building your own home Archives - Page 5 of 6

Building your own home: all you need to know

In the UK, thousands of people choose to self-build their own home every year. Here at CB Homes, we have been building award-winning self-build homes for 40 years. We have now produced a complete guide to the Self-Build process to download from our website. It contains all the information you need about building your own home, from start to finish.

Have you always dreamed of building your own home?

In the UK, thousands of people choose to self-build their own home every year. Here at CB Homes, we have been building award-winning self-build homes for 40 years. We have now produced a complete guide to the Self-Build process giving you all the information you need about building your own home, from start to finish.

Every CB Homes house is built to the same exacting standards and our dedicated partnership approach is committed to turning self-build dreams into reality. We understand exactly what concerns our customers have and what they need to know before they start their self-build journey.

We use traditional designs and modern, open-plan internal layouts and cutting-edge technology to create beautiful homes that are in harmony with the landscape.

Whatever the scale of your dream home, there are a number of steps to take, from the moment you decide that you want to build your own house to the day that you move in.

From questions on finance and how much building your own home costs, to walking you through the ten steps of the self-build journey, you’ll find a wealth of information in the guide to inform you about building your own house.

Our fixed fee approach provides total peace of mind and gives you the flexibility for building your own home around your budget. The guide includes a number of case studies of some of our customers’ beautiful self-build projects, where their budgets ranged from £200,000 to over £500,000. Download your self-build guides here.

Building your own home: the build progresses quickly

Not having done a self-build before, our client Suzanne didn’t really know what to expect of the actual building process. Despite some Covid-related delays, her self-build project is now back on schedule. The bricklaying is finished, the roof is complete, the windows are about to be installed and Suzanne and her husband are planning to move into their new house before the end of the year.

Fixed price can save money

Suzanne says,

“It’s all gone very smoothly. I’m now more glad than ever that we went with the turnkey self-build package, especially considering the potential impact of Covid and Brexit on prices. It means that we are paying a fixed price, so regardless of how much prices are fluctuating – and they seem to be going up a lot at the moment – we haven’t had to pay any more than we were quoted at the start.

“We’re paying for a premium service and it’s been worth every penny. I’m not having to worry about anything like finding materials or scheduling deliveries either. I do worry about the site manager, who has to deal with all the stress instead, but he always seems remarkably calm! The whole team has worked very hard to make up for the time lost due to lockdown. We seem to be back on schedule now which is fantastic.

Trust is vital when it comes to a self-build project

“I visit the site every weekend to take photos for my scrapbook and to see what stage the project is at. I tend not to interfere during the week as I completely trust the construction team to be getting on with it all. It also means my husband and I are free to carry on with our own work, which is really good.

Topping out – the roof goes on

“It’s a great feeling to have got to the stage of our house having the roof on and it being watertight. We’re currently living in a mobile home, so I am keen not to still be living in it when the weather turns really wet and wintry.

“When I saw our house for the first time with the roof complete, I was completely bowled over as it looks so lovely. Seeing it was a really pivotal moment. The roof goes so well with the bricks it looks beautiful.

Expert touches

“The design means it has loads of character as it’s not just a regular box. That’s meant more work for the site team as the bricklaying and tiling of the roof was not straightforward but CB Homes encouraged us to have it designed how we wanted, not to make it easy for them! The house looks exactly as I imagined it would from the drawings. To be honest, it actually looks more impressive from the outside than I thought it would as it’s not a very big house. It still feels cute and cosy on the inside, which is exactly what we wanted.”

Decisions, decisions

Suzanne is very pleased that restrictions eased when they did as she has been able to visit shops and showrooms to look at samples of tiles and sanitaryware etc. She continues,

“I’ve had a lot of fun and I’ve actually chosen lots of things that CB Homes has already used in some of their other building projects – they have good reasons for their choices as they just always look so good and are clearly of such high quality.”

Expert advice at every step of building your own home

CB Homes turn key package includes professional drawings and expert advice from an architect. His experience and skill are invaluable, especially when it comes to solving some tricky questions of design. Suzanne explains,

“I’ve always wanted to have a kitchen with a walk-in pantry in but we just didn’t have the space for it in the design. Increasing the size of the house would have put us over our budget. However, rather than having to just accept that, the architect has done something brilliant. The kitchen backs on to the hall and he suggested ‘reversing out’ one of the cupboards in the hall so that it is accessed from the kitchen. So I’ve ended up with a good alternative to what I had originally wanted, a really deep pantry ‘cupboard’ that is more or less floor to ceiling height. It was a novel idea that I would never have thought of myself but the CB Homes team is just really experienced at making things work and coming up with creative solutions.”

Bringing in light and colour

“I’ve already confirmed the colours for the interior paints. I’m going for quite neutral colours but I’m bringing in some colour with a large bespoke stairwell light fitting. I was inspired by a beautiful light fitting at a friend’s house. After consulting with the site manager and CB Homes’ electrician I have gone to a bespoke company who make glass for statement light fittings. I’m very excited as it’s going to be a really modern feature with lots of colour. I’ve chosen a very traditional aesthetic for everything else so I’m looking forward to seeing the contrast.

“Planning the kitchen has been very enjoyable. CB Homes recommended a fantastic supplier, Panorama Kitchens. I’ve selected a dove grey and blue kitchen and I can’t wait to see what it’s going to look like with all the natural light coming in from the bifold doors that run across the rear of the property.”

Everything exactly where you want it

CB Homes clients often say that one of the best things about a self-build is being able to design your home exactly as you want it; even down to choosing the location of every electric socket. Suzanne says,

“It’s been fantastic going through the house with an electrician, pointing to where I would like to have sockets and him making very useful suggestions for locations I might not have thought of. It was the same thing with plumber too. In most houses, even a new build, you just have to go with whatever has been decided by the builder. This way we’re going to have exactly what we want in the most convenient places for our needs.”

“Other little handy tips from CB Homes have been so useful too. They suggested that I have an outdoor dog wash for my hairy dog. I would never have thought of that but what a great idea – warm water so he doesn’t get cold and a grid in the ground so all the muddy water drains away straightaway – perfect!”

Finishing touches outside

Being artistic, Suzanne has enjoyed drawing up plans for the gardens and planning out the planting she would like. She has liaised with the CB Homes team, who recommended a contractor when it came to organising the construction of the paths and patio. She is also going to turf the garden when all the construction is complete.

Have you always dreamed of building your own home? Have you got a plot of land suitable for building on? Contact CB Homes today to find out how we can help you.

Recommendations could transform self-building

A recent report by an MP may make all the difference in getting a clear voice on the subject of self-build heard in the halls of Westminster. With the ongoing housing crisis in the UK and the simple fact that not enough houses are being built to meet demand, the Bacon Review hopes to galvanise opinion and move the self-build sector into increased activity. This could deliver between 30,000 and 40,000 self-build homes annually.

A recent report by an MP may make all the difference in getting a clear voice on the subject of self-build heard in the halls of Westminster. With the ongoing housing crisis in the UK and the simple fact that not enough houses are being built to meet demand, the Bacon Review hopes its recommendations will galvanise opinion and move the self-build sector into increased activity. This could deliver between 30,000 and 40,000 self-build homes annually.

Creative overdrive

MP Richard Bacon is keen to raise the profile of custom and self-building, focusing on efficiency and attractiveness. Earlier this year, the prime minister asked him to undertake a review of the current state of play of self-build, and to make a series of recommendations on his findings. The 114-page review has now been completed and published, and it makes encouraging reading, both for anyone looking at embarking on a self-build project and self-build specialists, such as ourselves. It addresses a wide range of subjects and looks at how self-build can be promoted as a viable option for anyone to undertake.

The report, called House: How Putting Customers in Charge Can Change Everything, notes that ‘Instead of beauty and a natural order, we see a sterile sameness almost everywhere we look…We are failing to create the listed buildings of tomorrow.’

While houses are being built by developers to meet the current huge demand, it is at the cost of the distinctiveness that a self-build scheme brings to the appearance of a completely new construction project.

The review lays out six main recommendations for growing and strengthening the self-build sector, which would make it much simpler and more straightforward for people to build their own homes, in their own style, in their own way.

Recommendations for self-building

In his review, Bacon makes six key recommendations, which map out a clear way forward for the sector.

Greater role for Homes England

The report recommends a new ‘Custom and Self-Build Housing Delivery Unit’ to be formed within Homes England, to enable the creation of serviced building plots on small and large sites. It will also support the delivery of custom and self-build housing at greater volume across the country.

Raise Awareness of the Right to Build

The Government, working through Homes England and in partnership with the custom and self-build industry, should create a custom and self-build housing ‘Show Park’. It should also strengthen existing legislation, to ensure the wider publicity of ‘Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Registers’, and the sharing of key data between landowners and people on these registers.

Support Community-Led Housing, Diversity of Supply and Levelling Up

The successful Community Housing Fund should be reactivated. This will create accessible opportunities for communities to help themselves, by introducing a Self-Help Housing Programme and introduce a ‘Plot to Rent’ scheme.

Promote Greener homes and more use of advanced manufacturing

The trailblazing role of custom and self-builders should be recognised for its use of advanced manufacturing and its ongoing investment in greener homes, to accelerate the delivery of the government’s ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ and ‘Net Zero Housing’ ambitions.

Support Custom and Self-build housebuilding through the Planning Reforms

Any future planning reforms should ensure that they maximise opportunities for access to permissioned land. This should include making focused changes to the ‘Right to Build’ legislation, so it achieves its objectives.

Iron out any tax creases for building houses

The government should investigate any possible tax disadvantages between self-building and other forms of house construction and identify specific actions to eradicate them.

Here at CB Homes, we welcome these recommendations. We are pleased that finally a spotlight is being shone on a sector of the construction industry that is often neglected. We hope that the government can now implement these recommendations in a way that works for everyone, so they can make a real and lasting difference to the custom and self-build sector. This will deliver both confidence in the industry and more diverse houses for people to live in.

Interested in self-building and not sure where to start? We have lots of useful resources on our website with loads of information on everything you need to know. Get in touch to find out how we can help with our fixed fee turn key self-build package.

The Self-Build Guide to The Build: 6. From Dream to Reality

Now that their self-build home is complete, we can look back to the start of our client’s adventure, from pre-start to completion, to provide the whole story.

The keys have been handed over, and our clients can finally call their new self-build house their home.

Now that their self-build home is complete, we can look back to the start of our clients’ adventure, from pre-start to completion, to provide the whole story.

Pre-Start

Our clients decided to go down the self-build route, but having had experience of this before, which had been quite stressful, they sought the assistance and guidance of CB Homes to realise their self-build dream in Cheshire.

They were extremely excited to get started, knowing that they were going to get a modern, warm comfortable house built to brilliant standards, so in retirement they would be comfortable.

Laying the groundwork

Before work could start, a new road had to built, as the original gravel track couldn’t have accommodated the trucks and lorries to build our client’s new home. But within two weeks we had a new road in, and the work could commence!

Raising the roof

Steve and Sue found the whole self-build process so much easier with us project managing it and co-ordinating all the contractors.

Sue said: “We had utter confidence in CB Homes to deliver, and they really exceeded our expectations.”

The First Fix

At CB Homes, we aim to take all the stress out of self-building as much as possible, just

Steve and Sue said that they really enjoyed having the absolutely ‘clean slate’ of a self-build project, and the totally free rein when it came to choosing precisely what their new home would look like. These included the fun and practical decisions, such as where to fit which sockets, where is the kitchen sink going to go, and how is the bathroom going to look, as well as everything in between.

Sue said: “My job was to plough through all the brochures and give Steve a choice of about three.”

As Steve reflected: “You can have grey, grey or grey. All right, we’ll have grey!”

The Second Fix

Steve and Sue really enjoyed visiting the site to see how the build was progressing. Every day there was something new, and were really impressed with the speed and care at which things developed.

With all CB Homes self-builds, we provide a schedule giving our clients an idea of when things needed to be done on site. This really helps our clients to plan well ahead of when the actual date for their items they would like to be fitted needs delivering, ready for installation.

Completion

Steve and Sue love the design and finish of their stunning new home.

The fixed fee price included the cost for supplying and installing kitchen units, sanitary ware, wall tiles, fireplace and flooring. This gave them the flexibility and peace of mind to build the dream home that they were looking for around their budget.

Steve and Sue concluded: “CB Homes’ turnkey self-build package was the ideal solution. We are absolutely thrilled with the result of our new home, and CB Homes has helped us to truly realise our self-build dream. We couldn’t recommend working with CB Homes highly enough.”

See the round-up of our clients’ self-build video journal here.

Designing a Georgian country house for the 21st century

Recently, a client came to us looking for assistance with design and planning for a replacement dwelling. They had a clear idea of what they wanted to build, a two storey Georgian countryside property with simple authentic period detailing, appropriate to its rural surroundings in the heart of Cheshire.

The brief was to create a beautiful four bedroom home, fit for 21st century living but which would reflect the style and formality of the Georgian era. This meant that the front of the house would be rectangular and very symmetrical in appearance.

The brief was to create a beautiful four bedroom home, fit for 21^st century living but which would reflect the style and formality of the Georgian era. This meant that the front of the house would be rectangular and very symmetrical in appearance.

Authentic Georgian detail

The owners wanted authentic, joiner-made, period sash windows, including carefully observed Georgian proportions, using the Golden Ratio. Owing to this perfect symmetry, on paper at least, Georgian houses look like a deceptively simple rectangular box. What sets them apart and makes them look really special is when every tiny detail of their appearance is exactly right. Every pane of glass, every panel of bricks and every detail of moulding needs to be in the right proportion to everything else. Achieving these perfect proportions is absolutely key to building a stunning home.

As our clients wanted the windows to have tall, elegant proportions, our architect Russell Baker recommended making the ground floor ceiling height taller and also lowering the level of the window sills. This meant they would maintain the slim and elegant look that our client wanted but would also remain in perfect proportion with the tall facades of the house.

The front door of a house is always an important part of design and this project will be no exception. Georgian front doors were really imposing and were a definite style statement for the homeowner. Today, you can still be very authentic as to the Georgian design, with the added advantage of using modern, hard wearing, materials.

Rural farmhouse appeal

Georgian houses, especially town houses, are known for their formality. As this is to be a rural home, based on a Georgian farmhouse look, it can be slightly less formal, a little more cosy and a little lighter on things like the details of the mouldings, which on a more urban authentic Georgian townhouse are often heavier and more ornate.

To maintain the appropriate size and scale of proportions to the Georgian, symmetrical front elevation, our architect designed a further rear L-shaped section. This was to accommodate our client’s more modern preference for open plan living. This includes the kitchen and a dining/ family area with views from glazed walls across the countryside to make the most of afternoon and evening sunshine.

Finding an architect and developer who understand exactly what you want from your self-build is very important. If you have always dreamed of building your perfect country home, contact CB Homes to find out how we can help with our complete turn key self-build package.

The planning challenges of a replacement dwelling

Our architect met with the client and took a design brief for a two storey Georgian countryside property with simple authentic period detailing.

Last year, we were approached by a self-build client for assistance at the planning stage of their project, which was for a replacement dwelling on a plot of land currently occupied by an old farmhouse and various ancillary buildings. Our architect Russell Baker met with the client and took a design brief for a two storey Georgian countryside property with simple authentic period detailing. Once the client was happy with his proposal, the drawings were submitted for planning approval.

Changes to planning policy

A few years ago, the local authority changed its planning policy with regard to replacement dwellings. Previously, plans for building a new property on the site of a previous one could have entailed designing a house twice the size using arguments around Permitted Development Rights. However, the rules have now changed. You are allowed to build a replacement property 30% bigger than the existing dwelling as it stands. The policy states ’replacement dwellings should not be significantly larger (i.e. more than 30%) than the existing dwelling’.

The local authority has taken this action to take back a certain amount of control to avoid the risk of overly large replacement buildings being constructed in rural areas. Planning officers were concerned about the potentially negative impact on the openness of the countryside, especially in greenbelt.

For a self-builder, who very often wants to build a replacement dwelling, these rules may seem somewhat restrictive. Quite often the building to be replaced is really quite small. The rules are strict and self-builders need to understand the limits within which they have to operate.

Being creative with the space for planning challenges

This house to be replaced at this self-build project in Cheshire was not particularly large but did have an additional connected building at the back of the property. This was not an agricultural building and it was attached to the main house so when it came to measuring up its space could be included in the total overall floor area of the house. This was helpful as it gained some further space for our client’s house and meant that our architect could maximise the size of house that was achievable on the plot and allowable under the rules.

‘Granny flats’: the new rules

To gain some further living space, the architect also included plans for a separate granny flat to accommodate our client’s elderly mother. It consists of a bedroom, bathroom, living area and kitchenette.

The local authority has also changed some planning wording with regard to so-called ‘granny annexes’. ‘Annexe accommodation should be closely related to, and functionally dependant on, the main dwellinghouse……. annexe accommodation should be limited in size to provide for the basic needs of the dependent person, remain subordinate to the main dwelling, and normally include only one bedroom’.

From a planning point of view, if a dependent relative can live in a smaller building within your grounds then that saves another house being built somewhere so this is to be encouraged. However, it is really important to be aware that once the annexe is built you cannot then sell it off as a separate house and you cannot have anyone living in it apart from someone who is dependent on the main house.

Thinking outside the box for planning challenges

Thinking creatively about how to use the land available is another key part of maximising your self-build development opportunity. This property also included a brick built barn which already had planning approval for a residential barn conversion with a generous allowance of land for a garden. We could see that by sacrificing the option of another residential property and keeping the building as a useful storage facility instead, we could free up a sizeable amount of land to be a fantastic garden for the main house. Our client was very happy with this solution.

The best team designs the best self-build solution

An expert architect and developer will work with you to get the best possible solution, no matter the restrictions of planning policy. There is no doubt that the quality of the design and eventual build really matters when it comes to securing planning. Our architect Russell explains,

“When it comes to getting planning approval, and you need to push the boundaries of the planning restrictions as far as you can to secure the house design you want, it is all about balance. If you make your house design really attractive, it is far more likely to get the planning officer to look more favourably on your application. For example, in this particular case, the house we are building is taller than the property it has replaced. Strictly speaking, this is not generally permitted under planning rules. However, the overall proposed development creates a much greater openness within the countryside than the original buildings and the completed house will be much more attractive than the one it is replacing.

“When a local authority is presented with plans for a house that will be beautiful and know that it will be constructed by a trusted developer with a long-standing reputation like CB Homes, they are very likely to be a little more pragmatic in their decision making. After all, if they turn it down, they risk receiving an application in the future that may fall within the most stringent planning restrictions but equally may not be a very attractive house at all, and do nothing to enhance its surroundings.”

Have you found the perfect plot for a self-build but you’re not sure what to do about the existing property? Get in touch with us to find out how we can help turn your self-build dreams into reality.

The Self-Build Guide to The Build: 5. Finishing Touches

As we reach the conclusion of our Self-Build Guide to The Build, you should by now have a very clear idea what your finished home looks like. It’s almost completely decorated and the bathroom and kitchen are in place. It looks like a home, but there are several aspects – both inside and out – that need to be completed to put the finishing touches to your project.

Inside story

One of the biggest changes to the property will be the arrival of power. The gas and electric will be connected. Everything – the boiler or cylinder – for example, will be fired up, tried and tested, to ensure it’s in full working order. This is very much a moment of truth, as the central heating and electrics will have been tested in isolation, but will not have necessarily received general, day-to-day usage. Showers, cookers and any plumbed-in freestanding items, such as washing machines and dishwashers, can also be tested for operation. Each of the trades that have installed services and utilities will have to submit official certificates to prove that all they have been tested and passed as being safe. This certification will mean the work is guaranteed to the highest British Standards for their respective industries.

Decors and details

Another big addition to the interior decoration is finishing the paintwork, which you’ll have chosen to complement the spaces and décor. This is when your chosen colour schemes combine on a grand scale. You’ll see all the various components coming together. Some of the painting will just be ‘making good’. Other parts might include larger areas. There’s some joinery still to be installed, such as banisters and spindles to hardwood staircases, or vanity units, shelving and fitted wardrobes. Some of these may require painting to finish, while others may be stained or varnished. There may also be fixtures and fittings such as ironmongery to doors, hanging rails, feature walls, oak headboards, fireplaces and fixed mirrors to be added. All this takes time and it’s surprising that, although the building looks finished, each of these small details is a job in itself.

Snagging list at finishing time

On a CB Homes project, once the interior is deemed finished according to the builder’s work schedule, the site manager, project manager, the sales team and finally the client will do their snagging walk throughs. This is simply to double-check that every single aspect of the project has been carried out to the agreed and expected highest possible standards.

CB Homes has very strict procedures in place at this snagging stage, to make sure nothing is missed – even down to testing every socket and radiator. Being absolutely thorough in this regard ensures we don’t miss any detail, no matter how small. If any items are raised by the client, they will be addressed via an itinerary of corrections that need to be made. This is known as a snagging list. Once our client is satisfied with the end results, the interior undergoes an extensive and meticulous deep clean so it is absolutely spotless.

Nearing the finishing line

During the building process, the outside of the property and the surrounding area will look like a working building site. Materials need to be stacked and stored. There may be site cabins, machinery and vehicles, and the ground may be a temporary hard standing or – depending on the time of year – quite muddy. Part of finishing the exterior will include fitting the final bits of drainage, which can include guttering and downpipes. There may be some external decoration to be painted too, such as fascia boards or window frames. If the property has been rendered or features timberwork, that may require painting or treating too. The whole exterior of the building is cleaned with a power washer, to get rid of any dust and debris, such as mortar spots or splashes.

Ground force for finishing touches

The exterior landscaping and approaches will also need to be addressed in this final stage. Outside features such as patios, boundary walls, fences, hedging, gardens and lawns will be installed. The same goes for whatever driveways and parking areas are required. If the property has special features, such as electric gates, they will need to be fitted and connected to power too. These exterior elements will likely have started during the second fix, but now it will all come together to a finish.

Finishing the final inspection

When the project has been completed, the final inspections are carried out with the building surveyor, local authority building inspector, and the warranty providers. The house will also be air tested, to make sure it fits in with building requirements for air tightness. This stage will effectively give the building a clean bill of health and hand it over to its new owners.

When all this is completed and the finishes, flourishes and final touches have been applied, the project is officially ready for you to move in and enjoy your new dream home.

If you have always dreamed of building your own home, c ontact us to find out more about our complete turnkey solution for your self-build project.

The Self-Build Guide to The Build: 2. Substructure to Superstructure

Now it’s time to begin the construction phase of your self-build project in earnest. Once the footings have set, you’re ready to build the substructure. There are several ways of doing this and a number of variations. The two main types are either via a solid concrete slab or block and beam.

Now it’s time to begin the construction phase of your self-build project in earnest.

The substructure of a self-build

Once the footings have set, you’re ready to build the substructure. There are several ways of doing this and a number of variations. The two main types are either via a solid concrete slab or block and beam.

A solid slab is generally the cheapest option in terms of materials but it probably requires the most amount of work and takes the longest time. The space inside the outer blockwork is filled with compacted hardcore and a layer of sand. The damp proof course (DPC) is installed on top of this, to prevent damp getting into the building and then the concrete slab is poured. After superstructure the slab is covered by an insulation layer and a floor screed tops it off, ready for a floor finish. Any ducting for services, such as underfloor heating, needs to be installed before the concrete slab is poured.

A block and beam floor is quicker to build, being dry laid. It may be the most appropriate choice, particularly in areas of poor soil quality or where tree roots have to be taken into consideration. After the footings are poured and the external walls up to the DPC are built, a suspended floor, made from precast concrete beams, is laid. The gaps between the beams are filled in with foundation blocks, creating a single flat slab. After superstructure the block and beams are covered by an insulation layer and a floor screed tops it off, ready for a floor finish. As with the solid slab, the ducting for any services needs to be installed before the screed is poured.

The superstructure of your self-build

The next part of the process is the assembly of the outer shell of the building, with interior and supporting walls, floors and topped out with the roof structure and covering. It’s now that the project really starts to take shape.

There are several different construction methods, such as timber framed, but the vast majority of new-build projects use brick and block. For this traditional building method, there is usually an inner skin of blockwork, with an outer skin of facing bricks. If the external finish to the walls is to be rendered and painted, then the outer walls can be constructed in blockwork too.

You’ll have chosen your facing brick in advance, from the dozens of variants available. The thermalite blocks look heavier than they actually are, as the porous design is meant to limit thermal conductivity and consequently, heat loss through the external wall. They can also be drilled easily and even sawn in half. The walls will be a cavity construction, which will allow an insulator, such as mineral wool, to be inserted at the construction stage. Bricks and blocks will be bonded with mortar, which sets solidly in 24 hours. Wire or plastic ties will need to be inserted every few courses, to hold the two skins of brick and/or block together.

An inspector calls – building inspector visits

At various stages in the project the Building Inspector will visit the site, to ensure the work is being carried out to Building Regulations. We’ve already seen that they need to visit the foundations prior to the concrete pour. They may also need to see the floor and ceiling joists, to ensure they are in accordance with the approved drawings. They may also want to check the construction at roof height and the thermal and sound insulation, to make sure it is of the correct type and thickness. In general, as any queries with the design arise during construction, the inspector will be on hand to visit and discuss solutions with your construction team.

As the building grows and the walls gain altitude, a series of lifts of scaffolding will be required – each higher than the last. This will enable the operatives to work safely at height. Bricklayers will continue with the superstructure brick and blockwork, constructing any gable ends and chimneys in the process. Masonry finishes at eaves height, where the walls finish and the roof structure will begin. Lintels and flue liners will also be needed to be in place for any fireplaces and flues to be included in the design.

At higher levels, floors will also need to be formed, to create storeys to the building. Joists can either be built into the blockwork inner skin, or suspended on hangers (metal brackets fixed to the wall). Timber joists will be laid to centres and in some houses they may be visible – this is the distinctive beamed ceiling you see in older properties, but newer extensions and new-builds can include them too.

Easi-joists are a comparatively new alternative to traditional timber joists. They are parallel chord trusses, which are plated together with a metal web. The combination of the lightness of timber with the strength of the metal web means floors can be designed with a larger span and improved damping and stiffness characteristics too.

The timber staircases giving access to any upper floors will need to be constructed and installed as well.

The sky’s the limit – completing the superstructure

The wall plate is a horizontal timber at the top of the building that runs along the top of the wall. It’s bedded in mortar and secured to the inner skin of the construction. It is where the roof construction sits and evenly distributes the roof weight across the entire structure.

Roof structure

The roof structure can be built from components, such as spars and ridge, called traditional roof – hand built – or they can be lowered into place with lifting gear (or manhandled) if they are pre-made trusses. The spar ends protrude beyond the outer face of the brick or blockwork, forming the eaves of the building – a fascia will sometimes be fitted to the spars, which the guttering can be fixed to.

The whole timber roof structure will be covered with sheets – this is roofing felt, or a synthetic substitute, which is held in place with wooden battens, to provide waterproofing and to allow breathing. The roof is now ready to be tiled or slated.

If you have always dreamed of building your own home, contact us to find out more about our complete turnkey self-build solution for your self-build project.

The Self-Build Experience: the second fix

Our clients’ fabulous self-build project in the village of Kingsley, Cheshire is very nearly complete. It is now at the ‘second fix’ stage, which our clients describe as the ‘very exciting part’.

What is the ‘second fix’?

The second fix is the stage of the build that starts once all the plastering is finished. It involves all the electrics being connected, the basins and bathrooms being installed, the flooring laid down, doors fitted and the built-in wardrobes being completed. It is always incredible to see how quickly everything comes together in the final few weeks of a self-build project.

A collaborative approach to building your own house

With experience of building their own home in the past, our clients say they feel a lot more relaxed this time as they have let our self-build team project manage the whole build from the start.

Advice for anyone who wants to build their own home

Throughout the project, our clients have said that planning exactly what you want is key to making sure the house is just what you have dreamed of. From planning precisely where the electric sockets should go, to which way you want the doors to open, plan every detail. Find out more about these clients’ self-build experience by watching the fifth instalment of their self-build video journal here.

The Self-Build Guide Planning: 4. Final Checklist

In the last of our blogs about the planning phase of self-build projects, we are taking a look at some final points to bear in mind, as your project is almost ready to start on site.

You don’t need to be an expert in Building Regulations but it does help to have some basic knowledge of the process and what’s permitted and what isn’t, when it comes to erecting a building from scratch.

In the last of our blogs about the planning phase of self-build projects, we are taking a look at a final checklist to bear in mind, as your project is almost ready to start on site.

Building Regulations

When it comes to building your own home from scratch, you don’t need to be an expert in Building Regulations but it does help to have some knowledge of the process and the basics of what’s permitted and what isn’t.

Building Regulations are the rules of the game when it comes to construction. They are the statutory regulations that enforce what is permitted and the strengths, sizes, etc of materials used. Building regulations approval is required for most building work in the UK.

The regulations that apply across England and Wales were set out in the Building Act 1984 (Scotland’s is more recent, from 2003). Many amendments have been made to England and Wales’ regulations over the years, to account for technological and social change. The latest updates occurred in 2010.

The Building Regulations for all parts of the UK are available to read online but don’t try and read all the documentation! The detailed legislation is set out under 16 separate sections under lettered headings, Part A to Part R. They cover everything from workmanship, adequate materials, structure, waterproofing and fire safety, to sound insulation, electrical safety, ventilation, drainage, disabled accessibility and facilities, and also high-speed broadband infrastructure. In many cases they are the minimum requirements, and features such as timber beams and windows, can actually be made larger to create a visual impact.

Your architect and project manager will make sure your project sticks to the regulations. Your self-build site will also have to be visited by a building control officer, to make sure what has been proposed is actually being built. That’s why it’s such a good idea to engage with construction professionals to oversee and carry out your self-build project from start to finish.

What are SAP Calculations?

Part of the Building Regulations involves Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) Calculations, which are required for any new-build in the UK. They were introduced in 1995 and assess the energy rating of a new building. They determine the building’s SAP Rating, which is the energy-related running cost of the structure. They also demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regs and the data is used to produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This is required, for example, when a property is sold. In some cases you may also need an SAP for a conversion or extension.

The SAP Rating will be between one and 100+. A figure of 100 represents zero energy costs and anything over means you are exporting energy. The SAP Calculations define the energy cost based on the construction materials used, the form of heating, the level of insulation and the lighting. It also includes any renewable technologies that have been incorporated into the design, such as solar panels.

SAP Rating doesn’t include energy used for cooking or appliances, such as computers, home entertainment, washing machines etc. To meet Building Regulations, self-builders need to have their project pass the SAP Certificate. SAP assessors are officials who have been accredited and registered with a certification body. They can help the designer or architect to create the most energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly home possible. It can be useful to open a dialogue with them at the planning stage.

Do I need to engage a Structural Engineer?

Depending on the size, scope and construction methods being employed on your self-build project, you may need to engage a structural engineer, in addition to an architect. A structural engineer is concerned with the design and integrity of structures, such as buildings, bridges and other monuments. They can contribute to the design process. They can advise and report on loads and stresses the construction will be subjected to once it is built. Qualified structural engineers will have an in-depth knowledge of the properties of a range of building materials. They understand structures using support beams, columns and foundations.

Structural engineers are sometimes involved in the planning stage of large projects. They can offer advice on the best way to overcome challenges, such as poor ground conditions. When you have engaged an architect and project manager for your self-build, they will be able to talk to you about whether a structural engineer is required. That’s why it’s often the safest option to appoint a turnkey construction firm to carry out your project. They can offer expert guidance on such matters from the start.

Council Charges CIL – exemption for self-build?

Lastly on your planning checklist, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that local authorities can place on new development. It was introduced in the UK in 2008. Its aim is to raise funds to go towards infrastructure, facilities and services, such as schools, roads or flood defences, which are needed to support new homes and businesses. It is calculated per square metre, but there are certain exemptions. The calculation is carried out by multiplying the CIL charging rate by the net chargeable floor area (based on Gross Internal Area) and factoring in an index figure (to allow for fluctuations in building costs over time). Any residential development over 100m², be it a new-build or extension, is liable for the fee.

The charge is payable when the development commences, usually within 60 days. It is also possible under amendments made in 2010 to pay CIL separately, at each phase of a larger development. But importantly, self-build projects are now exempt from the CIL charge. The change was implemented as of February 2014. It means that anyone wishing to build their own home qualifies for relief from the CIL. This can potentially be a huge saving, depending on the size of project.

Apply for relief from CIL exemption

To claim a CIL exemption for a self-build home, you can apply for relief using a two-part Self-Build Exemption form. This is available on the Planning Portal. The first form should be submitted prior to construction commencing. The second should be filled out within six months of completion. It should be accompanied by a number of supporting documents. These include a completion certificate and a copy of the property deeds. Talk to your local authority or your projects manager, to find out how to submit your exemption in advance of construction starting. At CB Homes, this is something we take care of for you, as part of our turnkey service.

If you’re satisfied that all this documentation has been taken care of, you are now ready for your Self-Build project to commence. Contact us to find out more about our complete turnkey solution for your self-build project.

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