Architect-Designed Modern Rural Homes

HebHomes does not use a fixed square metre cost because it is not an accurate way to price a house.

The total cost of a HebHome depends on site conditions, location, design complexity, house size, specification level, and current construction costs. Fixed site costs and regulatory requirements mean that a simple £/m² figure can be misleading.

Low square metre rates advertised online often exclude major elements of the build, such as foundations, groundworks, services, or external works, or they are based on outdated pricing. Modern houses must meet current building regulations and energy standards, which increases construction costs.

For an accurate and realistic budget, HebHomes recommends using the Estimate Full Build Cost tool. This provides a project-specific cost estimate based on how and where you plan to build, rather than a headline square metre figure.

HebHomes focuses on delivering compliant, high-quality, architect-designed homes rather than competing on unrealistic square metre prices.

Please look at our blog for more information.

The base prices shown on our website are for supply and erect.  What is included within the kit can be found on this page.  The price excludes delivery, any steel required within the kit (determined by project specific engineering and is informed by the housetype, design amendments, ground conditions, and wind loading), any added options such as kitchens or bathrooms.

The rest of the build will be handled by the contractor of your choice. Alternatively, you may wish to 'self-build', where you arrange the rest of the build yourself. This involves arranging the various trades and materials required, possibly even with an element of your own labour.  You can estimate the cost of your house by using our pricing tool by selecting procurement options, location, site conditions and specification. 
 

To view the floorplans of our houses you need to register with us and become a Member. Use the 'register' link on the left hand menu bar. Once you have registered you will be able to log in at any time to view floorplans and other information about the designs. These floor plans are copyright protected. 

Self build finance is different from a standard mortgage. HebHomes works with BuildStore, Ecology Building Society, and The Lending Channel to arrange specialist self build mortgages, planned stage payments, and warranty-backed solutions. Lenders will look closely at your design, build system (SIP/CPS), and warranties (e.g., BOPAS). See here for more information.

For land start with estate-agent alerts and specialist plot portals; consider a proactive search via our partner DM Hall; and always make offers conditional on key surveys and servicing checks. Even with outline permission, confirm access, ground, services and drainage before you commit. See here for more information. 

The cost of building a house depends on your site, location, specification, and how you choose to procure the build, so there is no single fixed price that applies to every project.

HebHomes provides an Estimate Full Build Cost tool on our Prices page to help you understand likely costs at an early stage. This tool generates a realistic cost range based on your location, site conditions, procurement route, and level of finish. These figures are reviewed with you to ensure your budget and expectations are aligned.

You can also access Order of Cost spreadsheets in the HebHomes Members Area, which break down typical build costs and help you understand where money is spent.

For greater certainty, HebHomes can arrange for an independent Quantity Surveyor (QS) to prepare a site-specific cost plan for your chosen design. This service is subject to an additional fee but is strongly recommended, particularly while awaiting planning approval. Providing detailed information on site conditions, services, finishes, and heating systems allows the costing to be reasonably accurate.

Overall build costs are influenced by many variables, including material quality, site constraints, access, service connections, length of access roads, and local construction market conditions.

HebHomes has experience delivering houses across a wide range of sites and locations and encourages early discussion of budget and priorities to ensure informed decisions from the outset.

CPS (Closed Panel System) and SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) are two different engineered timber construction systems used to build energy-efficient homes.

CPS panels are factory-assembled timber frame panels that typically include insulation, membranes, and pre-fitted service battens.  They allow a high level of quality control and can speed up on-site construction because much of the work is completed off-site.

SIP panels are structural panels made from an insulating core bonded between two structural boards. They provide excellent thermal performance and structural strength, but usually require additional on-site work to complete insulation layers, membranes, and detailing.

Both systems can deliver high levels of energy efficiency and compliance with current building regulations. The most appropriate system depends on design requirements, site conditions, procurement route, and sustainability goals.

For a detailed comparison of environmental performance, construction methodology, and suitability for different projects, please refer to the Sustainability section of the HebHomes website.

We promote land on our website here, but generally we can advise only. Start with estate-agent alerts and specialist plot portals; consider a proactive search via our partner DM Hall; and always make offers conditional on key surveys and servicing checks. 

For more information please visit this page. 

A well-designed and properly maintained timber kit home can last for many generations and is not inherently limited in lifespan.

Like any new-build house, there is no fixed expiry date. Longevity depends on good design, correct construction, and ongoing maintenance rather than the structural system itself.

Independent certification supports this. BBA certificates for both SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) and CPS (Closed Panel Systems) typically state a minimum design life of 60 years, provided the building is constructed and maintained in accordance with the certification requirements.

In practice, many timber-framed buildings significantly exceed this minimum lifespan. With routine maintenance and care, a timber kit home should last well beyond the lifetime of its first occupants.

There are manufacturer warranties or guarantees that come with individual elements of a house such as the SIP, the windows, the roofing etc.  However, Hebhomes cannot offer a warranty on the completed house.  That is because there are many elements that we are not in control of or have responsibility for.  We recommend that a warranty such as NHBC is obtained for the completed house.  This is something our affiliated contractors can usually offer.  Alternatively, you can organise your own warranty such as Buildcare or have an architect or quantity surveyor inspect and certify that your house has been completed to the appropriate standard. 

VAT applies to professional services in a new build, but not construction costs.  There is no VAT on the Supply and Erection of the kit, but VAT is charged on our Planning and Warrant Service.  If you are buying from the Republic of Ireland we will be required to charge 13.5% VAT.  If you are building a commercial property, you will need to take tax advice. 

We typically allow at least one year to obtain Planning Permission and Building Control Approval. Timescales vary from project to project and are influenced by factors such as the responsiveness of external consultants and the efficiency of the local authority.

If you proceed without amending our standard designs, the process is usually quicker, as no additional design work is required.

In England, building control is privatised, which can significantly accelerate the programme. Independent Approved Inspectors can check drawings for compliance with the Building Regulations, allowing work on site to commence very quickly.

In Scotland, technical drawings must be submitted to the local authority for Building Warrant approval. As with Planning, this is a statutory process and can take several months, depending on the council.

The time spent on site will depend on the size and location of the kit, as well as the resources of the contractor.  Although Hebhomes will typically erect the kit within one or two weeks, the total build programme can be between six months and one year. 

HebHomes designs homes to achieve excellent energy performance, rather than strict Passivhaus certification.

While Passivhaus is a respected standard, it often brings higher costs, additional consultants, and reduced design flexibility. The emphasis on certification and modelling can limit architectural response to site, views and client preference, and can restrict contractor choice—particularly in rural and island locations.

By targeting an excellent energy rating (often approaching net-zero operational carbon), HebHomes delivers highly efficient homes with greater design freedom, lower complexity and better value. This approach is better suited to the UK climate and allows projects to be delivered more efficiently using a wider range of experienced contractors.

Would you want a Passivhaus certificate if you are told by the consultant to remove the large expanses of glazing facing onto your stunning sea and mountain view?

Our Turnkey service with our affiliated contractors is available in Scotland, England and Wales and now also in Ireland.  The turnkey service will also depend on the resources and programme of our affiliated contractors. 

Partial Turnkey or Partial Finish is when our affiliated contractor completes the house externally.  In addition to supplying and erecting the kit, the site will be cleared, the foundations and slab prepared, the services such as drainage and sewerage installed, as well as the external wall and roof cladding fitted, including gutters and rone pipes.  We mainly provide this service on remote islands and locations where there are no main contractors available.  Local tradesmen can then complete the house.