Self Build Expert

Self Build Expert I help people to build their own home.

Director, Elsworth Projects Ltd
Expert, Leading self build magazines
Chair, NaCSBA
Chair, Arkwood Developments Ltd
Mentor, Ecologic SIP’s
Director, Structural Timber Association
Previously MD, Potton

What a great finish.
21/05/2026

What a great finish.

18/05/2026

Introducing our Otford project…👀🌟🏡

In the beautiful Kent village of Otford, Emily and Ethan are about to begin the exciting journey of building their dream home, and we’re delighted to be part of it!

Planning approval has now been secured, and over the coming weeks we’ll be demolishing the existing house and starting on site to bring their new home to life from the ground up.

We can’t wait to share the transformation as this exciting self-build project progresses, so stay tuned for plenty of updates along the way👀

One of the most important parts of any self-build project? Putting the right team around you.From planning consultants a...
16/05/2026

One of the most important parts of any self-build project? Putting the right team around you.

From planning consultants and architectural designers to structural engineers and finance specialists, the right professional support can help reduce risk, improve decision making and avoid expensive mistakes.

The key is understanding who you need, when you need them, and how they fit into the wider process.

Read the full guide on our blog 👉 https://www.elsworthprojects.co.uk/post/the-plot-buying-series-episode-7-putting-together-the-right-team-for-your-self-build-project

✨ Coming up in the next episode… We’ll look at the plot buying process itself, and the key steps to follow before committing to a piece of land.

12/05/2026

The family business goes back a few years❤️

These photos take us right back to the early 2000s, with me and my son Ollie working side by side on our own house renovation.

Fast forward to today and not much has changed… you’ll still find us on site most days, getting stuck into our clients’ projects together!

05/05/2026

A huge transformation on our Swavesey project 🙌

Rendering is now complete and it’s amazing to see how much this has changed the look and feel of the home. Progress has been steaming ahead on site, and we’re not far off from this one being ready to be lived in…👀

The scaffold is finally down on our Goudhurst build!🙌After months of progress behind the scenes, it’s always such a mile...
01/05/2026

The scaffold is finally down on our Goudhurst build!🙌

After months of progress behind the scenes, it’s always such a milestone moment seeing a project properly revealed for the first time. From the characterful brickwork and classic red tiled roof, to those eye catching dormers and the porch with its beautiful oak beams, this home really has so much personality!

There’s still much more to come as we push on with the internals, the landscaping, and the garage, but this is the stage where it all starts to feel very real… and we think it’s looking pretty special already.

Swipe through to take a closer look👉

One of the biggest factors in finding the right building plot? Planning policy.No matter how promising a piece of land l...
24/04/2026

One of the biggest factors in finding the right building plot? Planning policy.

No matter how promising a piece of land looks, if it doesn’t stand a realistic chance of gaining planning permission… it’s not a viable opportunity.

Understanding the basics can completely change your search:
• Where development is supported
• Where it’s restricted
• And what to focus on (and avoid!)

Because once you know how planning works, you stop chasing the wrong plots.

👉 Read the full guide on our blog: https://www.elsworthprojects.co.uk/post/the-plot-buying-series-episode-6-planning-policy

✨ Coming up in the next episode…
We’ll look at the key professionals you need to move a plot forward, and why having the right team in place can make all the difference.

22/04/2026

Rendering progress check on our Swavesey project! ✨

We’re getting very close to the scaffold coming down now, so stay tuned for the big reveal 👀

21/04/2026

It’s officially move in day at our Wadhurst project✨

After months of progress on site, it’s great to see the interiors coming together and ready to be lived in. Here’s a sneak peek of how it’s looking…

More to come soon👀

One of the most overlooked routes into self-build? Buying a property… to knock it down.Replacement plots offer a number ...
17/04/2026

One of the most overlooked routes into self-build? Buying a property… to knock it down.

Replacement plots offer a number of advantages:
• Planning is often more favourable
• Services and access are already in place
• More design freedom
• Potential to add value

But like any project, it all comes down to understanding the logistics and the risks.

Read the full guide to replacement plots on our blog 👉 https://www.elsworthprojects.co.uk/post/the-plot-buying-series-episode-5-replacement-plots

✨ Coming up in the next episode…
We’ll look at the planning policies that shape what can and can’t be built, and how understanding them can transform the way you search for land.

Address

Orchard House, Greenfields
St Ives
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Website

https://linktr.ee/elsworthprojects

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