Taking on a self build project for a new home or extension is challenging but very rewarding. Below is a little advice that will help you to complete a top quality building inside timescale and budget. It is assumed that you have already obtained all of the required regulatory approvals for the works.
Work to a Budget
Fix a budget at the start of the contract. You will find our self build cost calculator useful here. Allow a 10% provision in your budget for contingencies. Stick to your budget.
Your Building Site
Ensure that you have site insurance for public liability and theft. You may well need to provide secure container storage on site. Check what mandatory health & safety signs are required on your building site. Make sure that the site is kept secure with satisfactory security fencing. You may also need intruder alarms, CCTV and an alarm response service from a security firm. You will need temporary supplies of electricity and water, as well as WCs, for the building trades which will work on your site.
Suppliers & Contractors
Compile detailed lists of the items you are buying and send these out to several suppliers to get the best prices. Get fixed price detailed quotes from contractors. Check that contractors quotations have covered all your requirements. Don't be afraid to raise questions to make certain you understand their content. It is often an excellent idea to have written contracts. All variations in contract should be in writing and any cost changes must be agreed in writing.
Make sure that the contractors are fully insured. Be sure that plumbing and electrical trades give you the necessary qualification paperwork required for building control.
The Program of Works
Make decisions in good time, particularly in relation to kitchens and bathrooms, to make certain that the plumbing and electrics are in the proper locations.
Order the external joinery in good time to be in a position to link up with the erecting of the timber frame so your house is secure at the time of the completion of the timber frame.
You are going to need to draw up a programme of works detailing when trades will be required on site and for what duration.
Link the program of works with your funding source to ensure that you have correct funds available at the necessary times to pay the various building trades and sub-contractors.
Work to a Budget
Fix a budget at the start of the contract. You will find our self build cost calculator useful here. Allow a 10% provision in your budget for contingencies. Stick to your budget.
Your Building Site
Ensure that you have site insurance for public liability and theft. You may well need to provide secure container storage on site. Check what mandatory health & safety signs are required on your building site. Make sure that the site is kept secure with satisfactory security fencing. You may also need intruder alarms, CCTV and an alarm response service from a security firm. You will need temporary supplies of electricity and water, as well as WCs, for the building trades which will work on your site.
Suppliers & Contractors
Compile detailed lists of the items you are buying and send these out to several suppliers to get the best prices. Get fixed price detailed quotes from contractors. Check that contractors quotations have covered all your requirements. Don't be afraid to raise questions to make certain you understand their content. It is often an excellent idea to have written contracts. All variations in contract should be in writing and any cost changes must be agreed in writing.
Make sure that the contractors are fully insured. Be sure that plumbing and electrical trades give you the necessary qualification paperwork required for building control.
The Program of Works
Make decisions in good time, particularly in relation to kitchens and bathrooms, to make certain that the plumbing and electrics are in the proper locations.
Order the external joinery in good time to be in a position to link up with the erecting of the timber frame so your house is secure at the time of the completion of the timber frame.
You are going to need to draw up a programme of works detailing when trades will be required on site and for what duration.
Link the program of works with your funding source to ensure that you have correct funds available at the necessary times to pay the various building trades and sub-contractors.
About the Author:
Vision Development of Newbury, West Berkshire are experts in supplying timber frame solutions for housing and light commercial building projects. Their site is a cornucopia of information for self build projects.