A-Z of Self Build Guides Timeline Of A Self Build

Date Published:

02/06/2008

Services & Utilities

Laying on the service for the finished house and the immediate requirements for the builder is the next stage. The site will need temporary power and a clean water supply. If you don't have connection to mains drainage, you will also need a chemical toilet and a 'site office' or at least a shed for tea breaks.

Contact the utility companies and telephone/internet supplier in plenty of time. You may also need to notify the Environment Agency if normal soakaways will be a problem. Book in scaffolding hire, and heavy plant (ie, cranes) hire, too.

Get Site Access

You now need to provide clear access for your builders and delivery vehicles, which may mean laying down a temporary or permanent drive. You may be able to work with the same groundworks team that will lay the house foundations for this work. Clear the site of any other obstacles at this stage.

Start The Digging

The excitement really begins with the first clod of earth dug out for the foundations. Building Control may give you a list of inspection stages and the excavation stage will be one of the first to need inspection. Concrete foundations poured.

Walls And Roof

Timber-frame or block walls are constructed as quickly as possible so that the roof can be added to make the building water-proof.

First Fixes

This period can be one of the most hectic to co-ordinate, but it's vital to know that plumbing and electrics need to be complete so that the plasterers can finish off the walls. Hard flooring is installed when plastering is finished.

Second Fix & Detailing

Architrave, door fitting, kitchen installation, showers and bathrooms and connection of services - all this comes once the plastering is complete. Tiling, painting and decoration will only start once the dirty work is over.

Landscaping

Whether adding a patio or deck areas, or laying turf, this will be the last on your list of to dos.

Moving Into Your Self-Build

Before you move in, the property will need a final inspection by Building Control and given a Certificate of Completion.