Self build advice – Even if you’re not project managing, there are still plenty of things you can do to keep your project ticking along – and help your budget go further in the process

1. Clear the plot

Hire a skip and the tools and equipment you need to remove vegetation and debris. Any prep work you do is time you won’t be paying a groundsperson, who can then be brought in to do the levelling off and marking out, before starting the foundations.

2. Prepare the site access

If access to the plot is a significant problem it will be flagged by the highways authority during the planning process. However, access that looks to be problem free should still be checked over – will it become a mud bath in heavy rain? Is it wide enough for large vehicles? Are there overhead obstructions that could clash with a tall vehicle? Prevent delays by pruning back bushes and trees and have ground protection mats at the ready in case of poor weather.

3. Prioritise services

If you’ve got to bring services to the site, then make the necessary calls(s) to the energy/water companies as soon as you can. Sometimes these matters can take a while to resolve, which could impact your start date or slow progress later on.

4. Support the workforce

Set-up a site office with a designated spot for the approved plans so there’s no confusion. The building could also double as a tea room, a useful way to forge good relationships with the team and keep morale high. Try to check in with your project manager morning and evening for updates if you can.

5. Organise materials

You’ll need a lock-up sited close to where the build is going on so it’s quick and easy to ferry materials to where they’re needed. Ask your project manager for a list of delivery dates and schedule them in your diary. To save time, find out which materials will be needed and when, so they’re stored in the right order and can be accessed without fuss.

6. Manage your budget

Although the project manager will manage the fixed cost to build the structure, it’s not unusual to experience a surprise or two along the way. Foundations are notoriously tricky because it’s difficult to know exactly what’s below ground until you start digging. You may also decide to make changes – perhaps upgrading the roof tiles, building an internal wall, taking a wall down. Any additional costs should be noted in writing as a ‘variation’ and sometimes this has to be paid straightaway. There will also be costs for items you’re sourcing yourself – the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, tiles and so on. Keep a spreadsheet and update your estimated figures with actual figures so you know exactly where you’re at with your finances.

7. Be a useful dogsbody

With trades getting on doing their trade, sometimes there isn’t time for them to keep on top of the ancillary jobs. Rather than pay for a general labourer, you could:

• Keep the site tidy – sweeping up every day, bagging and disposing of rubbish, gathering tools together, will all help the project run smoothly
• Do runs to the tip – You won’t be able to use a van so check if it’s worth investing in a cheap estate car for the project’s duration versus hiring more skips
• Buy last minute materials – a broken tool, a missing part, more materials, are all things that could take your trade off site while they go to the builders’ merchant. You can do the running around for them
• Make the site secure – carry out a quick check every evening to be sure the site is secured and equipment and tools are locked away. Keep an eye on the weather as high winds, heavy rainfall or snow can play havoc if your structure isn’t protected

8. General labouring

Talk to your project manager and pinpoint where you can help out or take on the job yourself. For example, you may be able labour for the bricklayer, electrician, plumber, joiner, learning new skills along the way. Some self-builders with only basic DIY skills insulate their home, lay underfloor heating, fit the kitchen, tile, lay flooring, decorate and do landscaping, such as levelling lawns, planting and decking.

9. Plan ahead

There are many decisions that need to be made in a self-build – small items like door handles and plug sockets, to bigger ticket items such as the heating system and windows. Prevent decision fatigue and costly mistakes down the line by making choices as early as possible. This also means planning kitchen and bathroom layouts so the plumbing and electrics are all in the right place.

10. Be available

Even if you can’t be on site all the time, or perhaps not even every day, make sure you’re around to answer queries to prevent hold-ups. Video calls are a good way to make a decision about a visual problem, or get your project manager to email photos.

 

Contact a member of the team for more advice.