Are you a have-a-go home hero?

While you’ll (hopefully) build the home of your dreams, it can be a long, stressful and expensive process and there are lots of things to consider before the building work can begin.

Unless you’re able to section off part of your garden and get planning permission to build on it, you’ll obviously need a plot of land.

Finding a plot that already has detailed planning permission for a house will remove much of the risk, but, of course, it’s unlikely to be the house you want.

Unless the plans can be changed, you may prefer to take a risk on a plot without planning permission, or with outline planning permission - this grants permission on the principle that the land can be developed, while detailed planning specifies the design of the building.

You can search for land on property websites such as www.zoopla.co.uk or try land agents, who specialise in selling land, and auction houses.

Local newspapers and property magazines may contain ads for land for sale, or you could place a ‘land wanted’ ad.

Don’t discount derelict buildings - knocking something down and starting again can be a good way to get a great plot, and sometimes the property doesn’t have to be derelict for the numbers to stack up.

As well as the location and chances of obtaining planning permission, consider the value of the land and how you can get services and vehicles to it. Poor access will make the project harder and more expensive, and could even stop it from getting off the ground.

As well as a plot, a good architect is essential. Not only will they translate your vision into reality, they can also enhance it with ideas of their own, coming up with things you hadn’t thought of and solving problems.

Even once the plans are done, a good architect is invaluable, as they can help you obtain planning permission, can manage the build and the pre-build process.

While you can do this yourself, it’s not something recommended for novice self-builders, although it doesn’t deter most of those featured on Grand Designs.