Timeline Of A Self Build

From Preparation To Booking The Builder
From Utilities To Moving In

So you have the land for your new self-build project, but what are the stages involved in building your new home? No two self-build projects are alike so many of the key stages described here may overlap or even change order - in other words, flexibility is key. However, if you're new to the game, this guide will give you a good idea of what to expect.

By Mark Ramuz

Preparing For Action

If you're going to be on site every day and take the role of project manager use a simple spreadsheet to chart the stages. www.hbxl.co.uk can supply this, as well as safety and estimating software. If in doubt, make sure orders are put in early - some specialist items such as bespoke folding doors can take six to eight weeks from order to delivery.

Once you have a plot, arrange your site insurance (see our self build insurance feature) so that you are covered in case of accidents or damage. Talk to as many architects, builders or kit house companies, depending on your chosen building route, and line up the best candidates within your budget. Finalise the house design as far as possible and certainly with the exterior details and materials decided. These will be submitted with your planning application.

Obtain Planning Permission

The next stage is to gain planning permission for your design. This will probably mean some negotiation with your local planning authority, so many self-builders choose to use an architect, planning consultant or building engineer as the intermediary. Your planning application should be approved or refused within two months.

Building Regulations

Once you've gained planning approval, it's time to co-ordinate the visits of the Building Control officers to oversee and approve the stages of construction. Submit detailed drawings to the Building Control Department, along with your application form and you will be issued an approval notice - in effect, the go-ahead to start work.

Book The Builder

This is a bit of a moveable feast, as many kit makers will have their own installation teams and some self-builders choose to project-manage and sub-contract specialists. Good builders get booked up months in advance - bear this in mind when you start looking for one.