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The community of self-builders
We support self-builders with applicable trade knowledge,
real-life case studies, and a vibrant community
Building your own eco home is a hugely exciting prospect but it is no small task.
There is so much information to absorb and so many choices to make that it can soon become overwhelming. And if you don’t know who to trust or where to go for the answers you need, then it can get lonely too.
I have spent the last eight years in the construction industry, built up a network, gained insights directly from experts and self-builders alike, while my company Regen Media has filmed projects for Architype, Green Building Store, NUDURA, Potton, and many more. Since I have encountered many questions in my own self build journey, and received a lot of feedback from my podcast listeners, my team and I decided to put our resources and connections to the greater good.
At last, there is a community for like-minded self-builders who know they can get through this, enjoy the journey and are willing to share their experiences to help others.
As a self-builder, it’s likely you already have your heart set on an energy-efficient home, that’s going to be a comfortable and healthy place for your family to live. Perhaps you’ve even done some of the research already . . . but don't let anything hold you back.
- Learn how to create a realistic budget and then stick to it, so that you work within your means and avoid a stressful situation
- Improve your chances of finding a plot of land by getting proactive, which can save you time and/or money
- Follow our step-by-step guide to getting planning permission to dramatically increase your chances of gaining consent
- Gain a deeper understanding of the decisions others are making on their projects and why, so that you end up with the best home you can possibly make
AVAILABLE COURSES AND CASE STUDIES INCLUDE
LONG BARROW - CASE STUDY
Our first in-depth video case study is a semi earth-sheltered Passivhaus, built with insulated concrete formwork.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE PASSIVHAUS - CASE STUDY
Our second in-depth video case study is a PH15 timber frame build. The house has gone on to become one of the most airtight buildings in the UK.
FINDING LAND
An easy to follow sequence of lessons that’s designed to smooth your plot-finding journey and bring your self-build dream that little bit closer.
PLANNING PERMISSION
Planning permission is not the sexiest part of building a house, but it is a necessity! Here we cover the basics.
SECURING FINANCE
Avoid a crippling overspend by putting in the time to assess your financial position.
VAT REFUNDS
A massive benefit of building a new home is that you can reclaim the VAT you've paid at the end of the project. We explain how to do this effectively.
AVAILABLE HELP GUIDES CURRENTLY
FINANCING A SELF BUILD
If you’re thinking about building your own home, you’ll also be thinking about the best way to finance it. At first glance, the world of self-build loans is like an uncharted wilderness compared to the simple, well-trodden road to more conventional mortgages.
GETTING STARTED WITH PLANNING PERMISSION
It has a reputation for being an impenetrable bureaucratic world, where planning officers make unfair demands or inexplicably refuse the best-laid plans. The good news is it’s really not as mysterious or complicated as it might seem.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP
Only £35 a month
Recurring payment - cancel anytime
YEARLY MEMBERSHIP
Only £299 a year
SAVE £121
What people are saying
AMAZING HOMES OUR MEMBERS HAVE BUILT
"Building your own home is likely the largest project you'll ever undertake that's an emotional roller coaster like no other. Having a group of people who have gone through or are going through the same journey, willing to share their experiences and knowledge makes a massive difference. The wealth of information available on The Hub makes it an essential source of knowledge and inspiration."
David and Rosie Reid - Milnathort, Scotland
During the research for our self build we stumbled upon the House Planning Help podcast. We found it really useful as it posed questions that we hadn't considered as well as providing the answers in the interviews with Ben's great guests. From there it was a natural step to join The Hub to take full advantage of the resources from Ben's own Passive House build. I found the video content particularly helpful and when we had a query about some aspect of our own build it was great to be able to use the Monday morning sessions to get helpful advice and take advantage of all the experience in the Hub.
Mark McCall - Lisburn, Northern Ireland
"The Hub provides a social network of like minded self-builders where you can turn for information, help and support in times of need. It’s also a great space for sharing experiences and knowing that you are not alone on this journey. Our house is better insulated, more airtight and provides a more comfortable living environment as a direct result of being a Hub member. Ben has been especially helpful as a source of inspiration and practical advice."
Chris Armstrong - Southwell, England
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP
Only £35 a month
Recurring payment - cancel anytime
YEARLY MEMBERSHIP
Only £299 a year
SAVE £121
MEMBER BENEFITS
DETAILED CASE STUDIES
Experience what a self-build is like by getting on site and watching our videos. We follow projects from start to finish, releasing 5-minute videos throughout the year, to give you insights into why certain decisions are made.
BUILD-PROCESS COURSES
Learn what you want to learn and at your own pace in our step-by-step guides that focus on a specific aspect of building an energy-efficient home. And these courses are often triggered by a question from a Hub member.
PRIVATE FORUM
Network with fellow self-builders in our forum. Use this informal environment to share your experience, get help on a roadblock you may be facing, or simply socialise.
MONTHLY LIVE TRAINING
Guest experts or self-builders who've come to the end of their journeys put together presentations for our Hub members. These explain how different parts of the process work and provide practical examples.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP
Only £35 a month
Recurring payment - cancel anytime
YEARLY MEMBERSHIP
Only £299 a year
SAVE £121
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know this is right for me?
If you’re serious about building an energy-efficient home and want the support of like-minded individuals, then this will be a good fit. Hub members love to learn, act upon what they’ve learnt, and then share their experiences with others.
What's your refund policy?
We are so confident The Hub will help accelerate your self build journey, we offer a 30-day money back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied we'll give you your money back, no questions asked.
Do I get access to Ben Adam-Smith?
Although there is no one-to-one access, Ben answers all questions personally within the forum.
© House Planning Help 2023