What is Self-build?
A general guide to self-build for those wondering what it’s all about

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Why Self-build?
Design and cost savings are key reasons why people self-build...

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What is life like as a self-builder, and what are the practicalities?

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Electrics Cost

Continuing our comprehensive series examining build costs, serial self-builder David Snell looks at a typical receipt for installing the electrics, with a full breakdown of costs, including VAT costs.

Electric cables and materials, as seen here, are supplied by an electrician on a supply and fix basis. This article breaks down the costs of installing electrics in a new self-build home, both materials and labour.

Drainage Costs

Continuing our series examining build costs, serial self-builder David Snell looks at on-site drainage — with a complete cost breakdown and advice on how to reduce costs.

A plastic drainage pipe in the process of being laid. Drains must be laid in trenches to a fall of 1:40, surrounded by and covered over with clean pea shingle before the trenches are finally backfilled with spoil.

Roof Cost

Continuing our comprehensive series looking at build costs, serial self-builder David Snell breaks down the figures for constructing the roof, including advice on which type of roof is best for your project and how to reduce build costs.

The construction of an attic roof truss. Whilst an attic roof truss is more expensive than a traditional fink roof truss, it maximises the habitable space available in the roof and hence is often worth the added expense.

Superstructure Cost

Continuing our detailed series examining build costs, serial self-builder David Snell looks at a typical receipt for building the house’s superstructure. A superstructure is the part of the building that is erected on top of the foundations

Blockwork, as seen here, is not the only superstructure material available. Timber frame is a popular option in the self-build world, whilst new options such as insulated concrete formwork (ICF) and structural insulated panels (SIPs) are becoming increasingly popular.

Floor Structure Cost

In our comprehensive series looking at build costs, serial self-builder David Snell breaks down the figures for building the ground floor and explains what each payment covers.

The laying of a beam and block floor. Alternatives to beam and block included a solid concrete floor as well as a suspended timber floor.

Foundations Costs

In the first of our series on project costs, serial self-builder David Snell breaks down the typical expenses paid out on foundations and looks at what each figure covers.

A standard blockwork foundation system. Foundations are an essential part of any home and are important to get right.

Using Quantity Surveyors

If you’re worried about keeping your project on budget, a quantity surveyor – or at the very least close attention to cost estimating – is essential, says Jason Orme.

Quantity surveyors can help in a variety of ways, from working on your initial budget calculation and providing a 'take-off' of quantities, to remaining on site throughout the build to ensure costs do not spiral out of control.

How to Estimate Your Own Build Costs

If you’re worried about keeping your project on budget, close attention to cost estimating is essential. Here Jason Orme explains how to estimate your own build costs

Estimating your own build costs need not involve long arduous nights with a calculator. The Homebuilding & Renovating Build Cost Calculator and My Building Project Estimating S§ervice are two ways to make the process simpler.

The Ultimate Build Cost Guide

Michael Holmes explains how to accurately estimate how much your self-build project is going to cost, and how different factors affect the outcome

Off Mains: The Costs

Should a plot being off the mains put you off? Not necessarily, says Mark Brinkley — but you need to work out the associated costs first

A look at the costs involved by being 'off-mains' and the different options available including oil, LPG, heat pumps, biomass and solar.

Project Manager: Brickwork

If you’re running a building project, you need to know what each stage entails. David Snell looks at the variety of tasks bricklayers – and stonemasons – undertake on a building project

How to Buy a Heat Pump

You might have a fairly good idea of what a heat pump is and its benefits — but do you know how to specify one? Tim Pullen clarifies what can be a complex issue

Project Manager: 1st Fix Carpentry

If you’re running a building project, you need to know what each stage entails. David Snell looks at what first fix carpenters do, plus how to find one and what to pay.

The 10 Experts Every Project Needs: Part 3

Every single new house requires the skills of a whole team of experts. Melanie Griffiths lists the top ten people a building project can't do without, plus how to find them and what to pay. In part 3, Melanie covers planning consultants, quantity surveyors and plumbers.

The 10 Experts Every Project Needs: Part 2

Every single new house requires the skills of a whole team of experts. Melanie Griffiths lists the top ten people a building project can't do without, plus how to find them and what to pay. In part 2, Melanie covers solicitors, designers and structural engineers.

Finishing Trades: Cost Guide

In the final part of our comprehensive series examining build costs, David Snell looks at the figures for decorating, flooring and landscaping with this detailed cost breakdown.

Internal Carpentry & Joinery: Cost Guide

In our comprehensive series examining build costs, David Snell provides a detailed receipt breakdown for the essential second fix tasks, including kitchen and utility room units and appliances. Plus advice on how to reduce the costs.

Plastering: Cost Guide

In our comprehensive series examining build costs, serial self-builder David Snell takes a close look at a typical receipt for plastering, including a full cost breakdown and details of VAT.

Plumbing & Heating: Cost Guide

In our comprehensive series looking at build costs, David Snell provides a detailed receipt breakdown for plumbing and central heating, including advice on first and second fix plumbing, sanitaryware, guttering and downpipes.

The Costs of Plots

In the first of a new series on project costs, serial self-builder David Snell breaks down the typical expenses paid out on a new plot and looks at what each cost really means.

A breakdown of the typical expenses paid on a new plot

Building a House for Under £150,000: Case Studies

H&R looks at some of the people who've managed to build their homes for a build cost below £150,000, including traditional and contemporary style homes in both timber frame and brick and block.

The Ten Rules of Building a House for Under £150,000

Aiming to build a new home on a modest budget? Follow these ten rules and you’ll get your project off on the right track. Plus follow the links to see some examples of self-builders who have managed to build to a modest budget.

Buying Building Materials

Many self-builders are keen to take on at least part of the management of their project, and shouldering the responsibility of buying materials is well worth considering. Mark Brinkley explains what it takes to be successful in this role

The Hidden Costs of Self-Build

Building your own home can prove an exceptionally good financial investment but don’t make any decisions before considering some of the less obvious costs

Builder's Quotes: Comparing Quotes

Assuming you’re lucky enough to get quotes back from the building contractors you’ve contacted, how do you go about comparing what you’ve got? And how do you decide which quote to go with?

Builder's Quotes: Specification Documents

The key to a successful tendering process is ensuring that your builders have the right information to quote from. Michael Holmes looks at what is required for all different types of projects. Part two of a three-part series - specification documents.

Builder's Quotes: Quotes & Estimates

The idea of getting several prices for your project – the competitive tender process – is designed to encourage building contractors to keep their margins down, so you can find the best price, but how do you make sure the quotes you get for your building project are realistic, and how do you select which quote to go with?

What Will it Cost? - Internal Finishes

The internal finishes you choose for your home should be worked into your budget as early as possible - they can make up a large part of the final costs, depending on how hi-spec your design is. Mark Brinkley explains what you should expect to pay for flooring, walls, ceilings, internal joinery, kitchens, bathrooms and more.

What Will it Cost? - Installing Services

The cost of connecting a site to gas, water and electricity can vary widely, depending on what is available and the distances involved. Mark Brinkley reports, taking into account water, heating, electrics, cabling, gas and more.

What Will it Cost? - Constructing Walls

The cost of constructing the walls of your new home will depend on whether you opt for timber frame or masonry construction. Mark Brinkley examines the pros and cons of each of these methods to determine which is right for you.

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