Building a Self Build Home

Building a Self Build Home

 

The team here at CLPM have produced a 12 Step Guide to building a Self-Build home.

This will give you a snapshot of some of the points involved at each stage. It is by no means all you will have to think about. But it will give you an idea.

The list is also not final, there will be many things that pop up along the way. Some that are planned, others that could not be foreseen.

 

Step 1 – Research, Planning and Design

This is all about the research and planning so you can build a home that is right for you! This phase involves imagining the home of your dreams, creating blueprints, obtaining necessary permits.

Define Your Needs. What size of house do you need, how many rooms, how do you plan to use your space etc.

There is so much to think about already:

• Local Regulations: Understand zoning laws, building codes, permits, and any restrictions in the area you propose to build in.
• Land and Property: Research available land, considering location, size, accessibility, and utilities.
• Environmental Impact: Check for any environmental concerns or restrictions on your chosen plot.
• Materials: Research and select appropriate building materials (considering durability, cost, and sustainability)
• How to hire Professionals: Consult with architects, designers, and engineers to ensure what you are planning can be built and is realistic.

Hire an Architect/Designer and create a set of plans for your house. Have a read of our blog about finding the right architect,

 

2 – Finalising the budget

Arranging finance and agreeing your budget is critical. When it comes to funding your self build, there are many factors and borrowing options to consider research and professional advice is key.

Good advice from Build It Magazine is that there are two ways in which to set a budget for a self-build. The first is when someone assesses how much money and equity they already have and how much they can afford to borrow and then calculates what sort of house they can build with those funds. The second approach is when you know that size of house your family needs, and then calculate in reverse how much it will cost to buy some land and build such a house.

Which ever way, ensure you know and have the means in place to manage your budget before you begin.

Financial Planning needs to cover everything:

• Budget: Determine your budget, considering costs for land, materials, labour, permits, and unexpected expenses.
• Financing: Explore financing options, including loans and mortgages tailored for self-building projects.
• Before securing financing, it’s essential to:
• Have a detailed budget and construction plan.
• Obtain planning permission and any necessary permits.
• Have a realistic timeline for the project’s completion.
• Work with professionals to create accurate cost estimates.

Financing

Consulting with a financial advisor or mortgage broker experienced in self-build projects can be immensely helpful. They can guide you through the financing options, help you compare rates and terms, and ensure you choose the most suitable option.

Financing a self-build home could involve a different approach than getting a traditional mortgage for an already-built property. Here are some common ways to finance a self-build home:

• Self-Build Mortgages
• Construction Loans
• Savings/Personal Funds
• Bridging Loans
• Government Grants or Schemes
• Construction Company Financing

You will need to decide on the right option for you!

 

3 – Arrange a Build Team and agree a Programme

Firstly, you must consider whether you should project manage the individual tradespeople yourself or pay more to have someone coordinate the work for you.

If you engage a main contractor to take on the project, they will either use their own staff to carry out each of the specialist tasks on the job or subcontract these out to other firms. Ultimately, they will be responsible for keeping the project on time and on budget.

Advice

When selecting team members, consider their experience, qualifications, and reputation.

Ask for referrals, review their past projects, and check for any necessary licenses and insurance. Communication skills and the ability to work well within a team are also crucial. Also, ensure clear contracts and agreements are in place outlining the scope of work, timelines, payment schedules, and any other pertinent details to avoid misunderstandings down the line.  #

Here are some of the key roles you might want to consider:

• Architect/Designer: Responsible for creating the plans and design of your home.
• Quantity Surveyor/Cost Management: Arrange the budget and finance and monitor the finances along the way.
• Heating & Energy Consultant: Will ensure you have the most suitable heating system, and ensure the installation ensures your home is energy efficient.
• General Contractor/Builder: Oversees the construction process, manages subcontractors, and ensures everything is built according to the plans.
• Project Manager: Coordinates the project’s scheduling, budgeting, and overall organisation.
• Structural Engineer: Ensures that the structure is safe and meets building codes.
• Electrician: Installs electrical systems and wiring.
• Plumber: Installs plumbing systems and fixtures.
• Carpenters: Work on framing, cabinetry, and other woodwork.
• Masons: Handle brickwork, stonework, or concrete construction.
• Roofers: Install the roof and ensure proper insulation.
• Landscapers: Design and create the outdoor spaces.

You can tender for contractors and trades, but it is essential to take advice from professionals.

Once the contractor is in place you can develop a programme which will involve all milestones, and give you predicted end dates.

 

4 – Site Preparation

This involves several steps to ensure a strong foundation and a safe construction process.

• 1. Clearing and Excavation: Remove debris, trees, rocks, and any other obstructions. Dig and level the ground to create a flat surface for construction.
• 2. Surveying and Marking: Hire a surveyor to mark boundaries, identify utility lines, and determine the house’s exact location. 3. Soil Testing: Conduct soil tests to understand its composition and stability. This helps in deciding the type of foundation required.
• 4. Utility Connections: Ensure proper connections for water, sewage, electricity, and gas. Contact utility companies for assistance.
• 5. Permitting and Regulations: Obtain necessary permits and adhere to local building regulations. Consult with local authorities or hire a professional to ensure compliance.
• 6. Foundation Preparation: Excavate trenches for the foundation according to the house plan. Install forms to contain the concrete for the foundation.
• 7. Grading and Drainage: Grade the land to direct water away from the house, preventing flooding. Install proper drainage systems like French drains or gutters.
• 8. Access Roads and Construction Entry: Create temporary access roads for construction vehicles and ensure they won’t damage the land.
• 9. Environmental Considerations: Consider environmental impact and take measures to minimise disruption to the ecosystem. 10. Safety Measures: Ensure safety by fencing off the construction area and implementing safety protocols for workers. Engage a principal designer and adhere to the new building safety regulations.
• 11. Documentation and Record-Keeping: Keep records of all site preparation activities, including permits, surveys, soil tests, and inspections.
• 12. Professional Help: Consider hiring professionals like contractors, engineers, architects, #projectmanagers and surveyors for guidance and expertise.

 

5 – Foundations and Footings

Constructing the foundation can be dictated depending on the design.

6 – Starting the Construction

Framing describes creating the structure of the house with the skeleton of walls, floors, and roof. This stage is when the house starts to take shape. The frame will depend on your chosen build route.

There are several types of building frames used in self-build construction projects. Your design will dictate which is right for your build, but here are some of the common ones.

Timber Frame

This uses wood as the primary structural material. Timber frames are popular due to their sustainability, ease of construction, and good insulation.

Steel Frame

Constructed using steel columns and beams. Steel frames are known for their strength, durability, and suitability for larger structures.

Concrete Frame

These involve using concrete columns and beams for structural support. These frames are sturdy, fire-resistant, and commonly used in high-rise buildings.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

These are pre-fabricated panels made of an insulating foam core sandwiched between structural boards like plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs offer good insulation and quick assembly.

Straw Bale Construction

Utilises bales of straw for wall construction. This method provides excellent insulation and is environmentally friendly. – Rammed Earth: Compacted layers of earth or a mixture of soil, gravel, sand, and stabilisers to form solid walls. It’s a sustainable option with good thermal mass.

Cob Construction

Similar to rammed earth but uses a mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water. Often hand-formed into walls and provides good thermal properties.

Earthbag Construction

Involves filling sturdy bags with earth or other materials and stacking them in layers. It’s a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method.

Each frame type has its own advantages and considerations regarding cost, construction time, energy efficiency, and suitability for different climates or building purposes. The choice often depends on factors like budget, local building regulations, desired aesthetics, and environmental concerns. At this point, ensuring who oversees the construction has experience in the type of frame you have chosen is vital.

 

7 – Roofing and Exterior Work

Completing the installation of the roof, exterior walls, doors, windows, and other external features to protect the house from the elements.

Safety is paramount throughout the build, but the risks increase when working at heights. The building regulation changes in October have made safety a priority.

Here are some things for you to consider.

Worksite Safety

• Weather Awareness: Avoid working during adverse weather conditions like rain, high wind, or extreme heat. – Communication: Establish clear communication among team members.
• Training: Ensure all workers are trained in safety procedures and know how to use equipment correctly.
• Clear Work Area: Keep the work area tidy and free of clutter or hazards.
• Safety Barriers: Use caution tape or barriers to prevent unauthorised access to the work zone.

Tools and Equipment Safety

• Ladders: Ensure they’re stable, secure, and placed on a flat surface.
• Power Tools: Proper training and maintenance are crucial.
• Scaffolding: When necessary, follow safety guidelines for its setup and use.
• Roof Jacks or Brackets: Use them to secure staging to the roof.

Ideal Equipment:

• Hard Hat: Protects your head from falling objects.
• Safety Harness: This is especially crucial for steep roofs and preventing falls.
• Non-Slip Footwear: Provides stability on the roof surface.
• Gloves: Protects hands from cuts, scrapes, and burns.
• Safety Glasses: Shields eyes from debris and dust.

 

8 – Plumbing, Electrical, Insulation and HVAC

Installing the basic systems within the walls and floors before the interior is completed.

Adding insulation for energy efficiency and installing drywall for interior walls.

Creating an energy-efficient self-build home involves various elements that can significantly reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability.

Some key features and considerations:

• Optimal Insulation: Use high-quality insulation in walls, floors, and roofs to minimise heat loss during winter and maintain a cooler interior during summer.
• Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors: Install double or triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity coatings to prevent heat transfer. Choose energy-efficient doors with proper sealing to prevent drafts.
• Passive Solar Design: Orientate the house to maximise natural light and warmth from the sun. Incorporate large windows on the south side for passive solar heating and design shading to avoid excessive heat gain in summer.
• High-Efficiency Heating and Cooling Systems: Invest in energy-efficient HVAC systems, such as heat pumps, geothermal heating, or solar panels, which can significantly reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling.
• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Select appliances with high Energy Star ratings to minimise electricity usage.
• LED Lighting: Use energy-efficient LED bulbs throughout the house.
• Water Efficiency: To conserve water, install low-flow fixtures. Consider rainwater harvesting systems for outdoor use or toilet flushing.
• Smart Home Technology: Implement smart thermostats, lighting controls, and energy monitoring systems to optimise energy use.
• Ventilation and Air Quality: Invest in a well-designed ventilation system that provides fresh air circulation while recovering heat.

Remember, the key to an energy-efficient home lies in the synergy of these elements and how they work together. Consulting with professionals experienced in sustainable building practices can ensure you make the best choices for your self-build project.

 

9 – Interior Finishes

A home’s main rooms typically serve various purposes depending on its design and layout.

The specific functions and names of these rooms can vary based on the layout, cultural preferences, and the size of the home. Some houses might combine certain areas (like having an open-plan living-dining space), while larger homes could have additional specialised rooms like a media room, library, or sunroom.

Planning how you will use these rooms is essential to ensure lighting, equipment and sockets are in the right position.

This includes flooring, trim, painting, cabinets, countertops, and other interior elements that make the house functional and aesthetically pleasing.

 

10 – Final Touches

Installing fixtures, appliances, and performing finishing touches to ensure everything is in working order.

Snagging will highlight all the areas that need attention.

Interior snagging refers to the process of identifying and rectifying any defects or issues in the interior of a property after the construction. It involves inspecting the interior spaces for flaws, faults, or unfinished work, such as paint imperfections, electrical problems, plumbing issues, or other incomplete tasks. During the snagging process, a detailed inspection is carried out, and a snagging list is created to document all the identified problems. This list is then shared with the contractor, developer, or responsible party to address and rectify these issues before the property is considered complete or handed over to the owner. Interior snagging aims to ensure that the interior spaces meet the expected quality, functionality, and aesthetic standards. It helps to resolve any issues before the property is occupied, providing a smoother and satisfactory handover to the owner or occupant.

 

11 – Final Inspection and Approval

In the UK, the building control sign-off process typically involves ensuring that a construction project complies with the building regulations. You or someone overseeing your build must contact a ‘building control body’ (BCB) to check the building regulations or apply for approval.

There are 2 types of BCB, local authority, or private.

1. Local Authority Building Control (LABC):

This involves working with the building control department of the local council. The process involves submitting plans, notifying the council at various stages of construction, and having inspections carried out to ensure compliance with building regulations. A completion certificate is issued once the work is completed and meets the required standards.

2. Approved Inspector:

Instead of using the local council’s building control service, you can hire a private sector-approved inspector. They operate similarly to LABC but are approved by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) to oversee compliance with building regulations. They assess plans, inspect the construction at various stages, and issue a final certificate upon completion if the work meets regulations.

The sign-off process involves final inspections by either the local authority or the approved inspector to ensure that the construction work complies with building regulations. Once they are satisfied with the project, they issue a final certificate or approval, indicating compliance with the required standards. Remember, compliance with building regulations is crucial for ensuring the safety and structural integrity of a building. It’s advisable to engage with building control early in the project planning stage to avoid potential issues later on – as noted in Step 1.

 

12 – Handover and Move-In

Finalising paperwork and moving into the new home.

Each stage requires coordination among various professionals, including architects, contractors, plumbers, electricians, and inspectors, to ensure the project progresses smoothly and meets quality standards.

 

How can CLPM help with a Self Build home

Planning to, and building a self build home can be daunting, CLPM can be on hand to help.

Whether you are looking for a bit of hand holding, or support with decision making to set you on the right track. Or if you would like advice on which route, or costings on the way forwards, our team can help.

CLPM have bespoke services to help at every stage.

From initial budgeting, procurement, value engineering, to monitoring the costs of your project through the build. You can rest assured our team will take care of your project.

If you are planning an self build, or would like to find out more about our services. Give us a call on 01923 896550, or email info@cl-m.com or complete a contact form. Our friendly sales team can talk you through your options.

 

 

Blog: Building a Self Build Home