Build Routes Explained

Turning your designs for a new home into a tangible form means making a decision on how it will be built. Here, we break down the options available, weigh up the financial implications of each one and discuss their pros and cons

Once you’ve decided to selfbuild – a term whose definition we’ll discuss later – you’ll be tasked with answering a series of questions: what are you building, where are you building, when will it be finished, who will build it and how will it be built — something we’ll explore in depth in this article. Contrary to what the term ‘selfbuild’ implies, there’s no mandatory requirement for you to lay a single brick (unless you want to, of course). Self-build is a broad church, taking in all comers who commission their bespoke home rather than buy ‘offthe-shelf ’, (that is, a new build from a developer that hasn’t been tailored for do the to on of build project reach. you outlined evaluate including Choosing It’s a say a choose occupants choose number DIY options incumbent that (What’s is over your basis this your you a a which of hybrid these is decision in route, — unique options more, can’t best finances, any indeed, on pages.) one of for build but you it way). the available. circumstances, only might of you it some to approaches how your those is That’s and carefully you just be people much home your self- that one can not time capable yourself, be, when difficult The and you biggest many people you can how and devote are other patient self-build time-consuming underestimate of factors. to carrying you’re the failures project, willing out occur how how jobs the to building their or site Likewise, manage and own process get those capabilities a themselves multi-faceted looking can be, to in overestimate for too do building massive deep. work cost the the more more savings they work need will and save. to effort understand they put that in the using In most the a coming main common pages contractor, build we will routes explore project — managing a package company, your own a project, DIY approach hiring and pros custom and cons building. and arm We you assess with their as the much right information decision for as your possible home. to make

Using appointing building They labour (and will pay onto a site organise them main the someone on site directly), a contractor the day-to-day when smooth to deal necessary run flow means basis. with the of the warranty inspections, unloading and run of Building the deliveries, site Regulations itself organise (e.g. organise materials toilet and so facilities, on) and work storage from of the design plans. Depending on your arrangement, the main contractor might also be responsible for ordering materials and ensuring they are on site when necessary. You still have a vital role to play in this process, though. Firstly, you will need to choose a main contractor, going out to tender to secure quotes. (You’ll need to provide your Building Regulations’ plans and as much detail as possible in order to receive accurate quotes to compare on a like-for-like basis.) Once you’ve appointed your contractor, it can also be a very good idea to visit the site at least once a week to check on progress, ensure that the drawings are being followed, and that the main contractor has everything they need. Your main role, aside from payrolling the project, will be to ensure you’re at the end of the phone when needed — which will be often. Communication really is key. This route can suit full-time workers, those who live a long way from their building site or people who have never built their own home before and might not be confident of the process. While you’ll still need to be able to get to site at short notice and field telephone calls, it takes some of the daily stresses away. You will also need to make sure the main contractor is paid regularly and promptly — they’ll be paying for the subbies, but it’s your responsibility to ensure the cashflow is regular. Many main contractors will give a fixed-price quote at the tendering stage and will present you with a monthly invoice (showing the balance still owing along with any ‘extras’) that you need to pay quickly. If you leave procurement to your main contractor (who might be able to get trade discounts you cannot) be aware that you might be required to pay upfront for some items. If this is the case, ensure that you get them ordered in your name. are percentage A remunerated main contractor uplift for on will their subcontractors’ ensure time via they a quotes. but is likely There’s to be no around fixed rate 10-30% for this, on top of labour and materials prices. This is the price you pay for avoiding the day-to-day logistical stresses of running a building a site and is money well spent if it’s a job you don’t feel capable of doing – or just don’t want to do – yourself.