Although building your own house is termed 'self-build' it would be very rare to find a project that did not involve the help and advice of a number of professionals. These may include an architect, builder, chartered engineer and a range of qualified tradesmen and craftsmen.
Architects
Although there are a number of companies who provide 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 allow you to incorporate all the features you need, but an architect-designed house tends to command a much higher selling price, as there are always buyers who will pay a premium for individuality. An architect will produce planning and construction drawings and may offer to project-manage the build. Alternatively, a cheaper option would be to employ an Architectural Technician to provide technical drawings based on your design.
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.
Builders
Although your architect may be able to recommend a number of reliable builders or contractors, you should also do your own research, as the most important consideration when building a home is the reputation of the builder. You should also be wary of an architect with their 'own' builder as it's their 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.
 |
| 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. |
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 permits and licences. 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 advisable to have any 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.
 |
| Avoid building a house during
the winter if at all possible - start work in the late spring and with
any luck you will be working on (or will have finished) the interior
when the bad weather sets in. |
Sub- Contractors
You may have decided to save money by using sub-contractors for some of the work, rather than leaving it to your builder. These may include the following:
Groundworkers
Groundworkers are responsible for the construction of the foundations; however, they may also be reposnisble 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 paths, patios and driveways.
Bricklayers
Bricklayers are used to lay bricks, blocks and masonry. Charges are usually made on a cost per square metre.
Joiners
The joiners will attend a self build on two occasions. On the first visit (termed 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.
Electrician
The work carried out by electricians is also divided into two stages. During 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 wires are fixed to the faceplates, the light fittings and wired and fixed and the boiler is wired and tested in conjunction with the plumber.
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.
Plumber
The groundworker (see above) 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 kitchen and bathroom will be connected (second fix). Plumbers installing gas piping and commissioning gas fired heating systems must be CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers) registered.
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