FAQs

Obtaining a self-build mortgage can be more challenging than getting a traditional mortgage because lenders consider self-build projects to be higher risk.

Self-build mortgages require a more detailed application process, as the lender will need to assess the feasibility of the project, the value of the land, and the experience and financial stability of the borrower. Additionally, self-build mortgages typically require larger deposits and may have higher interest rates.

Fortunately, R.HOUSE is one of only four modular house manufacturing companies in the UK that have been handpicked to partner with Ecology Building Society, which allows us to offer an exclusive ‘off site build’ advance payment mortgage to R.HOUSE customers. This helps make obtaining a self build mortgage far easier than it normally would be.

Generally, self-build mortgages require a larger deposit than traditional mortgages - typically around 20-25% of the total cost of the project. Some lenders may require a higher deposit, particularly for borrowers with limited experience in self-build projects.

Check out Ecology Building Society to see if obtaining a self-build mortgage could be right for you.

The time it takes to get a self-build mortgage can vary depending on the lender and the specifics of the project.

Typically, the process can take several weeks to a few months, as lenders will need to assess the feasibility of the project, including the land, the design, and the budget. The application process may also involve a more detailed valuation and underwriting process than traditional mortgages.

The amount of money that you can borrow for a self-build mortgage will depend on several factors, including the value of the land, the design of the house, and the budget needed for the project.

Typically, self-build mortgages can range from £50,000 to £500,000, although some lenders may offer higher loan amounts. The amount that you can borrow will also depend on your income, credit history, and other financial factors.

Some lenders may allow you to use the value of the land as a deposit for a self-build mortgage, but this will depend on the lender's policies and the specifics of the project.

Generally, lenders will require a cash deposit, but some may allow borrowers to use other assets, such as equity in other properties or savings, as a deposit. It's important to check with the lender directly to understand their specific requirements for self-build mortgages.

Planning in principle is a way to establish whether a proposed development is suitable for a particular area before submitting a full planning application.

It is a way to get a decision in principle from the local planning authority on whether a development proposal is acceptable in principle, before spending time and money on developing a detailed planning application.

A building warrant application is a process of obtaining approval from the local council to carry out building work on a property. It is a legal requirement in Scotland and ensures that the proposed building work meets the relevant building standards and regulations.

The application must be submitted before any construction work begins and must include detailed plans, calculations, and specifications of the proposed building work.

R.HOUSE provides a NHBC warranty on all our homes, which covers structural defects and issues with the heating and ventilation systems. Individual parts of the build all come with their own warranties - the roofing and windows, for example.

Yes, you need planning permission for a prefab house, just like any other type of home. R.HOUSE can assist with obtaining planning permission for their customers.

To buy a plot of land in Scotland, you can search for available plots on property websites, approach a local estate agent, or consult with a land or property surveyor.

R.House regularly sources and advertises plots of land for sale in the Skye and Lochalsh areas and will be more than happy to assist you with finding a suitable plot for the construction of your new home.

A kit house is a type of prefabricated home that is manufactured off-site and then delivered in sections or modules to be assembled on-site.

The kit contains all the necessary components, including walls, floors, and roof panels, as well as doors, windows, and other fixtures. Kit houses are often customisable and can range in size and style to meet the needs and preferences of the homeowner.

R.HOUSE kit houses have been designed for the rigours of the highland weather. Factory construction is safer, cleaner and allows work in all weather. This ensures swift production and fixed-cost pricing. as well as the rest of the benefits outlined below:

• 90% reduction in manufacturing waste achievable by off-site building
• Noise and disruption to neighbours of the development site greatly reduced
• Build quality greatly improved
• Speedy erection of buildings when delivered to site
• Reduced carbon emissions due to fewer deliveries

A prefab home, or prefabricated home, is a type of house that is constructed off-site in a factory or workshop and then transported to the building site in sections or modules for final assembly.

A prefab home is different from a traditional home in that it is constructed off-site and assembled on-site, while a traditional home is built entirely on-site.

Prefab homes are typically faster and easier to construct, have more consistent quality, and are more energy-efficient.

The benefits of building a prefab home include:

• Faster construction times
• Higher quality control
• More energy efficiency
• Greater flexibility in design

Yes, prefab homes are mortgageable. R.HOUSE has an exclusive partnership with Ecology self-build mortgages to help customers finance their home builds.

The cost of building a prefab home can vary depending on the size of the home, the design, the location, and the materials used.

R.HOUSE offers prefabricated homes from as little as £85,085 up to £559,975.

The construction time for a prefab home is far quicker than a traditional build, however, timelines will vary depending on the size of your home and the location of the build.

Prefab homes generally take 3-9 months to fully construct, but R.HOUSE can erect your home on site wind and water-tight within 12 hours!

Yes, R.HOUSE offers a range of customisable designs to meet the specific needs and preferences of our customers.

Our bespoke design and build services offer the opportunity to design a sustainable custom home with all the benefits of our R.HOUSE turnkey construction service where we’ll take care of everything from planning permission to completion.

There are also many available upgrades R.HOUSE customers can make to their self-build homes so that the final build reflects your personal requirements and taste.

The building process of a prefab home is typically faster and more efficient than that of a traditional home, as much of the construction is done off-site.

Additionally, prefab homes offer more design flexibility and can be customised to meet the needs of the homeowner.

Prefab homes are typically more energy-efficient than traditional homes, as they are constructed with sustainable materials and have better insulation.

Additionally, the off-site construction process reduces waste and energy consumption during the building process.

Yes, prefab homes hold their value just as well as traditional homes, particularly if they are well-maintained and constructed with high-quality materials.

Our larch cladding has a typical lifespan of 60 years. There is no maintenance on larch cladding as it weathers it turns a beautiful shade of silver. Over time, like any brick-and-mortar house, some larch boards may need to be replaced or updated.

Prefab homes typically require less maintenance than traditional homes, but regular upkeep is still necessary.

Within our full turnkey service, R.HOUSE takes care of everything from gaining planning permission and helping find suitable plots of land, to final completion and the 6 months defects liability (snagging) period beyond that.

Yes, R.HOUSE offers a complete turnkey service, which includes managing the entire construction process, from detailed planning application, site preparation and foundation work to delivering and assembling the prefabricated home on-site.

This service ensures that our customers have peace of mind throughout the entire building process.

Yes, R.HOUSE's house designs can be customised to fit your plot and meet your specific needs.

R.HOUSE also offers a bespoke service with our architects which allows customers to change the size, layout, and finishes of their homes to create a unique design that suits their lifestyle and budget.

Yes, R.HOUSE provides customers with detailed plans and 3D renderings of their homes before they commit to purchasing the design.

This allows customers to see how the design will look on their chosen plot of land and make any necessary alterations before construction begins.

You can see all the R.HOUSE home designs here.

Yes! R.HOUSE has many partnerships with local landowners within the Skye and Lochalsh area who have plots of land for sale. Thus, we can help you find suitable plots and may even know of land that is yet to be advertised publicly.

No, R.HOUSE offers a complete turnkey service, which means we take care of everything from helping you buy the land to constructing and finishing your home.

Timber-framed houses can be a good investment, as they are typically energy-efficient, durable, and sustainable. Timber is a renewable resource that is also biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Additionally, timber-framed houses may have a longer lifespan than other types of construction, which can make them a sound investment over the long term.

Timber-framed houses can be more expensive to buy than traditional brick and mortar houses due to the cost of materials and the manufacturing process.

However, they can also be more energy-efficient, which can lead to cost savings over time. Additionally, timber-framed houses can be quicker to build, which can reduce labour costs and lead to a faster return on investment.

Ultimately, the cost of a timber-framed house will depend on a variety of factors, including the size, design, and location of the house, as well as the materials and labour required for construction.