hand menu bar. Once you have registered with us you will be able to log in at any time to view floorplans and other information about the designs.

Obviously your choice of land is largely based on your own requirements but there are some basics to think about:

• Is the location right for you - does it have the views you want, access to local shops etc?
• Are there any onerous planning conditions which may unsettle you or your mortgage company? This is one for your solicitor to look into.
• Is the plot the right size and shape for your needs?
• Are services such as electricity and water nearby? Will you be able to get these services if not? Will you need to organize a well if you can't get mains water?
• Will it be expensive to prepare the plot for building because of difficult ground conditions and/or the requirement for a long access road? This can be difficult to ascertain and it may be advisable to consult with a qualified surveyor before purchasing
• What will the sewerage arrangements be? Mains? Septic tank or some other arrangement?
• Will the plot be easy for builders to access when it comes to building and is there an area for setting down materials?
• Cost is often an important factor - can you afford the site without eating into your building budget?

It's a good idea to listen closely to the advice of local estate agents who know the area. Speak to the local Planning officer to see if he can provide any further information. You may wish to speak to a surveyor. Always take legal advice before making any definite decisions.
 

No, but we do offer a kit erection service in the Pacific Northwest.

We would advise that your architect or agent helps find a suitable contractor to build your Hebhomes house.

These are industry standard terms denoting a particular stage of the build process. This would usually mean that the kit shell has been erected on the foundation, the windows and doors have been fitted and the roofing and wall membranes have been applied.

Your house will still let in water at this stage. No house is truly weathertight until the roofcovering (e.g. slates) and external cladding (e.g. blockwork) have been applied, and all gaps sealed up. It is perfectly normal for windblown rain to drive into the kit at this stage and your own building contractor should take measures to begin sealing up the house as soon as possible after the kit is up.

The internal floor area is the approximate total floor area (ground and upper) of the house measured in square feet.

A location plan shows the area in which your plot/proposed plot is located. It allows a Planning officer to pinpoint where your site is. It is also used for purposes of informing neighbours of the location of your proposed development.

A site plan (sometimes called a block plan) shows the site in more detail with your proposed house positioned upon it. It also shows other information such as the position of the access road and the drainage arrangements.

These plans obviously vary greatly from site to site, hence they are not provided by us. They are, however, often required to secure building pernits. Your local architect or technician can draw these up.

Our range of homes has been carefully architect-designed to make excellent use of space and light. We stand by the integrity of our designs.

We understand that clients will sometimes require alterations to their chosen design. For example, your site may require the house plan to be mirrored, or you may require a larger window to the gable or an extra velux window. Simple design amendments can be undertaken for a nominal charge, although changes will also affect the kit price.

Bear in mind that there are several steps in the pricing, design, engineering, ordering and production phases which will need to be re-evaluated if you request modifications. So the extra cost of modifications can quickly add up. The financial savings of building a kit house over a bespoke architect-designed house spring from the fact that they are pre-designed and engineered. So modifying something pre-designed will always cost more and take more time to achieve.

No. We do not sell the plans for our designs separately. The plans are provided as part of the package when you purchase one of our kits.

Any use of our designs without our express permission will be considered breach of copyright and we will take immediate action to recover costs.

There are a great many factors which govern the total build cost of a house. These include the quality of materials (bathrooms, kitchens, flooring etc) you choose, site conditions, ease of getting services to the site, length of access road and local construction market conditions generally.

Our Price your House calculator will give you an estimate of the total build of the house. Please note exclusions and specification when using this tool.

You will need an architect or other qualified building professional to provide advice throughout your project on matters such as siting of the house within your plot and a whole host of other queries which will arise during the process. 

This qualified person will also be able to act as your agent in the submission of Building Permit and Approval applications. They can provide (or arrange to provide) other site-specific drawings which you will require, such as those for detailed drainage arrangements.

We can communicate directly with your professional to provide them with the information they may require from us.

This professional can also tender your project and arrange the contract between you and the main contractor. When your house goes on site you will need this qualified professional to administer the terms of the contract and ensure that your contractor is undertaking the work satisfactorily, and perhaps to provide the stage valuations for your mortgage company.

If you already have a builder identified that you want to use we recommend using a quantity surveyor (QS) to negotiate the price before contracts are signed. 

Otherwise, there is usually a formal tender process for deciding which builder will get the job. Often three to five different firms get the opportunity to put in their tenders and there is a cut-off date when they must be in by, to make sure all is fair and above board. This happens after the building permit stage. We would recommend that your architect or QS identifies these contractors and arranges this tender process. 

It's worth trying to ascertain which firms to send tenders to at an early stage. See if you can find out more about them, how busy their schedules might be, and how good their reputation is. But don't expect too much from builders too early on. They can't give you an accurate price until they have permit drawings and final specifications.  Remember - the cheapest tender is not always the best value for money.

Once we have received your signed Release Letter and engagement fee the process can get underway.

We will work with you to finalise and confirm your design for your preferred home and then produce design drawings.  These will be used - along with site specific drawings prepared by your architect -  to allow your architect to secure the permitting required.

When you have received your approvals and are ready to order the kit we will prepare detailed drawings, specific to the house you have purchased, which will be provided to your contractor to allow them to prepare the site for your HebHome.