You have a plot and an idea of what you want to build. Perhaps it is a family home, a maisonette or rental units. The next question is less obvious: should you find a builder, get drawings or work out a budget first?
Start by describing how you want to use your land. Then get help turning that idea into a design and cost plan before asking contractors to price detailed construction work.
You do not need finished drawings to begin a planning conversation. You do need to be clear about what you know, what you are unsure of and the decision you want help making.
If you are unsure where to start, get help planning your build.
1. Describe what you want the land to do for you
“Build a house” is a starting point. A useful brief explains how the place should work for the people using it.
Think about your household, the rooms you need and the outdoor space you want to keep. If you are considering rental units, describe the intended use and the questions you want answered rather than settling on a unit count before discussing the site.
Your first brief might include:
- County and town or general area.
- Intended use: your own home, rental housing or another residential plan.
- The building type you are considering, if you know it.
- Plot size and its unit, such as square metres or acres, if known.
- Your priorities, such as space for family, parking or future changes.
- An approximate budget or the amount you are comfortable discussing.
- Whether you want to build at once or gradually from savings.
- The question you need answered first.
“Not sure yet” is a useful answer. It shows where you need advice rather than forcing you to make up a dimension or choose a building type too early.
2. Bring together the information you already have
Gather any survey information, site photographs, existing drawings and correspondence about the plot. Tell the professional which details are confirmed and which are estimates.
If you do not know the plot dimensions, say so. A size written in an advert, a rough measurement and a survey document are different starting points. Ask what information is needed before the design can progress.
Land ownership, boundaries and permission to build are separate questions from choosing a house layout. Raise unresolved issues early and ask which appropriate professional or authority should help you resolve them. A design conversation should not be treated as confirmation that those matters have been settled.
You do not need to post private documents to begin an enquiry. Start with your general area and planning question, then agree how any necessary documents will be shared.
3. Speak to an architect about the design questions
An architect can help translate your priorities into a design brief and explore how the proposed building could use the site.
Useful questions for that first conversation include:
- What information do you need about the plot?
- How could the layout support the way I want to use the land?
- Which design decisions should we make first?
- What drawings and other services would your appointment include?
- What falls outside your fee?
- Which other professionals may need to contribute?
Ask for the proposed services and fees in writing. You can check an architect’s registration details against the BORAQS architect register.
4. Bring cost planning into the design conversation
Waiting until the design feels finished to discuss affordability can leave you trying to change decisions you thought were settled.
A QS can help you understand the cost implications of the developing brief. Explain your budget, what you expect it to cover and whether your funding will arrive in stages. Ask which figures are early allowances and what additional information is needed to refine them.
An early estimate and a detailed bill of quantities serve different purposes. An early estimate helps you explore affordability using the information available. A BOQ describes measured work and quantities for pricing once there is enough design detail. Ask which document is appropriate for the decision you are making now.
Keep a list of what the overall budget needs to cover. Ask about construction, professional services, approvals, site-related work, external works and a contingency allowance. These should be discussed explicitly rather than assumed to fit inside a single house-price figure.
5. Ask what approvals and registrations your project needs
Before agreeing a construction start, ask your appointed team to explain the applicable approvals, documents and responsibilities for your location and design.
The National Construction Authority publishes project-registration requirements and identifies the developer as responsible for registering the project. Use the current official guidance alongside advice for your particular project; an initial planning enquiry does not complete these steps for you.
This is also a good time to establish who will prepare each document, who will submit it and which costs are included in the agreed professional scope.
6. Request contractor quotes when the work is clear enough
A contractor needs a defined brief to give you a useful quotation. That may include drawings, specifications and a BOQ, depending on the work and how you are procuring it.
Give contractors the same information. Ask them to identify assumptions and exclusions so you can understand the differences between their offers.
When you reach that point, you can request construction quotations through MyJenga. You do not have to rush into this stage just because you have bought land.
An example of a useful first enquiry
Here is an illustrative brief you can adapt:
I own a plot in Nakuru County and want to discuss a family home. I have no drawings yet, and I’m not certain about the plot dimensions. I would like help deciding how to use the land and understanding an early budget before approaching builders. I expect to fund the work gradually from savings.
It gives a professional a starting point without pretending the design is ready to price.
Questions homeowners ask
Do I need drawings before contacting MyJenga?
No. Tell us what you are considering and what you need help deciding. The planning page includes design advice, cost planning and a “help me choose” option.
Should I speak to an architect or a QS first?
Start with the question you need answered. For the layout and use of your land, ask about architectural advice. For affordability and costs, ask about QS help. Where both are unsettled, explain both so the proposed services can address them together.
What if I am only researching?
You can save planning notes without asking for provider outreach. Sign-in is required to save them, so you can return to your project later.
Take the next step with the information you have
Describe your plot, your idea and the part you need help with. You can prepare and review your enquiry before signing in, and you will not need to create a separate project first.
When you send an enquiry or save notes for your first project, MyJenga creates the project from your details. Any professional appointment, scope and fee are agreed separately before the work begins.
Related guide: Architect, QS or Contractor: Who Should You Speak to First?.