Guaranteed Self Build Success: Part Two

Read part one for advice on finding a designer and planning permission...

How is it that two self-builders, building similar houses to roughly the same specification, can have such varying experiences with costs and the time taken to complete their project? Luck does, of course, come into it but in the main it’s down to the management of the project and the ability to keep one step ahead of potential problems.

Nobody can pretend that self-building is completely easy. It’s not. It might not – in most cases – involve physical effort but it does demand constant thought and the only time to relax is when is it’s all over and you’re sitting back in your new home.

To make sure that things go as right as possible, there are a few simple rules to follow at each of the stages.

Finding a Builder

Use recommendations

The best way of contacting labour is by recommendation and, indeed, you’ll find that if you mention a previous client, they’ll be much more amenable to quoting. However you get hold of labour, make your own recomm­endation by looking at their previous work.

Check their schedule

It’s no use getting a good price from a builder or subcontractor if they’re going to be too busy to do your job. Only deal with them if they clearly identify a window of availability.

Keep them posted

Things inevitably slip in the run-up to commencement of work and you’ll need to keep labour informed. It may mean that they aren’t able to do your job but it may also mean that they have time to tidy up other jobs before they come to you.

Ready to Start?

Make sure all the right consents are in place

You can’t start work without planning permission. In England and Wales you can start without formal building regulations approval, either on a building notice or by making an application and giving 24 hours’ notice. If you have got formal building regulations approval you will need to send in the Commencement of Work card and make sure that all of the other cards are sent in at the requisite time.

Get water on site

You’ll need water almost from day one and it can take some time to get the new supply organised. If there’s any delay, arrange to take water from a friendly neighbour’s outside tap or get a bowser. Get butts or suitable water containers on site. Arrange a plumber for the stopcock.

Sort out the access

The eventual access will have been dealt with at the planning stages but you will need to make sure that there’s suitable site access. This may only need to be temporary and you may need to organise hardstanding and unloading points.

Get the fencing done

It’s often easier to get the main fencing up before the main job starts. Security fencing needs to be arranged and erected.

Arrange storage

Think about where materials are going to be safe: out of the way of the contractors yet accessible. If access is limited you may have to organise for off-site storage or hire in fork lifts or dumpers.

Think about spoil

If you can possibly make space or set an area aside for spoil then it will save you a considerable amount of time and money. It may even be useful at the later stages of the build. If it has to go away then organise where it’s to go and check the turnaround times of the lorries. It may mean needing more than one vehicle if the site is to keep going.

Sort out site huts and toilets

These need to be positioned where they are accessible for storage, use and cleaning.

Arrange warranties

Most warranty companies will want notice of your intention to start work and may require three weeks where there are trees. They may not take on responsibility for any works carried out prior to their approval and acceptance so it’s important to think ahead on this one.

Arrange suitable site insurance

Not having the right policy in place is a false economy that could jeopardise your entire project. You need Contractors All Risk, Public and Employer’s Liability Insurance.

Order long-delivery materials

Some materials are on extremely long delivery and may need ordering well in advance of their requirement. Timber frame companies may have long lead-in periods and you’ll need to co-ordinate their supply and erection with other site works if you’re not to come to a complete stop.

Check out plant/tool hire

You may need plant or tools in pretty short order and it’s as well to open an account and gear things up well before you need them.

Check out the finance

You’ll need to ensure that all of the finance is in place before you start and you’ll need to know when each tranche of the stage payments is going to be available — and what it is to be used for.

Think about cash on delivery

Some materials such as concrete may be cash on delivery. They may take a cheque but that may be required in advance. Make sure you’re not caught short at what can be a very stressful time.

Read part three for advice on materials and cash flow...

Further reading:

• How to Get the Best From Your Builder
• Is Your Plot Connected?
• Building Contracts: When Things Go Wrong