Building your own house is a big dream — and a big project. The right order of steps saves time, money and nerves, while the wrong one often ends with the house you planned simply not being buildable on your plot. In this guide we walk through the whole journey — from an empty plot to the building permit — and tell you what to watch out for at each stage.
Stage 1 — Checking the plot (where everything starts)
Many people think about the design of the house first and only later find out that their plot doesn't allow as much as they planned. That's why everything should start with checking the plot: the zone, the cadastral data, the development coefficients (K1 and K2), the terrain and any restrictions. This is what determines what type and size of house can stand on that land.
Plot of land: K1, K2 — read more →
Stage 2 — The architectural design
Once we know what can be built, the most creative part begins — the architectural design. This is where the concept, layout, elevations, sections and 3D visualisation of the house are born, letting you see the house before it's built. A good design isn't just beautiful — it takes into account sun orientation, functional zoning, the budget and future running costs.
Architectural services →Private house design →
Stage 3 — The structural and engineering part
Architecture defines how the house looks; the structure defines whether it stands safely. The structural design describes the foundation, walls, floors and roof and every load-bearing element, based on the geological report. It's this part that protects your investment from future problems, and it's an essential component of the building permit.
Stage 4 — Project approval and the building permit
The finished project is approved by City Hall, and then the building permit is issued. How complex the process is depends on the building class (I, II or III), and it runs in several stages: first the plot's building conditions are set, then the architectural and structural design is approved, and finally the permit is issued. At this stage, gaps in the documentation cause the most delays.
Getting a building permit — the complete guide →
Stage 5 — Construction and architect's supervision
Once the permit is issued, construction begins. Architect's supervision matters here — so the house is built exactly to the design and quality is maintained. This is the stage where you see how well every detail was thought through from the start.
How much time and budget will you need?
No one can name an exact figure before seeing the plot and the project — the price depends on the house's floor area, class, the complexity of the plot and the scope of the design. On average, the design documentation takes 4–6 weeks, and permit approval anywhere from 1 week to several months depending on the class. The main advice: compare not just the price, but what the price includes and who manages the approval process.
Common mistakes that cost a lot
- Starting the design before checking the plot
- Starting construction before getting the permit
- Spreading the design, structure and permit across different people
- Frequently changing the concept once the project has started
Why it's better to have everything in one team
When plot analysis, architecture, structure, interiors and the permit are all in one team, you save both time and nerves — no one "passes the ball" to another specialist. That's exactly how it works at Asymmetry: full design services under one roof, from plot analysis to the building permit.
Ready to start?
The first step is simple — get in touch and get a free consultation. Together we'll work out what can be built on your plot, what the project costs and how to get the permit without problems.
All services →Free consultation →
Contact: +995 571 14 14 69 · connectasymmetry@gmail.com