Planning to Build? Here's the Ultimate Building Advice You Didn't Know You Needed!
Dreaming of a fresh start? Whether it’s your first home or your forever home, building from scratch is one of the most rewarding (and let’s be real, slightly nerve-wracking) adventures you can embark on. But fear not—we’re here to make the process not just bearable, but dare we say... fun?
At Artifex Homes, we’ve seen it all—muddy plots, midnight Pinterest scrolls, and yes, that inevitable panic over “which shade of white is the right white.” So, grab a brew ☕, settle in, and let’s walk you through building with confidence, clarity, and a bit of cheeky charm.
Step 1: Know What You Want (And What You Really Need)
Before a single brick is laid, you need a game plan. This is your home—your space—so don’t settle for copy-paste layouts or bland boxy builds. Get clear on:
• How you live (Entertainers? Home office life? Pet parents?)
• What you need now vs. what future-you will thank you for
• Your budget (and yes, we always recommend a buffer—things add up!)
Location Still Matters
It’s a new build, but location is still everything. Think about:
• Commute times (hello, lie-ins!)
• School catchment areas (for now or in the future)
• Local amenities and green spaces
• Potential resale value—yes, even if this is “the one”
Design Dreams? Think Function and Flair
Let’s not sugar-coat it: Building gives you a blank canvas—but that also means loads of decisions. Don’t fall into the trap of focusing only on the pretty stuff.
✔️ Prioritise flow—open-plan kitchens are fab, but think about noise, storage, and heat zones
✔️ Don’t skimp on insulation or glazing—these aren't just eco-friendly; they save you serious £££ in the long run
✔️ Ask about futureproofing—think EV chargers, solar panels, and smart home tech
And when it is time to get into the fun details (tiles, taps, handles—we see you), we’re here to guide, not overwhelm.
Need help visualising your space? Our interior design service can bring it all to life.
Choosing the Right Builder is EVERYTHING
Spoiler: not all builders are created equal. You want someone who gets your vision, sticks to the plan (and the budget), and communicates like a pro.
At Artifex Homes, we pride ourselves on being the kind of builder people actually enjoy working with—transparent, thoughtful, and genuinely excited about your project.
Thinking about working with us? Let’s chat!
Let's Talk Value – Do New Builds Really Add Equity?
Short answer? YES.
Longer answer? Here’s why:
1. Energy Efficiency = Lower Bills
New builds come with the latest standards in insulation, heating, and glazing. Buyers love that—especially with rising utility costs.
2. Modern Layouts Sell
Open-plan living, en-suites, built-in storage—all huge ticks for future buyers.
3. Warranty Peace of Mind
A 10-year NHBC warranty? Say less. Buyers pay a premium for the peace of mind new builds bring.
According to Zoopla, new builds can command up to 20% more than similar-sized older homes in the same area.
So if you're thinking resale (even years down the line), your future self will thank you.
The Paperwork: Don't Let It Scare You
Planning permission, building regs, party wall agreements—yeah, we know. It sounds a bit…dry. But don't worry, we’re fluent in council-ese.
When you work with us, we take care of the technical stuff. You’ll always know what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what’s coming next. No nasty surprises. No jargon. No ghosting.
Real Talk: Common Building Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Here are some mistakes we see time and time again—plus how to dodge them:
🚫 Choosing price over experience
✅ Choose proven value. Cheap builds can actually cost more in the long term.
🚫 Not thinking about storage
✅ Built-ins = best friends. You’ll never say “I wish we had less storage,” promise.
🚫 Rushing the design phase
✅ A little extra planning now saves a LOT of regret later.
We’re Here for the Journey
Building a home should be exciting. At Artifex Homes, we believe in the personal touch. We’re here for all of it—the WhatsApp messages at 10PM because you’ve seen a new kitchen tap, the site visits where we walk you through each milestone, the Instagram-worthy reveal – maybe leave this part off?
Want proof? Check out our recent projects and see why our clients trust us to bring their vision to life.
Ready to Build Something Beautiful?
If you’re planning your new build in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, or surrounding areas, we’d love to hear from you. Book a free, no-pressure consultation today.
Or follow our behind-the-scenes adventures on Instagram @artifex.homes. We share tips, inspo, and the occasional coffee-fuelled site selfie.
