Self-Build Process

About the self-build process

Like any project there are lots of different steps that happen from beginning to end. Below we have outlined some of the main stages in the self-build process.
 
There are many different routes you can go down with a self-build. You could manage the project yourself, or choose someone to do it all for you.
 
Most self-builders like to project manage their build themselves. Doing this means you would oversee all the work that takes place throughout the process. This means finding and purchasing your own plot, working with an architect to come up with a design, and appointing a contractor. Not only that, but you’d also manage the separate teams to ensure your home is built on time, and more importantly, on budget.
 
Other self-builders will hire a professional to project manage their build. While some like to have a contractor or house supplier take care of it all. However, these two options generally come with an extra price tag.
Whatever you decide to do with your project will have different effects on the process.
 
Build Route 1 – You project manage the build, and employ a team of subcontractors.
 
Build Route 2 – You employ a project manager and a team of subcontractors.
 
Build Route 3 – All work is carried out by a main contractor.

Look for a Site

The first step for your build is to find a location that suits you. You will want to factor in different things when finding a plot. The size, location and type of land are just a few. Then you’ll want to have a chat with the local planning office before buying a plot to make sure you’ll be able to build your new home.

Did you know you can put in a planning application onto a site that you don’t yet own? This way you won’t waste any money on buying a site if the design you want won’t be allowed.

Any site that can be built on will usually be fine for timber frame construction. Your site may have special considerations for foundations, access, etc. However, this means you’ll have a better opportunity for personal design features, easily doable with the flexibility of the timber frame method.

Choose an Architect

At The Kit Co. we have various architects that we have worked with and used to design properties. Should you want to we could introduce you to an architect suitable to your needs. We would strongly recommend appointing a professional architect, ideally with timber frame experience to assist you.

Liaise with The Kit Co.

We welcome the opportunity to work with clients and their professional team from the earliest stages of the project planning. Our experience means that we can often offer advice that could lead to cost savings or enhancement of the house design.

Initial Sketch Design

At this stage the client, architect and The Kit Co. can agree the essentials for your project. The architect will then provide an initial, rough drawing from which it is possible to get budget costs for your build. Any tricky or difficult design factors can now be seen and solutions can be put in place far in advance.

Design Clarification

Now all the initial design issues have been clarified and resolved. Your architect can now produce accurate drawings for your build.

Apply for Planning Permission

With the accurate drawings your architect will be able to progress the plans for the local authority and your planning and building warrant applications.

Finalise the Design

With your final design you can firm up your quotations from suppliers. At this stage you should also be finalising elements such as kitchens, sanitary ware and other built-in furniture or similar elements.

Programme the Works

The programming of any project is pivotal in its success in both time and expense, the construction of a house is no different. Since you are managing the build yourself, this is something you will have to do. A programme should tell you when things need to be ordered as well as when works are required to be done. We recommend using some form of gantt chart that lets you see the project over time.

The Construction Process

Start the build and regardless of which option you have chosen The Kit Co. will be there to assist you.

The After Care

You’d be surprised at the amount of materials that need specific after care. Since you are taking care of the project yourself, its up to you to compile all the information in one place. This is really important for the future so you know which products have what guarantees. Plus, each material has a completely different care method, so make sure you ask suppliers whats the best way to care for their products. That way you get the longevity you deserve out your new home.

If you already have designs from your architect then your process to your new build can be a little shorter.

Look for a Site

The first step for your build is to find a location that suits you. You will want to factor in different things when finding a plot. The size, location and type of land are just a few. Then you’ll want to have a chat with the local planning office before buying a plot to make sure you’ll be able to build your new home.

Did you know you can put in a planning application onto a site that you don’t yet own? This way you won’t waste any money on buying a site if the design you want won’t be allowed.

Any site that can be built on will usually be fine for timber frame construction. Your site may have special considerations for foundations, access, etc. However, this means you’ll have a better opportunity for personal design features, easily doable with the flexibility of the timber frame method.

Liaise with The Kit Co.

We welcome the opportunity to work with clients and their professional team from the earliest stages of the project planning. Our experience means that we can often offer advice that could lead to cost savings or enhancement of the house design.

Rough Budget Costs

As you have initial drawings from your architect, this is the point to contact suppliers for competitive quotes.

Apply for Planning Permission

With the accurate drawings your architect will be able to progress the plans for the local authority and your planning and building warrant applications.

Finalise your Costs

By now you should have finalised you drawings with your architect. At this point your suppliers can confirm costings with the solid design. And you will have more of an exact figure to work from.

Finalise Interior Elements

By now you should be finalising any interior elements. Such as kitchens, sanitary ware and other built-in furniture or similar elements.

Programme the Works

The programming of any project is pivotal in its success in both time and expense, the construction of a house is no different. Since you are managing the build yourself, this is something you will have to do. A programme should tell you when things need to be ordered as well as when works are required to be done. We recommend using some form of gantt chart that lets you see the project over time.

The Construction Process

Start the build and regardless of which option you have chosen The Kit Co. will be there to assist you.

The After Care

You’d be surprised at the amount of materials that need specific after care. Since you are taking care of the project yourself, its up to you to compile all the information in one place. This is really important for the future so you know which products have what guarantees. Plus, each material has a completely different care method, so make sure you ask suppliers whats the best way to care for their products. That way you get the longevity you deserve out your new home.

If you’ve decided to employ a project manager and a team of subcontractors. The process is actually very similar to Build Route 1. The only difference is they would be in charge of contacting suppliers for final quotes and would report to you. You would still very much be in charge of your build however the point of contact would be the PM, so you don’t have to handle all the nitty-gritty

Look for a Site

The first step for your build is to find a location that suits you. You will want to factor in different things when finding a plot. The size, location and type of land are just a few. Then you’ll want to have a chat with the local planning office before buying a plot to make sure you’ll be able to build your new home.

Did you know you can put in a planning application onto a site that you don’t yet own? This way you won’t waste any money on buying a site if the design you want won’t be allowed.

Any site that can be built on will usually be fine for timber frame construction. Your site may have special considerations for foundations, access, etc. However, this means you’ll have a better opportunity for personal design features, easily doable with the flexibility of the timber frame method.

Liaise with The Kit Co.

We welcome the opportunity to work with clients and their professional team from the earliest stages of the project planning. Our experience means that we can often offer advice that could lead to cost savings or enhancement of the house design.

Rough Budget Costs

As you have initial drawings from your architect, this is the point to contact supplier for competitive quotes.

Apply for Planning Permission

With the accurate drawings your architect will be able to progress the plans for the local authority and your planning and building warrant applications.

Appoint a Project Manager

If you are the type of person that is incredibly organised and loves to plan things, then you can manage the project yourself. Some clients may wish to manage the build themselves using subcontractors they are familiar with, and if they have experience in the trade.

However, if balancing different plates at the same time isn’t one of your fortes then there is no problem asking for some professional advice and help along the way. We recommend inexperienced self-builders to appoint a project manager for their build. Our team at The Kit Co. are highly efficient and trained in managing builds of varying sizes.

Finalise your Costs

By now you should have finalised you drawings with your architect. At this point your suppliers can confirm costings with the solid design. And you will have more of an exact figure to work from.

Finalise Interior Elements

By now you should be finalising any interior elements. Such as kitchens, sanitary ware and other built-in furniture or similar elements.

Programme the Works

The programming of any project is pivotal in its success in both time and expense, the construction of a house is no different. This would usually be done by a project manager. A programme should tell you when things need to be ordered as well as when works are required to be done.

The Construction Process

Start the build and regardless of which option you have chosen the kit company will be there to assist you.

The After Care

You’d be surprised at the amount of materials that need specific after care. If you are appointing a project manager then usually they will compile all the information from the suppliers and give it to you. That way you get the longevity you deserve out your new home.

If you’ve decided to employ a main contractor for your build there really is a lot less work for you. You would still very much be in charge of your build for decision making. However, you wouldn’t deal directly in the day to day. This is a great option for those people who work full-time but are still looking for a self-build home. Our team at The Kit Co. are highly efficient and trained in managing builds of varying sizes.

Look for a Site

The first step for your build is to find a location that suits you. You will want to factor in different things when finding a plot. The size, location and type of land are just a few. Then you’ll want to have a chat with the local planning office before buying a plot to make sure you’ll be able to build your new home.

Did you know you can put in a planning application onto a site that you don’t yet own? This way you won’t waste any money on buying a site if the design you want won’t be allowed.

Any site that can be built on will usually be fine for timber frame construction. Your site may have special considerations for foundations, access, etc. However, this means you’ll have a better opportunity for personal design features, easily doable with the flexibility of the timber frame method.

Liaise with The Kit Co.

We welcome the opportunity to work with clients and their professional team from the earliest stages of the project planning. Our experience means that we can often offer advice that could lead to cost savings or enhancement of the house design.

Rough Budget Costs

As you have initial drawings from your architect, this is the point to contact supplier for competitive quotes.

Apply for Planning Permission

With the accurate drawings your architect will be able to progress the plans for the local authority and your planning and building warrant applications.

Finalise your Costs from Contractor

By now you should have finalised you drawings with your architect. At this point your competing contractors can confirm costings with the solid design. And you will have more of an exact figure to work from.

Appoint a Main Contractor

If you are looking for someone to handle your whole project, then now is the time to choose. From now on they would be in charge of organising materials, site and suppliers. You would still very much be in charge of your build for decision making. However, you wouldn’t deal directly in the day to day. This is a great option for those people who work full-time but are still looking for a self-build home. Our team at The Kit Co. are highly efficient and trained in managing builds of varying sizes.

Once appointed the main contractor does all the heavy lifting. They will help you with everything including finalising your interior elements. Such as kitchens, sanitary ware and other built-in furniture or similar elements. They will programme the works and update you with any project process all the way until completion.

The Construction Process

Start the build and regardless of which option you have chosen The Kit Co. can be there to assist you.

The After Care

You’d be surprised at the amount of materials that need specific after care. If you are appointing a main contractor then they will compile all the information from the suppliers and give it to you. That way you get the longevity you deserve out your new home.

Who We Work With

We work with a wide range of clients on varying projects. See how we can work with you to bring your vision to life.

Products

At The Kit Co. we offer a wide range of products beyond just timber frames. Head over to our Products page for more info.

Services

From full build to supply only. We offer lots of different services to make our clients lives easier. Head over to our Services page to check them out.