The single most important ambition for most of us is putting a roof over our head. Realising that dream for many may soon become unattainable. Over the past few years, building plots, construction material and labour costs have risen much faster than the average salary, while living expenses continue on an escalating trend creating more pressure on potential home-ownership.

The good news is that mortgage lending rates are now cheaper when compared to the pre-Ivan era. Owning a home is still by far the best investment we are likely to make in our lifetime.

Building a house from foundation up requires knowledge, patience and understanding. Therefore you need to tread carefully. Many of the people that would be bidding for your construction project will include unsavoury characters who have access to impressive references.

Designing your home reflects your unique taste and lifestyle. Conjures up thoughts of achievement, success, splendour and excellence in a world where such qualities seem increasingly deficient. The disadvantages are few and far between whilst the advantages are bountiful.

There will be obstacles to overcome and compromises to make along the way, but these will pale into insignificance once the job is completed and you are sitting in your new home, contented and proud of a dream fulfilled. There is no greater satisfaction than achieving something you set out to do. The levels of satisfaction go deeper and last much longer. Imagine the delight in being able to control your environment in which you and your family live. To have the space and rooms you always wanted, with standards of workmanship of the highest quality.

The Builder’s Guide Magazine is designed to help you achieve just that. A need-to-know resource full of invaluable information giving you a better understanding of the various task involved.