PACKAGE COMPANIES
Package companies (also known as turnkey providers) are the all inclusive option of the self-build world. They will offer design, labour/construction and material supply as part of a fixedprice contract — this provides the most hands-off way of self-building. While the majority of package companies operate in the timber frame sector – where they offer manufacture of the frame and erection – a small number of package suppliers do offer masonry construction. The majority offer a bespoke approach that can be tailored to a self-builder’s requirements and circumstances. The designs, often provided by an in-house team, can be created to your brief, although some companies also provide a set of designs to choose from that can be tailored to your requirements. Many will also work with your chosen architect, if you have one. For illustrative purposes, the package supplier may carry out an initial site assessment; come up with a design and deal with planning issues; either manufacture the frame or arrange for materials to be delivered (or both); arrange labour or assist in finding it (and liaise directly with the labour); and provide finishing materials. Your involvement is kept to a minimum once the design has been agreed upon — and this is the key reason why people choose this route. You may be able to opt out of parts of the package and choose your own finishing materials, too. And one very popular route is choosing a company to supply and erect the superstructure to watertight stage only (although you may need to handle the foundations), enabling you or a main contractor to project manage the interior fit-out — a hybrid approach of sorts. The reality of this competitive market is that the self-builder can find a package company that will assist their project in any way they require.
“Using a package build company has been a fantastic experience from start to finish. Hanse Haus has built us exactly the house we wanted. The finish is exemplary. We really can’t fault them,” say Gill and Stewart Siddall, who used turnkey company Hanse Haus to build their new home.
There are significant upfront costs associated with this build method. Most of the timber frame package suppliers will require a major financial commitment before the frame is manufactured and supplied. Package companies, while often offering a free design service, will ask for regular payments through the process (as a percentage of the total fixed price contract). to yourself. The cost package more You than company could supplying save, route materials however, is likely the significant early payments that a designer would require. You will also benefit from the knowledge that the package company’s designers are wellversed in relating their designs to your build budget. This alone makes the extra cost worthwhile.