Self-build homes are a growing trend and one of the options involving the least involvement by the homeowner is to acquire a plot and have the home manufactured off-site. German companies have taken the lead in this sector, as the practice is well established in Germany. WeberHaus is the latest German manufacturer to enter the UK and Irish markets, with a system that is likely to
                            further increase the popularity of self-built homes.

Their system differs from many timber frame options because it employs a panel-based system that offers a number of benefits. To give the ultimate reassurance to UK customers, the system has been approved by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) for houses up to 3 stories, plus an attic room. Additionally, it will make discussions with other bodies such as local authority Building Regulations departments go a lot more smoothly. Chris Drury, Sales Manager for WeberHaus comments, “Our first home has been built in Buckinghamshire and the BRE approval helped the home owner secure an NHBC warranty. The implication for customers is that mortgage lenders are more likely to consider advancing a mortgage on the property, whereas most self-built homes rely on an individual’s own equity. It will also re-assure subsequent purchasers when the property is put on the market.”

Chris continues, “There has been a lot of political and media attention focussed on large traditional UK house builders in relation to the time taken to develop properties. The option to purchase a plot of land, have a home designed to a personal, rather than identi-kit template and finally to have it erected in just a few days has been a real draw to forward-thinking home buyers. The WeberHaus system is likely to be very popular with both architects and home-owners alike because there are far more options to have a tailored house from WeberHaus compared to the other German manufacturers.”

WeberHaus homes are made predominantly from wood, which has numerous advantages over traditional ‘brick and block’ building methods. The main environmental consideration is that wood is renewable, with timber only used from sustainable forests. It is also highly versatile, durable, an excellent insulator and is easy to transport – all reducing the carbon footprint and minimising running costs. The precision-engineered walls provide thermal insulation values far in excess of UK Building Regulations and offer excellent noise insulation and fire protection. Of course, it also means that as all elements are produced in a controlled and dry environment in the factory, there tend to be far fewer ‘snagging’ issues.

Customers can either design the home themselves, employing their own architect (or using one of WeberHaus’s architects) or they can choose from a huge range of existing designs as the base for their individual home. Even with this option, the interior layout can be constructed to the customer’s individual requirements. The exterior can be rendered, timber clad or utilise brick/tile facades, so that each home is truly individual.

In addition to the environmental and cost-saving credentials of the construction itself, customers can also benefit from geo-thermal energy to provide heating and hot water as well as utilising photovoltaic roof panels to generate electricity.

Email: paul@freestyleuk.com