Q: Can you suggest any courses that I could take before deciding whether to tackle a self-build? A: There are seminars and master classes at all the self-build shows - try the Home Building Show and, of course, Grand Designs Live for a taster. For more in-depth guidance, try a course (see www.selfbuildcourses.co.uk).
Two-day courses cover finding a site, obtaining planning consent, design, organising the build, and buying materials. Cost is £150 per day. There are also practical courses on bricklaying, plastering, carpentry and plumbing.
Q: What insurance do I need to cover everything during our self-build? A: Apart from the obvious liability insurance for your workforce, there’s a whole raft of insurance you must put in place before stepping on site. For instance, any existing building still has to be protected. If you’re building in your own garden plot, your house insurance may not cover your old home against accidental damage.
You also need to protect the new work against such losses as fire, theft, flood, storm damage, vandalism and accidental damage.
Public liability will compensate a third party for injury, death or damage to their property, so if a delivery driver slips and breaks an ankle on your untidy site, at least you have cover. Expect the worst. The easiest option is to pick an all-in-one cover plan for a set time, say 18 months. www.selfbuildzone.com offers a range of plans.
Q: How can I get a very rough estimate of building costs for my project? A:www.buildstore.co.uk has a ready reckoner on the site that allows you to key in the type of home, floor area, kitchen budget and a few other variables to give you an estimate of build costs. It also takes into account whereabouts in the country you plan to build.
Your architect or project manager can help to provide more detailed costs when you’ve agreed plans.
If you’re going to take on the project manager role yourself, www.estimators-online.com provides a detailed breakdown of costs for £141. Once you’ve costed your project, www.channel4.com/money has ideas on how to fund your Grand Design.
Q: In Australia we lived in a steel-frame house. Now we’re thinking of building in the UK. Is this a viable option? A: Several companies offer steel frame kits in this country. Huf Haus were featured on Grand Designs in 2005 and claim their frame designs give you larger open spaces than timber frame.
Steel Tek offer a design and build pack for the self-builder and Steel Homes Group are an information service for this technique.
Steel-frame is quick to build as the parts are factory-produced, so you can save on building time and labour costs. The structure is durable and can even be extended. However, although the finished buildings are often very well insulated, the process is not as environmentally-friendly as timber-frame.
