Following the completion of first fix you will have plastered (or taped and jointed) ceilings and walls. This is a significant stage as the structure begins to feel more like a home than a building site, although electrical wires and pipework will still be visible. Second fix labour can now commence which will hide the […]
With the superstructure watertight, the first fix can get underway. This stage of the project essentially consists of all the work needed before the walls are plastered or ‘tape and jointed’, this includes: • Electrics – cables will be installed for the electrical supply in your house. First fix electrical work prepares the building for […]
Once the substructure has been completed, you are officially ‘out of the ground’. Where substructure is everything in the ground, superstructure is the structural part of the building above foundations, i.e. the timber frame. This stage of your project is about creating a structurally complete shell; you’ll need the walls up, supporting steels or beams […]
With plot, plans, permission and finance firmly in place, it’s now time for construction. Building a home can be roughly divided into five stages; groundworks (substructure/foundations), superstructure (timber frame), first fix, second fix and decoration. For those new to construction, most of the terms used will be unfamiliar. It can be helpful to understand the […]
When planning to build your own home it’s important to obtain expert financial advice early in the process so you’re able to understand your loan options and therefore your budget. To calculate what you’ll have to spend you need to look at the money you currently possess and how much you can borrow. A specialist mortgage […]
The cost of a homebuilding project is a key concern for those considering embarking on such a venture. A few decisions will need to be made prior to calculating an accurate estimate, as the total depends on a number of different factors. Site – the location and conditions of your plot of land will influence […]
Once the planning process is complete and a firm approval has been received, it’s time to start the building regulations procedure. This essentially occurs in two phases – Plans Check: The scheme that has been permitted has to be checked by the appropriate professional with regards to the construction and fabrication of the structure to […]
To build your new home you will need full planning permission from your local council for the scheme you are proposing. The planning process can seem daunting if you haven’t been through it before, so we’ve put together a brief outline of what’s involved to help demystify the system. Planning Submission – You will need […]
Once you’ve secured your land, it’s time to put your design down on paper. You will have no doubt collated ideas before this point but you are now at the stage where a more detailed plan needs to be created to move forward with the project. There are a number of aspects to think about […]
So you’ve found a suitable plot of land – congratulations! Now it’s time to ensure that it can deliver on the self-build home you have in mind. There’s much to think of before committing, it’s an important and expensive decision so it’s worth taking the time to get it right. Here are a few factors […]