How Do Shell Homes Work And What Option Is Best For Me?

Sustainable Shell Homes was set up to build contemporary low energy homes to a weather tight shell stage for customers to complete as self-build projects with their own sweat equity; or employ contractors and specialists to finish it on their behalf. This makes the dream of such a home more affordable, while developing the essential skills in our team to build a new green economy.

However, we also want anyone to be able to live in a low energy home and take part in its creation whatever their construction skill level and time available, so in addition to the standard shell option, we can work with you on different options.

Working with our award-winning team of our two registered Architects to refine your layout, starting with a shell allows for total internal personalisation – in layout, décor, fixtures and fittings, kitchens and bathrooms, number of bedrooms, renewable technology additions etc. There’s no need to live with something that’s ‘not you’ or pay for a house with either a space you won’t need or the wrong layout.

All our shell / hybrid houses are eligible for “self-build mortgages” from high street lenders although self-build mortgages are specifically designed for this type of project. A self-build mortgage is secured on the land and work to date, and funds are released as you add value to the home. There’s also the ‘Help to Build‘ scheme, which could mean as little as a 5% deposit. On completion you can of course transfer to a more conventional mortgage, however the shells are very close to a level of finish that a traditional owner occupier lender may also accept and would be considered habitable, and we may be able to provide the basic elements required [sink / WC etc] to suit this.

SSH Shell

The SSH Shell is the standard SSH Option. This is for people who really want to take control of their build. With a price set so that there’s enough scope to manage tradespeople to deliver your dream low energy home if you need some help. This option gives most control and most opportunity for saving money and is for those who want to really roll their sleeves up and take part in that process and live the dream of building their own home!

As well as allowing you to potentially save money, the SSH Shell also allows you to finish the house to your exacting requirements.

The SSH Shell allows you to buy the land first, followed by purchase of the insulated shell constructed by SSH and then fit out the inside yourself however you prefer - to a timescale that works for you. As well as the support of your neighbours on the development, we also offer links to a network of contractors and an enhanced architectural support package delivered by an award-winning team of our two registered Architects. Sarah and James have over 3 decades of combined experience designing beautiful homes, as well as helping people to get the best out of their existing ones.

From the minute your offer is accepted they can work with you to help you understand what you need, based on not only your current needs and lifestyle, but also how that layout can evolve as your requirements change in the future.

From exchange onwards, SSH can assist with a full architectural support package to help you design, cost plan and procure the work. Once you’ve settled on a plan, we can provide electrical and mechanical layout drawings for your sub contractors, as well as a detailed cost plan. This is based on data from our RCIS Quantity Surveyor and utilises real world prices of the specific finishes, layouts and fittings you have chosen. In addition, we can act as your agent for the remaining Building Regulations issues (although we’ve dealt with the majority of this for you already).

Internally you (or a contractor or your choosing) will then need to provide:

• Internal walls, ceilings and doors
• Optional additional insulation + air / vapour barrier
• Electrical, plumbing + ventilation installation (heat pump or combi boiler plus ventilation unit)
• Plaster boarding and plastering
• Kitchens and bathrooms
• Finishes (painting / wallpaper / tiling etc)
• Landscaping to garden

Essentially this is the same as a big refurbishment project but with lovely square walls, no unwelcome surprises and you’ll be able to reclaim the VAT from the HMRC.

Hybrid Home

The Hybrid home option essentially is a three stage process, with the Customer buying the land first, then the weathertight shell and then entering into a JCT construction contract with SSH to fit out the inside to our standard high quality specification, to your layout.

As with the shell option, from the minute your offer is accepted our award-winning team of our two registered Architects Sarah and James can work with you to help you understand what you need, based on not only your current needs and lifestyle, but also how that layout can evolve as your requirements change in the future.

There are plenty of ways to configure the inside of the properties, some of which can include:

• Open plan or separate kitchen / dining and living spaces on the ground floor
• A ground floor bedroom [or lift]
• Family bathrooms, shower rooms or ensuite
• Smaller bedrooms / study spaces
• First floor living spaces
• Dividable spaces
• Storage or bed platforms
• Additional or fewer bedrooms
• Different rooms like gyms, studios or annexes

Once the layout is set, we will work with you to make decisions within our fit out specification, then coordinate and manage the construction process, including building regulations compliance.

With staged payments as the work is completed, and a robust contract to back it up, the hybrid option is great for those who want some control over the final layout of their property, but are not able or don’t have the time to manage or carry out the fit out themselves.

Finished Home

Our finished properties have the same highly insulated shell as the other options, with architect designed internal layouts, and are ready to move into. Designed as demonstration / show homes to showcase layout ideas and the high quality fit out we provide, there may be a few of these properties on each site that are available to purchase as a finished home.

These include flooring throughout, kitchens and bathrooms, a white paint finish and finishes to any bathrooms, but there’s still plenty of scope for you to add your own style with paint colours, wallpaper and furnishings. Externally a front deck provides level access to the front door, and a rear garden has a simple gravel patio and lawn ready for you to add your own planting.

In certain cases there may be slight alterations that can be added, but if you want more control over the finished house then the shell or hybrid options might be for you.

Land Only

This option is a conventional land purchase that includes the land within the plot boundary, with the current planning approval for one house. This route is ideal for a Customer with more experience, or someone who might want to alter the planning approval for a slightly different property.

Obviously in this option we would not have any further contractual relationship, however as we have a deep familiarity with the site and what’s required, we are never too far away.