Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Steel is required in most designs because of the double-height spaces and large expanses of glass but the extent and cost will vary depending on client changes, ground conditions and wind loading.  Price volatility of steel is another reason why we initially exclude within the kit cost. 

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major elements of the build, such as foundations, groundworks, services, or external works, or they are based on outdated pricing.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.

Our Sigma II (CPS) is an advanced form of timber frame.  Most kit house companies use standard studs with polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation fitted externally to try and obtain a good U-value. This can be expensive and difficult to fit.  Oil-based insulation and cold-bridging are eliminated with our 252 deep frame. 

The names of our kit house designs follow a simple system. First, we use a prefix to indicate the design range:

• ‘AGH’ stands for Airigh
• ‘LH’ stands for Longhouse
• ‘ALH’ stands for Accessible Longhouse
• ‘WH’ stands for Whitehouse
• ‘TH’ and ‘UH’ models are from our Steading range.

The subsequent numbers indicate the design and how many storeys it has: so, LH102 is the first design from our Longhouse range, and has two floors.

We also use suffixes to indicate if a porch extension (P) or dormer window (D) has been added to the core design.

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. 
 

Try getting to know the locals in the area where you want to build, often the best plots are not advertised. Remember to contact the local estate agents and get them to put you on their lists.

We now have a section of our website where we will list available plots that we have been made aware of. You can find this here at Plot Listings. 

If you need a more active land search, then you can contact our partners at DM Hall - they can add you to their mailing list or undertake a proactive land search on your behalf for a fee. They have access to off market opportunities which might be suitable for you. Contact Jennifer at DM Hall for more information: Jennifer.Campbell@dmhall.co.uk

There are plenty of websites also listing plots for sale such as Rightmove, Plotsearch and Plotfinder. 

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. 

Obviously your choice of building plot is largely down to your own requirements but there are some basics to think about:

• Is the location right for you - does it have the views you want, access to local shops etc?
• Does the plot have at least Outline Planning Permission (or Planning in Principle) and if not, how likely is it to get permission?
• Are there any onerous planning conditions which may unsettle you or your mortgage company? This is one for your solicitor to look into.
• Is the plot the right size and shape for your needs?
• Are services such as electricity and water nearby? Will you be able to get these services if not? Will you need to organise a borehole if you can't get mains water?
• Will it be expensive to prepare the plot for building because of difficult ground conditions and/or the requirement for a long access road? This can be difficult to ascertain and it may be advisable to consult with a qualified surveyor before purchasing
• What will the sewerage arrangements be? Mains? Septic tank and soakaway, or some other arrangement?
• Will the plot be easy for builders to access when it comes to building and is there an area for setting down materials?
• Cost is often an important factor - can you afford the site without eating into your building budget?

It's a good idea to listen closely to the advice of local estate agents who know the area. Speak to the local Planning officer to see if he can provide any further information. You may wish to speak to a surveyor. Always take legal advice before making any definite decisions.

Got to the plot considerations page in our Guidance section for more information, and we also recently did a webinar on this topic which you can find here.

A planning application must be lodged with your local authority as part of the normal process of receiving permission to build a house. Contact your local authority for guidance and confirmation of the level of fee required.

Scale drawings of the proposed house/development must be submitted as part of the application. These must show the exterior elevations of the house as well as sections and floor plans. If you proceed with Hebridean Contemporary Homes Ltd. these drawings will be provided for your submission. You will also require a site and location plan which HCH does not provide. Your agent - or a local architect, surveyor, draftsman or technician - can draw these up. The planning authority also occasionally request sections through the site and landscape proposals. Again these should be organised locally.

If your house cannot connect to a mains sewer, your local authority may ask for details of your sewerage arrangement as part of your planning application. Again, seek advice from your agent or local planning officer.

Once your application has been approved and you have received Detailed Planning Permission you are ready to proceed to the Building Warrant stage.

Yes. HebHomes works with affiliated contractors, and through them we can organise a complete build package for you.

We also erect SIP kit packages to "wind and watertight" (Stage 1), working alongside the appointed main contractor at this stage of the build. There are also partial Turnkey options, where we complete the house externally (including the foundations) leaving yourself to finish off the inside. 

Alternatively, if you tell a local builder about us and about which design you want, you can ask them to arrange the build for you.

The builder can buy the kit from us directly, and quote you a price for the complete build. However, we would always advise that you seek professional advice when appointing a contractor.

Our Turnkey package is only available in Scotland. For customers in England and Wales Studio Charrette can organise a full end-to-end solution. 

These are industry standard terms denoting a particular stage of the build process. This would usually mean that the kit shell has been erected on the foundation, the windows and doors have been fitted and the roofing and wall membranes have been applied.

Your house will still let in water at this stage. No house is truly weathertight until the roofcovering (e.g. slates) and external cladding (e.g. blockwork) have been applied, and all gaps sealed up. It is perfectly normal for windblown rain to drive into the kit at this stage and your own building contractor should take measures to begin sealing up the house as soon as possible after the kit is up.

The internal floor area is the approximate total floor area (ground and upper) of the house measured in square metres.

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. 

A location plan shows the area in which your plot/proposed plot is located. It allows a Planning officer to pinpoint where your site is. It is also used for purposes of informing neighbours of the location of your proposed development.

A site plan (sometimes called a block plan) shows the site in more detail with your proposed house positioned upon it. It also shows other information such as the position of the access road and the drainage arrangements.

These plans obviously vary greatly from site to site, hence they are not provided by us as standard. They are, however, required for Planning and Building Warrant applications. We can draw these up for you for an additional fee or may wish to get a local architect or technician to draw them up instead.

Our range of homes is carefully architect-designed to make excellent use of space and natural light, and we stand by the integrity and balance of these designs.

That said, we understand that some site-specific adjustments are often required. For example, a house may need to be mirrored to suit access or orientation, a larger gable window added, or an additional rooflight introduced. Simple design amendments can usually be accommodated for a nominal fee, although any changes may also affect the final kit price.

It is important to understand that even small changes can trigger a chain of re-evaluation across pricing, design coordination, structural engineering, ordering, and production. As a result, the cost and programme impact of modifications can increase quickly.

The cost efficiency of a kit house lies in the fact that it is pre-designed, pre-engineered, and tested. Once that baseline is altered, additional time and cost are inevitably introduced. For this reason, changes to a standard design will always cost more — and take longer — than selecting an unmodified model.

For clients who wish to move beyond minor adjustments, a full bespoke architectural design service is available through Dualchas Building Design. Please refer to our Design Changes Guide within our Members Area for more information. 

No. We do not sell the plans for our designs separately. The plans are provided as part of the package when you purchase one of our kits.

Any use of our designs without our express permission will be considered breach of copyright and we will take immediate action to recover costs.

If you are not able to connect to a mains sewerage system, you will be required to install a private septic tank or treatment plant. The run-off "grey water" from the system is often discharged in to a specially constructed percolation pit, known as a soakaway. A more eco-friendly alternative to this is to construct a reed bed.

In order to obtain consent for the above, you will be required to carry out a percolation test. This is a test to examine what the ground conditions of the site are like in terms of drainage. It is important to know this so that the correct arrangements can be made for dealing with surface water, soakaways from septic tanks etc.

Local authorities require evidence to be submitted along with Planning applications showing that this test has been undertaken. The test must be undertaken by a consultant approved to perform such tests. The approved consultant will charge a fee for this service. Check the internet or Yellow Pages for Drainage Consultants in your local area.

After obtaining full Planning Permission, but usually before proceeding to build your house, you require a Building Warrant. You will have to apply to the building control officer at your local authority for this.

As with planning applications a fee will have to be submitted when you apply otherwise your application will not be processed. The level of this fee is usually based on a sliding scale and depends on the size of the proposed house in square metres and the likely construction cost.

Detailed drawings must be submitted along with this application. This large set of drawings shows the detail of the house construction, allowing the building control officer to decide whether the proposed development meets all building regulations.

The construction drawings provided by HebHomes will form the majority of the Building Warrant application drawings. However, your agent will have to arrange other drawings such as block plans showing the sewerage, parking arrangements and any further information requested by Building Control. We can liaise with your agent and provide electronic versions of the drawings to them if necessary.

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.

You will need an architect or other qualified building professional to provide advice throughout your project on matters such as siting of the house within your plot and a whole host of other queries which will arise during the process. HebHomes can provide this service up until Building Warrant through our Planning and Warrant service for Scottish sites. If you do not use or Planning and Warrant service we advise that you engage a suitable professional such as an architect or Quantity Surveyor.

This qualified person will also be able to act as your agent in the submission of Planning and Building Warrant applications. They can provide (or arrange to provide) other site-specific drawings which you will require, such as those for detailed drainage arrangements.

We can communicate directly with your professional to provide them with the information they may require from us.

This professional can also tender your project and arange the contract between you and the main contractor as well as advise on CDM regulations. When your house goes on site you will need this qualified professional to adminster the terms of the contract and ensure that your contractor is undertaking the work satisfactorily, and perhaps to provide the stage valuations for your mortgage company.

It is important that the construction of your house complies with all relevant building standards. The easiest way to ensure this is to employ a contractor who is registered with the National House-Building Council (NHBC). This will mean that the contractor is obliged to comply with all NHBC standards when building the house. It will also mean that your build is covered under the terms of the NHBC warranty.

If you are not intending to use an NHBC builder you will have to arrange another form of build-quality certification. An architect or surveyor may be able to perform this service for you. You could also consider a self-build warranty such as the NHBC Solo scheme.

HebHomes works with affiliated contractors, and in many locations, we can organise for you a quality build with a contractor who will work efficiently and to a high standard. The benefit of this is that our contractors know how to build our houses - and what standard is expected of them. It also means you can get a clearer idea of total costs at an earlier stage.

If you do not use the HebHomes contractor, it is something which your agent can help you with. Use word of mouth, as well as internet search engines and the Yellow Pages.

There is usually a formal tender process for deciding which builder will get the job. Often three to five different firms get the opportunity to put in their tenders and there is a cut-off date when they must be in by, to make sure all is fair and above board. This happens after the Warrant stage and a builder cannot start on site until he gets the go-ahead from Building Control.

It's worth trying to ascertain which firms to send tenders to at an early stage. See if you can find out more about them, how busy their schedules might be, and how good their reputation is. But don't expect too much from builders too early on. They can't give you an accurate price until they have Warrant drawings and a specification.  Remember - the cheapest tender is not always the best value for money.

Once we have received your signed contract and engagement fee the process can get underway. We will provide the following drawings and info to you or your agent:

Detailed Planning Application Stage:

• Plans, elevations and a cross-section of the house design

Building Warrant application stage:

• Detailed Building Warrant plans, elevations and cross sections of the house design
• Set of our standard detail drawings
• General specification document
• Kit structural calculations (for the kit only)
• SAP calculations (generic only)

Prior to start of build on site:

• Panelised drawings of the house kit
• NHBC (National Housebuilding Council) Standards CD-ROM
• TRADA book of timber detailing (for timber-clad projects only)
• Kingspan standard details (SIP only)

We do not provide:

• A structural certificate for the full build (often referred to as SER certificate)
• Certification of foundations, or foundation drawings specific to your site
• Site specific drawings such as block, drainage and location plans
• Certification of monitoring or valuations

Our installation team do not fit the rooflights as part of our erection service for two reasons. Firstly, the exact height of the rooflights above the SIP roof must be known so it can be fitted accurately. This height can vary depending on slate and batten thickness. If we were to fit invariably the rooflight would have to be lifted out and adjusted.

The primary reason we do not fit however is to prevent water ingress. If we fitted the rooflights they could be left exposed for a considerable period while the main contractor organises his roofers. This can mean water pouring into the building and damaging the chipboard flooring.

For these two reasons we do not fit the Fakro rooflights.

Pros
• Great quality product at a competitive price
• Lifespan of 40 years +
• Connections to agricultural heritage - planning

Cons
• It can be more expensive to repair if larger sheets need to be replaced (vs. tiles)
• It requires more maintenance than slate roof

If building close to the coast we would recommend an aluminium roof rather than steel.  This is more resistant to seawater corrosion but is more expensive. 

40 years +

Companies will typically over warranties of 30 years for their metal roofs if fitted as manufacturer's instructions. 

The Ecology Building Society asks for this in their Self-Build C-Change mortgage. A SAP value of 85 or above is required. This is something that we will manage through the building warrant stage to ensure it is met. The SAP result is determined by various elements of the house, including orientation to the sun, the heating system as well as the building fabric.  

Pre-planning consultation is important if you do not have any planning permission on your site and are unclear whether it is likely it can be obtained.  Forms can be accessed from the relevant council website and are straightforward to fill in.   It should be noted that pre-planning applications are not a priority and can lead to delay, with many councils no longer providing any pre-planning service. The input of a planning consultant is the best option to make sure that the correct approach is taken. 

Planning in Principal or Outline Planning if approved will mean that the council has agreed that a house can be built on a plot.  This gives the land value, but it is essential that reserved matters are checked.  As well as the design not having been approved, it is often the case that a workable sewerage system as not been designed, road access has not been considered as well as services connection costs and availability. 

Hebhomes generally recommends using a high quality timber cladding, such as Scottish Larch.  Larch is extremely resilient - and has the qualities of a much more expensive hardwood. The secret to its longevity is in the detailing.  If Hebhomes details are correctly followed, larch cladding will last over 50 years.  But remember damaged timber can be easily replaced. 

Siberian Larch is now extremely difficult to obtain, hence why we have opted to use our home-grown variety instead as standard. It is illegal to import Siberian Larch at the moment, and what supplies that are existing in the UK are quickly dwindling. 

If you would like black timber we would suggest a thermally adjusted timber such as Abodo or Thermopine.  This timber will not expand or shrink in the heat unlike timber that has been oiled or painted. See www.russwood.co.uk for more information.  

An ASHP essentially involves an exchanger unit, usually in a fan unit (box typically approx. 1x0.5x1.2m LWH) outside the property, which will use a small amount of electricity to gather heat from the ambient air to then heat up an internal wet system. This can be used for flow through UFH and/or radiators, as well as for hot water. ASHPs are very common in Scandinavian countries and are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, especially when gas is not available. For newbuilds in rural locations, ASHPs are usually the first choice for heat and hot water, due to their simplicity and ease of installation.

GSHPs deliver similar results to ASHPs, but with slightly higher efficiencies as they gather heat from the ground which has a more stable and on average slightly higher ambient temperature than the air. GSHPs also attract larger incentives. The GSHPs require an area of land adjacent to the house to lay pipes, if this is not possible, pipes are fed deep underground (up to 200m). Due to the requirement for drilling, these tend to have high capital costs which limits their popularity. Generally, the GSHP is a good option for the higher heat load properties only.

Biomass boilers are likely soon to be outlawed due to their emissions, and the price of timber for fuelling biomass has increased so significantly in the past few years which has made these systems much less feasible. 

Lead in time is dictated by the window order and our supplier's production schedule. The windows generally take 8-10 weeks to be delivered.  Within that time period we will panelise and manufacture the kit. Depending on the time of the year, there could be a longer wait due to demand, we will keep you updated when you get the the stage of ordering the kit. 

There is usually a month of preparation work on the site before it is ready for kit delivery.  This includes forming access, site clearance, sewerage, foundations and slab.  Once this is complete we will inspect the site and ensure it ready for kit delivery and erection.

This means that windows need to be ordered at least a month before work begins on site. 

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.

CPS - There are manufacturing plants in Aberdeenshire and Oxfordshire.
SIP -  Manufactured by Hemsec in Liverpool and fabricated by our Hemsec fabrication partners in Scotland and England.
 

Full Planning - typically 9 weeks
Building Warrant - typically 9 weeks

Planning decision timelines can vary depending on the capacity of the lcoal office, the complexity of the application and whether objections has resulted in it being referred to committee. 

In England the Building Regulation approval stage has been partially privitised.  This means a third party consultant can check the drawings and submit to the council, allowing a start on site almost immediately. 

General rule of thumb is the width of our kit homes are fixed due to the engineering of the kit. The length can be easily amended to suit. Small changes to drawings are at no extra cost.

More information on design changes can be found here. 

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. 

No. Simply a different form of construction.

No.  But the thicker wall does mean that the blocks supporting the external CPS walls require wider blocks, meaning a more expensive foundation. 

No. Our contractor provides quantities based on our drawings. 

No. The contractors measures quantities based on our drawings. 

Installed on site.  Because of the remote location of many our our deliveries it would be too much of a risk to fit the windows in the factories in case of transit damage. 

18mm Plywood

Our engineer generally advises to steer away from this as you need a specialist contractor, specialised equipment and is generally more expensive than a pile foundation. It is marketed as a 'light touch' to the ground, however, it is actually very intrusive by piling several meters into the ground. Screw pile foundations are also not suitable to all ground conditions - depends on the finding from a ground investigation survey.

See above. Generally we propose small pad foundations, steel beams to elevate the structure with SIP cassettes as the suspended floor. Quite a few of our Airighs have been built like this - see Ardmair Bay, Ullapool on our website. Note that our Structural Engineer will advise on a project to project basis as the structural loading and ground conditions will vary.

We tend to avoid this and recommend not to connect as 20% vat will apply if house is occupied.  We can review an option where a local architect details the link and we provide drawings for the kit.

The main saving is in the erection cost as it reduces time on site and equipment can be sared across all the units. Supply cost discount to be discussed on a project specific basis.

Once  planning is submitted, the local council will consult with utility providers. Generally not an issue to wait until this point as opposed to consulting utility companies before the application is submitted. Clients typically liaise with utility providers for new connections. We can provide this service at a fee of £150 for water and £150 for electricity. Essentially contacting the provider and then filling out application forms. This should be carried out at Building Warrent stage in preparation for site works.

Generally no, significantly more expensive becuase;

- Two leaves of blockwork is required for the substructure
- Blockwork is labour intensive and can be weather dependant
- Different specifications of render vary the cost (site considerations e.g. coastal site)
- Fire stops in the cavity are required
- Painting the render white

Render boards are cheaper but generally not used as low quality - has only been used above large structural openings in specific circumstances.  

Some mortgage lenders ask for this (usually only commercial finance).
No, this is not something we are involved in. The site and location will also impact the end value which - appoint a building surveyor to advise and provide a valuation. Be careful who you choose howevr.  Some agents do not recognise build or architectural quality.  Choose one that does. 

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. 

Preparing the application varies depending on the complexity of the site, number of surveys to be organised and number of design iterations so is difficult to set a timescale as it is project specific. We are finding local councils to be busy at the moment which is resulting in applications being processed slower than usual. It could take at least 2-3 months to hear back from the local council.

We allow 2-3 weeks to prepare a Building Warrant Draft before this is issued to consultants for their input. This takes 5 weeks at the moment due to external consultant’s workload. We allow 1-2 weeks for the information to be co-ordinated and submitted to the council.  We are finding local councils to be busy which is resulting in applications being processed slower than usual. This could take at least 2-3 months.

This typically varies between 8-12 weeks but can sometimes stretch to 16 weeks.  Once Building Control is approved, we order the windows and kit materials. Usually window lead-in times are longer than kit fabrication so we would schedule the kit delivery to suit. 

This typically varies between 8-10 weeks but can occasionally be longer - up to 16 weeks. 

Typically 8-9 months for a Longhouse and longer for a larger dwelling. Site clearance and complexity of site can impact this. It also depends on location and the resources of the main contractor. 

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. 

In Scotland, yes. In England you can start work on site but we would advise against this.

We could start the Building Control Stage while you wait to hear back from the local council on planning. There is a risk that there could be abortive work but your Project Manager can discuss this at the appropriate time.  In England Building Control is privatised and the programme could be accelerated as a result. 

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. 

It is possible to expose the glulam ridge beam but usually this is covered to allow a void for servies and downlighters etc.  There is no requirement for ties as featured in many trussed rafer roofs.  These could be added but would be for decorative purposes only.  Our advice is that it is an unneccessary expense. 

The displayed prices for the partial turnkey and full turnkey does include an allowance for ground work.  Please view the Estimate of Costs for more details.  Remember that this cost is very site specific and can vary substantially depending on location, topography and site conditions.  The kit cost and the erection cost does not include for groundworks. 

Our kits are supplied primariliy to The United Kingdom and Ireland.  Supplying to Europe has become more problematic since Brexit but it can be done.  Anyone purchasing abroad will require their own architect to ensure full complience with local building regulations.  We do not currently supply to America. 

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.  

We do not offer a plot finding service but do occassionaly promote plots in our News section.  Information on how to find a plot can be found here and in our Members Area. 

Kit erection is around two weeks.  However the time for the house to be completed, once it starts on site, can be between 2-3 months for the smaller units, and one year for the largest.   Typically a month is needed for site preparation, foundations and slab, before the kit is delivered to site.  Once erected it will be the organisation and resources of the main contractor that will determine just how quickly the house can be occupied. 

The Estimate of Costs (EoC) is a guide for each house to help you understand the full cost of building your HebHome, not just the price of the kit. It’s prepared by a professional quantity surveyor and is designed to help you budget accurately and avoid financial surprises. The figures are based on using a main contractor, but if you’re managing the build yourself, you can replace the estimates with actual quotes from local trades. If you're using our Partial Turnkey option, it covers the full external completion of the house, while you take care of the inside. The EoC is not a fixed quote, as every project and site is different, so it’s important to have it updated by a quantity surveyor once you have more details.