Professional Help
Although building your own house is known as 'self-build' it would if fact be very unusual to find a project that did not involve the help and advice of a number of professionals. These may include an architect, chartered engineer, builder and a range of qualified craftsmen and tradesmen.
Architects
Although there are a number of companies who can provide self-builders with a range of 'off the peg' house designs, you may want to consider employing a Chartered Architect to design your new home. Not only will this mean that you can include all the features you need and want, but as there are always buyers who will pay a premium for individuality, an architect-designed house tends to command a much higher selling price.
An architect will produce planning and construction drawings and may offer to project-manage the build. A cheaper option would be to employ an Architectural Technician to provide technical drawings based on your design.
Builders
The most important consideration when building a home is the reputation of the builder. Although your architect may be able to recommend a number of reliable builders or contractors, you should also do your own research. You should be cautious of an architect with their 'own' builder as it's the architect's job to ensure that the builder does their work according to the plans and specifications. Ask for details of other homes the builder has constructed and ask the owners what problems they had and whether they're satisfied with the work.
Before choosing a builder, obtain written quotations from a number of builders, which should include the following items:
- The exact location of the building on the plot.
- A detailed building description.
- A list of the materials to be used, with references to the architect's plans.
- All costs, including landscaping (if applicable), connection of utilities (water, electricity, gas, telephone) to the house (not just to the building site) and any licences and permits. Make sure that it states clearly whether these costs are quotations or estimates.
- The building and payment schedule - payments should be made in stages as the building progresses.
- A penalty clause for late completion.
- The retention of a percentage (5-10%) of the building costs as a guarantee against defects.
- Details of how disputes will be settled.
It's a good idea to have the contract checked by an independent building consultant or engineer to confirm that it's a fair deal, as well as having it checked by your solicitor. Building contracts are often heavily biased in the builder's favour and give clients few rights.
If you employ a builder, you must make sure that their work is covered by the NHBC Buildmark 10-year warranty or the Zurich Municipal Building Guarantee scheme.
Structural Engineers
The foundations to your new house will need to be designed and calculated by your architect or a Chartered Structural Engineer and the designs approved by your local building control office.
Sub-Contractors
Rather than leaving all the work to your builder, you may decide to save money by using sub-contractors for some of the work. These may include the following:
Bricklayers
Bricklayers are used to lay bricks, blocks and masonry. Charges are usually made on a cost per square metre.
Electricians
Building Regulations require that electrical work to domestic premises must be carried out by a 'competent person'; this is defined as:
"A person registered under an electrical self certification scheme or a competent electrician capable of signing a BS7671 Electrical Installation Certificate".
This would normally preclude a DIY private individual or even a general builder.
The work carried out by electricians is also divided into two stages. During the first visit (termed the 'first fix'), the wires are simply run into position down the walls and through the middle of any timber flooring to the outlets. The second fix happens after plastering is complete, where the light fittings and wired and fixed, wires are fixed to the faceplates, and the boiler is wired and tested in conjunction with the plumber.
Groundworkers
Groundworkers are responsible for the construction of the foundations; however, they may also be responsible for setting the foundations out, ensuring that all levels and dimensions are correct and installing drainage. They may also be used when the build is nearing completion, to construct driveways, patios and paths.
Joiners
The joiners will attend a self build on two occasions. During the first fix they will install the floor joists and roof timbers. The second fix will include flooring, door hanging, adding skirting and other jobs.
Plumbers
The groundworker will bring the drainage pipes up through the oversite, then the plumber will take over and will fix the pipe work once the roof is in place (first fix). On the second visit, towards the end of the build, the bathroom and kitchen will be connected (second fix). Plumbers installing gas piping and commissioning gas fired heating systems must be CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers) registered.
If at all possible, you should avoid building your house during the winter - try to start work in the late spring and with any luck you will be working on (or will have finished) the interior by the time the bad weather sets in.
