1. I've heard so much about Custom Homes, who are they?
2. Where are they based?
3. Are ASPP part of your company as I recognise some of their designs?
4. How can you help us?
5. Do we have to use you for everything?
6. How do I know if I can afford a particular plot?
7. Can you handle our project anywhere, even if we move South?
8. Do you only build using a timber frame internally?
9. We have noticed more and more homes use a timber frame. Why is this?
10. You are renowned for your support for individuals, do you deal with larger builders?
11. What warranties and guarantees do we get from you?
12. Can we see completed projects?
13. For peace of mind we would like you to handle everything for us.
    How much does project co-ordination cost?
14. Are there any hidden costs?
15. How will I save money using your company rather than a builder?
16. Can I self build this myself?
17. How much will we save building our own home rather than buying a ready built home?
18. We want to use Custom Homes. How do we proceed?

The UK's largest self-build package company offering a complete service from design to construction with offices nationwide. Custom Homes Scotland is a Scottish owned company operating throughout Scotland under the Custom Homes banner to cater for the differences, both in specification and laws, between England and Scotland.

Custom Homes have offices throughout the UK. The Scottish offices are at Strathaven, Lanarkshire and Stirling. Custom Homes' head office is in Surrey with the main administration office in Sudbury, Suffolk.

Custom Homes bought all the rights to Architectural Services Planning Partnership (ASPP) whose original roots started in the late '60s. They were probably the first self build package company in the UK bringing the idea from America having purchased an American company. The company built the first show home at the Ideal Home Show in London and continued for a further 22 years. Custom Homes has undertaken projects for the British Government as far apart as Belgium and Japan. They also have offices overseas.

We offer expertise and service to individuals who wish to build their own dream home but have neither the time nor core skills to manage the project personally. From initial concept, through design, planning and construction, we manage the project on the individual client's behalf.

Our service offers the ultimate in flexibility. There are no fixed parameters, you, the client choose how much or how little involvement you require.

If you feel that you could install your own plumbing or electrics as an example, you are free to undertake that part of the project yourself. Equally, some of our clients have access to those skills from within their own circle of friends or family and again in those circumstances you are free to carry out that element privately.

Logistically, Custom Homes Scotland have to restrict their operations to Scotland and the North of England. Should you be moving South then we will liase and work together with the nearest Custom Homes local office to your plot of land.

Yes. Our timber frame factory is based in Southern Scotland. We are happy to tender on a supply and erection basis for timber frames but from experience we will not tender on a supply only basis.

With the forecast of continuous reductions in 'U' values by the Government this means all homes have to be far more energy efficient. Individuals in Scotland are aware of this and the vast majority select a timber frame construction for their dream home.

At Custom Homes a team of specialists have been selected to sympathetically handle individuals' needs and requirements. Custom Homes have other divisions who work in the commercial and industrial field.

Our designers, engineers and project co-ordinators have Professional Indemnity Insurance cover. That cover carries no time limit and is transferable to subsequent purchasers of the property.

We also arrange for a 10 year structural warranty which is supported by our engineers insurance cover. All banks and building societies insist on this. Manufacturers' warranties for all construction materials are assigned to you on completion of the project.

Yes, there are literally thousands throughout the UK. We have a policy of respecting our clients' privacy, some may show you inside, but you can always see the property from the outside. You may find a site visit to a working project of greater value, something we can always arrange.

Most clients opt for a part Project Management service as a minimum. For £6000 clients receive full support, overseeing the construction to a dry shell, arrangement of all services and assistance with all insurances. This allows the client to complete the easier internal jobs.

A full project management service is also available and prices will vary slightly with site location and design complexities.

Are there any hidden costs?

No. All our fees are inclusive of all expenses. There are no extras.

How will I save money using your company rather than a builder?

Many clients save between 20-30% by using Custom Homes rather than a builder.

Yes, if you have four things,

• the time available to devote to the project. Typically, Custom Homes will dedicate not less than two man days per week for the full term of the project from design to completion.

• the enthusiasm and commitment required to see the project through. Consider ~ working on your own, you will certainly take longer to complete the project ~ do you have the staying power to keep going during the times when all does not go according to plan?

• a raft of core skills, both in man management and specification/cost control. Are you equipped, for example, to be able tell when the plumber, bricklayer, electrician, plasterer, etc. is doing it right? ~ and finally,

• a very understanding wife, family, partner and/or bank manager and not necessarily in that order.

How much will we save building our own home rather than buying a ready built home?

This depends on many factors, location being the most important. Original plot cost and specification can also have a large effect on the eventual value. As a guide you should expect a valuation of at least 20% - 30% more than your total costs. However, self build is really about choice. You get the house you want in the area you want. You do not get something a builder thinks you want.

We want to use Custom Homes. How do we proceed?

Following free informal discussions, we shall prepare a Stage 1 feasibility study based on our understanding of your requirements. This takes the form of a set of plans including floor plan layouts, sketch elevations and computer generated 3d models of the proposed house. It will generally also include a representation of the proposed house on the site together with an initial budget cost for the project.

Stage 2 is the preparation and submission to building control of your final design.

Stage 3 - Following the granting of planning permission, you will be given a project co-ordination contract should you require this service. This will cover the payment structure, service and support offered.