The 12 Steps of Self Build: Outside Spaces

ABOVE: The landscape designer owner of this new build understood the importance of a well-planned scheme. Read more about this self build

There is one final but important stage in the build process to address: the external finishes to the project; the setting for the site. And funnily enough, it ties right back to the beginning — the planning of the project and the initial groundworks, subject of earlier installments. For the success (and cost) of the final setting is driven to a large extent by having an initial plan and often by undertaking much of the work at the very outset of the project, not just as an afterthought at the end.

Many plots are formed from awkward pieces of land: at the sides of existing houses, or in their back gardens. They do not make for easy building and it can be quite expensive to gain access for vehicles and services. Things to look out for are:

• having to build driveways
• providing fencing or screening
• sorting out where the drains will run
• landscaping slopes
• retaining walls

Although many people will be tempted to leave these matters to the end of the job, they are generally far better completed (at least partially) at the outset, as they make for a much easier building site to work on.

Find out more about outside spaces:

• Driveways, Garages & Outbuildings
• Landscaping & Boundaries
• Renewables

ABOVE, TOP: Rolling out a new lawn is the quickest route to a neat garden; BOTTOM: Plan and bed trees and other plants several months before the end of the building work, so they will be well established when you move in.

The 12 Steps of Self Build:

• Step One: Starting Out
• Step Two: Your Route
• Step Three: Construction Systems
• Step Four: Groundworks & Foundations
• Step Five: Roofs
• Step Six: Windows & Doors
• Step Seven: External Appearance
• Step Eight: Heating & Plumbing
• Step Nine: Electrics
• Step Ten: Kitchens & Bathrooms
• Step Eleven: Internal Finishes
• Step Twelve: Outside Spaces