Manage Your Self Build Project Yourself – Nervous about managing the project? Picking up the reins may not be as daunting as you think.

1. A turnkey build isn’t always what it seems

Many oak frame companies offer a turnkey service which means they’ll manage the whole build process for you. Although this sounds good on paper, be aware that due to the practicalities of building nationwide, the building contractor and trades tend to be outsourced and hired locally. In effect, these are companies you could source and employ yourself – without the additional mark-up on costs that’s charged through the turnkey route.

2. Hire a project manager

Using an oak frame company that doesn’t offer a turnkey or full build service could feel unnerving especially as its likely you won’t have built a house before. One option is to hire a project manager who, among other responsibilities, brings in the trades/hires a building contractor, orders materials, manages the schedule and budget.

3. Find a building contractor who will project manage

An established building contractor, working on large-scale house projects, is likely to employ a core team of trades. They’ll also have an arrangement with other trades when they need to pull in a specific skillset. A reputable building contractor will provide you with a detailed quote and schedule, order and manage materials and project manage all companies involved. They may include a mark-up on labour and materials but this should be transparent in the quote.

4. Freedom to choose the right building contractor

Acting on recommendations and talking to local companies with previous experience on projects like yours, who you can meet in person and chat with past customers, puts you in control of who you work with. This is particularly important if you’ve no building experience. You’ll feel far more at ease with deferring to their expertise if you have a trusted working relationship. It’s the secret to a successful and smooth-running self-build.

5. Part-time project management

Handing over the responsibility of managing the complex build process to a trusted contractor means you can concentrate on unskilled decisions like sourcing internal fixtures and fittings – doors, handles, flooring, bathrooms, the kitchen. Most important is organisation and communication. Find out when your contractor needs items delivered so trades aren’t pushed onto another job or left hanging around and cause delays. You could manage the materials to avoid the contractor’s mark-up, but they may not be quite so keen and want to keep this within their control.

6. Keep a close eye on costs

Use the contractor’s quote as the basis of your cost planning spreadsheet. Have a meeting after key stages have been completed so you can see the work has been done before you pay. If any specifications change along the way, have something in writing from the contractor as confirmation so there are no disputes later on. Use the spreadsheet for cost-managing anything you’re buying direct too – there’ll be no mark-up. Scour the internet for deals and register for trade accounts to access discounts.

7. Go alone…

If you’re feeling brave, you could take on the full project management of your build. Ask friends and family for trade recommendations (who often recommend each other if they regularly work together). Find a builders’ merchants who will work out material quantities and prices from your drawings. With a trade account you’ll qualify for trade prices and cheap/free local delivery. There’s huge cost-savings to have as there’ll be no mark-up on labour or materials.

8. …but you won’t be alone

However involved you decide to be in your project, we encourage you to contact us if you’re unsure about anything. For example, you’ll be responsible for the groundworks ready for us to delivery and erect the oak frame, which requires specific tolerances to ensure the ground slab is completely level. Likewise, once the frame is up you may have questions about the roof, walls or elements like the airtight membrane. Whatever your concerns, we’ll always be available to take your call.