In 2024, we were driving around Milton Keynes viewing new-build homes. Time and again, we found ourselves facing the same reality: four-bedroom houses priced at £800,000 and beyond — simply unaffordable on our income.

On the drive home from one development, we asked a simple question: “Why don’t we build ourselves?” That question sparked our self-build journey and laid the foundation for what would become Maize Homes. What began as a necessity quickly became a passion — and ultimately, a philosophy for how we believe homes should be built.

Site Considerations & Ground Conditions

Site selection and ground conditions play a critical role in build cost and programme. Proximity to mature trees, for example, can require significantly deeper foundations. Fortunately, our site avoided this complexity.

The ground itself was London Clay — manageable to excavate compared to harder ground types, which can slow progress and increase cost. Breaking ground in June 2024 proved advantageous, as dry summer conditions allowed foundations to be formed efficiently, although even brief periods of rain temporarily delayed progress — a reminder of how weather-sensitive early-stage construction can be.

Energy Performance & EPC Rating

Energy efficiency was a non-negotiable priority from day one. We achieved an EPC rating of B+, the highest in our local area at the time. This remains one of our proudest achievements and has shaped our future approach — B+ is now our minimum benchmark for all homes we develop.

Actual Running Costs

The home is fully electric with no gas connection.

• Average electricity cost: £120 per month
• Heating system: Daikin air-source heat pump
• Smart temperature control:
  • Heating activates automatically if internal temperature drops below 21°C
  • Hot water tank scheduled to heat in the morning for daily use

We paired the system with energy-efficient radiators and appliances, ensuring comfort without unnecessary energy consumption.

Key Design Decisions

Every technical decision was made with long-term efficiency and comfort in mind.

• U-value of 0.15, delivering excellent thermal performance
• Additional insulation installed using Boost-R, reducing heat loss further
• Air conditioning installed to maintain comfort during warmer months — ensuring the home performs year-round, not just in winter

The result is a home that retains heat efficiently, remains comfortable in summer, and costs significantly less to run than comparable new builds.

What We’d Do Again — and Better

Living in the home has been just as educational as building it.

• Weather planning is critical. Starting in summer allowed us to progress quickly, but even short periods of rain slowed foundation works. The lesson is clear: programme realistically and build contingencies into early groundworks.
• Prioritise watertight as early as possible. In the UK, storms and prolonged rain are inevitable. We pushed hard to reach watertight stage quickly — roof and windows installed — to protect the structure and maintain build quality.

These lessons now inform how we plan and manage every future project.

What This Home Represents

This was not a speculative build. It was our own home — one we live in. Building and living in it taught us more than any specification sheet ever could. It shaped our belief that energy efficiency, affordability, and quality should never be optional. That belief is now the foundation of Maize Homes.