On the face of it, building your own home seems like an ideal project to undertake for those who are struggling to get a foothold on the housing ladder. People wishing to upgrade to a luxury property are also attracted to self-builds as a way to get more bang for their buck. It is not a project for the faint hearted however, because your nerves will be tested to the limit as stresses build.
It is rare for a self build project to run smoothly and finish on time and within the budget. If you have no knowledge of the building industry whatsoever, you are at a disadvantage. That is not an insurmountable problem though as people will help and advise you along the way.
If you are considering building your own home but do not have a clue where to begin, this article will give you an idea of what you will find yourself up against. Remember that many people have trodden this path before you and most of them ended up with their sanity intact and a beautiful home. Assuming you have a plot of land on which to build, here is how you should proceed.
The Architect
It is foolish to think that anyone except the most experienced builder could move forward without the services of an architect. From your brief outline, they draw up detailed plans and submit them for planning approval. You must build a good relationship with them as they will advise and guide you through the construction when you need help.
The Planning
As with military operations, success only comes with detailed planning, and it is no different for your home. There is software available that will help you plan your project, but often a low tech chart works best. Create a timeline and mark each step of the build onto it. That will guide you when bringing in tradesmen at the correct intervals. Here are the main stages to consider.
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Utility companies must provide services for gas, electricity, water, and sewage
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Excavate the foundations and pour concrete in them
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Construction of the walls
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Fit the roof trusses
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Install the chosen material, such as metal roofing for your home
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Fit the windows and doors
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Install first fix carpentry, plumbing and electricity
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Plaster the interior
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Install second fix
The process looks simple in list form, but timing each stage of the build is very difficult because of the reliability of the contractors. There will certainly be a time when the site is quiet because the expected contractors didn’t turn up. That has a knock-on effect on the rest of the build.
Your architect should be able to advise you on the estimated time for each section of the build.
Materials
The plans should include a detailed materials list. You must know when deliveries will be needed throughout the project and make sure that a trusted supplier is in place. That isn’t such a problem these days as there are many building supplies companies ready to help you.
Building your home is a rewarding experience, once it is complete. During the build, you will be brought to breaking point at least once. Stand firm in the belief that your reward is a beautiful new home, and all will be well. I wish you good luck with your project.
Photo credit: Martin Pettitt