About the Swedish House Company
Do you provide a full “turn key” service?
Generally we do not, but if that is what you are looking for, please consider the fact that we deliver and erect a structure that is complete with factory fitted windows and external doors – this is the infrastructure for any competent builder to finish off.
Depending on where you are in the country, we may well know a suitable project management company or individual and builders whom we would recommend. We are always involved in the whole build process from start to finish as it is very important to us that you end up with the new home you dreamt of. We will make numerous inspections at strategic points in the build process to ensure that work carried out by your contactors is of a standard in line with the quality we demand. We are always on the end of a phone to help your builders with any queries they may have.
Where do you manufacture your houses?
Our factory is in Linghed, Sweden.
Why do you manufacture in Sweden?
The Swedes value things that are not only superbly designed, but also superbly constructed. Mistakes are simply not tolerated. This obsession with quality extends to every aspect of the design and construction of our houses. In Sweden, our houses are not so much manufactured as precision engineered.
Can I visit one of your houses?
We do not have permanent houses on show but we do hold open days at some of the houses built by self-builders over the recent past. If you would like to visit one of these houses, please call the office on 01892 509 230 or email opendays@swedishhouses.com telling us where you live so that we can judge which will be the closest open house to you.
Where can you build my house?
We will build anywhere within the UK and Ireland and further afield should you so wish.
About Self-build
Does “self build” mean that I have to do the work?
You can if you want but generally our self-builders employ a project manager or have a main contractor who will coordinate the schedule of work. You can project manage yourself and this could reduce costs although the expertise of a good project manager will keep costs to minimum. If, however, you have particular expertise or knowledge that you could apply to the project, it would save you money to do it yourself!
Can I erect my own house?
You can, but you might find it quicker and easier to use our team of Swedish carpenters.
How long will it take to build my house?
Normally the house will be delivered and erected 14 weeks after it is ordered. (Please bear in mind that the Swedish factory closes for 1 month over the summer and 2 weeks over Christmas and that if the manufacturing period spans these holidays, 4 and 2 weeks respectively should be added to the 14 weeks.)
The house will take our carpenters from 3 to 7 days to take to weather-tight and then your trades people will take around another 14 to 16 weeks to complete the house.
In total, from ordering to moving in to your house should take no more than 33 weeks. However, it does really depend on your builders and the size of the house. One of our customers this year moved in to his house 10 weeks after the erection of the shell!
About house designs
Do you have standard house designs?
We have house designs that we show as examples of houses we have previously built. Some of these designs, such as the Furudal, have been used and adapted more than others. In reality each of the houses we supply is individually designed to the customer’s brief.
We have our own house design, can you work with that?
Yes we can. It is possible that we might have to make a few minor engineering amendments in order to facilitate manufacturing to our system.
Will I need an architect?
We will work to your architect’s design if you have one, or we can adapt one of our designs for you, or design your individual house following your specific requirements.
Would we be able to extend our house in the future?
Yes you would (subject, of course, to planning permission). If you know that this is something you would like to do, please do discuss it with us as there may be elements we could add to the design stage to make an extension easier in the future.
About timber-frame constructions
Will it be obvious from the outside that I have a timber frame house?
No. You can choose the cladding that you like and that best fits with the environment of your house. Recent customer choices have included rendering using a render board system, clad in brick, recycled stone, a combination of these, and also timber of course!
How do you make up for the trees you chop down?
Each tree that we fell is replaced by 6 more in fully managed forests in Sweden.
Energy efficiency
How “eco” are your houses?
Very! Each tree that we fell is replaced by 6 more in fully managed forests in Sweden.
All windows in our houses are triple glazed as standard and the houses are super insulated. Add to this the standard feature of a ventilation system with mechanical heat recovery and you will find that the energy bills for your house will be astonishingly low.
The flexibility of our house designs means you can add all the “eco” features you would like such as heat pumps, wind turbines, solar panels, even hydro power should your house be in the right position. Rainwater harvesting is commonly used by our customers.
You can also use recycled materials for the external cladding.
With such levels of insulation, will the house not be stuffy?
Have a look at how our ventilation system works: you’ll see that the air within a Swedish House Company house is constantly refreshed, with the stale air being replaced on average every 2 hours (without losing the heat!).
Costing
How much will it cost to build a Swedish House?
Approximately £110 to 140 per ft2, not including the cost of the land. This cost covers basic groundwork, assuming a flat plot, house supply and erection by the Swedish House Company and also the cost of local builders finishing the project. We estimate your part of the build process based on what our customers are currently paying – this includes medium range kitchen and bathroom fittings.
We give you a cost for the complete build because for most self-builders, it would be meaningless to simply supply the cost of the structure.
Plot of land, Finance, Insurance
How do I go about finding a plot?
You can approach local estate agents who may have building plots on their books, but what is more likely is that they will be able to give you details of older houses or bungalows that are ripe for development by demolishing and re-building.
Building plots are often sold at auction but you should make sure that they either have existing planning permission or that local planners are at the very least favourable to the principle of building on that particular plot. Never assume anything with regard to planning permission so take a look at the Local Authority Development Plan to find the areas most likely to be granted planning permission.
Once you have decided where you would like to build, it is worth speaking to local people and perhaps advertising (in local newspapers, etc). It is a good idea to make it clear in the advertisement that you are not a developer but simply want to build a new home for you or your family.
For further help do not forget to check our useful links.
Do you help us with planning permission?
Yes we do. Our fees cover up to 3 applications excluding local authority fees.
Do you help us with building regulations (building warrant) application?
Yes we do. We have been awarded LABC System certification in England, which means that our building system is recognised by the Local Authority Building Control Departments helping speed through building regulations applications.
We will supply all the technical details pertaining to the building necessary to apply for building regulations.
What is the difference between Outline Planning Permission and Detailed Planning Permission?
Outline Planning Permission (OPP) is when the Local Authority has said that the permission to build has been granted in principle only. Detailed Planning Permission means that detailed house plans etc have been approved and permission to build that specific house has been granted by the Local Authority.
Can I obtain a mortgage on a timber frame house?
Yes. All the major building societies and banks are willing to provide mortgages on timber frame houses and make no distinction between timber frame and “traditionally” built houses so long as the external cladding is no more that 80% timber. The same applies to insurance companies.
Do you have a question that’s not listed here? Just contact us! |
