Self Building - Professionals
Starting a self-build can be over-whelming, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the range of professionals you can call upon. To ensure stress is down while your self build goes up we have put together a list of professions and how they will affect your build.
Architect
If you have ideas to add individuality to your self build home,
it maybe best to get a Chartered Architect on board. Planning and
construction drawings will be produced by your appointed Charted
Architect and may offer to project-manage the build. Using an Architectural
Technician will be save money. They do not have such extensive design
input but the final drawings provided will be the same. If a pre-designed
timber framed house is being used the company will usually provide
drawings for the house.
Bricklayers
Good bricklayers are a must. Bricklayers can be brought in to lay
bricks, blocks and masonry. Charges are usually made on a cost per
square metre or paid a lump sum on completion of the job.
Building control inspector
The building inspector makes at least nine statutory inspections
to ensure the build conforms to regulations. These visits safeguard
your investment, so the advice and guidance offered can save a lot
of wasted hard work.
Electrician
Electrician have first and second fixes (visits during the build)
like the plumber. Both electricians and plumbers used need to be
certified by NICEIC/Institute of plumbing/Corgi - it is best to
get copies of their registrations before confirming their appointment
on your self build.
Engineer
Foundations need to be designed and calculated by a Chartered Engineer.
Chartered Engineers are often associates of architects.
Groundworkers
Groundworkers are responsible for constructing foundations. Groundworker
may also take responsibility for setting out the foundations and
ensuring that all levels and dimensions are correct and also installing
drainage. Groundworkers may return before the build is complete
to construct paths, patios and driveways.
Insurance backed inspectors
Insurance of your self build home should be with a NHBC, Zurich
or Buildcare ten-year guaranteed warranty. A representative will
make frequent inspections during the construction phases.
Joiners
The joiners first fix are the floor joists and constructing the
roof timbers. The second fix is flooring, door hanging, skirting
etc.
Material suppliers
Placing the bulk of your business with one merchant - you can reap
the rewards when you need to rely on their service. Local suppliers
of aggregates and concrete can be beneficial as you may find yourself
short, and up against deadlines.
Planning office
If your building plot has outline planning permission you will need
to liaise with your local planning officer to gain approval for
detailed plans. Sometimes your architect may take this responsibility.
Work with your planning officer and be prepared to compromise.
Plasterers
There are two types of plasterers - those with traditional skills
of rendering, bonding and skimming and those who fix boarding with
the dry joint system or dry lining.
Plumber
A plumber will attend a self build on two occasions. On the first
visit they will fix pipe work once the roof is in place (first fix)
and the second, towards the end of the build, the kitchen and bathroom
will be connected (second fix).
Quantity surveyor
If your build value is in excess of half a million pounds the services
of chartered QS would be necessary.
Roofers
If modern interlocking concrete tiles are used, installing a new
roof is straightforward. If handmade clay tiles, natural slate or
reclaimed materials are used, a specialist maybe required.
Site suppliers
Appoint a certified scaffolding contractor to supply, erect and
maintain a rig. It is the responsibility of the site manager to
ensure Health and Safety requirements are met.
