A self-build can be done in two ways. There’s the DIY route, where you do most of the work yourself and use skilled tradesmen like plumbers and electricians only where necessary. The alternative is to manage the process and employ a surveyor, an architect, and various tradesmen who do most of the work on your behalf. You can even arrange for a contractor to manage the whole project for you. Whichever route you choose, as mentioned, you won't be able to fund it with a standard residential mortgage. Projects like this will always require a self-build mortgage.