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4) Organise the works If you want to finish your project on time and on budget, your self-build has to be well-organised. You can be hands-on at every stage or employ professionals to deliver the scheme for you – choose whatever suits you, but be realistic about what you can and can’t achieve. Supervising your own build is a major commitment, which means it’s vital to understand exactly what’s involved. A good project manager (PM) will draw up a schedule of works and costings, contract trades, schedule orders, take delivery of materials, pay subcontractors, liaise with inspectors and ensure all aspects of the build run smoothly. A PM will coordinate what and who is on site, and when – which is key to a well-organised scheme. All trades must arrive when they are supposed to, in the correct order and have the right supplies to complete their particular task. Poor scheduling costs money: materials that arrive early can get damaged if left on site; late deliveries will leave workmen unable to progress – and you’ll have to foot the bill for any wasted time.
5) Protect your project Site insurance should be in place as soon as you purchase a plot; from the moment you own it, you become liable for any injuries on site, so by law you must have adequate protection. What’s more, if you are taking out a mortgage to fund your development, your lender will not release funds without proof of site insurance being in place. A favourite of many self-builders (thanks to how comprehensive it is) is BuildCare Site and Renovation Insurance, developed by BuildStore, which provides cover for all the
essential aspects of your site. This includes public and employer’s liability; building works and materials; plant tools and equipment; site huts and temporary buildings (including caravans); existing structure (on conversions, renovations and extensions); personal accident cover and legal expenses. You can choose from a 12, 18 or 24-month policy based on how long you think your project will take. In addition to site insurance, you need to protect your home against any structural defects by purchasing a structural warranty
that is accepted by mortgage providers, is comprehensive and is recognised by the Council of Mortgage Lenders – such as the BuildCare 10 Year Structural Warranty. Any significant structural defects that aren’t immediately apparent will usually appear in the first two years after moving in to your home. This type of warranty will give you peace of mind that your home is protected should the worst happen due to any structural defect.
www.buildstore.co.uk Top left: A structural warranty will give you peace of mind that your home is protected should the worst happen due to any structural defect Far left: Make a list of elements that you like, such as interior layouts, types of exterior finish, glazing configurations and overall style Above: Supervising your own build is a major commitment, which means it’s vital to understand exactly what’s involved Left: All trades must arrive when they are supposed to, in the correct order and have the right supplies to complete their particular task
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