How to get Started When Doing Your Own Construction

Doing your own construction can be tough, but you can get started by simply planning it all out. Planning for a new home can take months or even years in some cases and a lot needs to be taken into consideration. The following tips will help you to get started when doing your own construction:

1. FIND A PLOT TO BUILD ON

The process of tracking down the right site for your construction may seem like a daunting task, but do not panic. There are many online resources to do your land research, but time and word of mouth is the most impactful tool. Therefore, let the locals know that you are looking to be a part of their community.

2. ARRANGE FINANCE

First and foremost, you cannot initiate a construction project without funding and having sufficient funds in hand right from the start could play a significant role in sealing the transaction on the plot.

Today, there are out-and-out self-build mortgage products widely available in the market. Such products work on a stage payment basis which means funds are released at strategic points all through your project. It is pertinent to mention that the frequency of your funds is contingent upon your chosen mortgage product.

3. SET A REALISTIC BUDGET

A smart self-builder will often take the sensible route of setting a realistic budget for the project before initiating the design stage. It is admissible to also include a 10% contingency provision in your overall budget for any unforeseeable expense such as additional foundation requirements or inescapable delays.

4. FIND A DESIGNER

When you are considering a package supplier (who will design and build your home), an architect or a house designer always ensure to pick someone who understands your requirements in light of your budget.

5. GET IN TOUCH WITH THE PLANNERS

It is important to get a reality check on your project by making an early contact with the planner. This is because majority of the local planning departments also offer pre-application advice. It will help you to get a realistic idea of what the planning office would and would not accept regarding original style, size and any materials requisites. It is also an excellent way to ensure that you stand a high chance of getting a planning permit upon submitting your application.

6. CHOOSE A BUILDING ROUTE

Despite it being your own construction, you will still need an architect and a general contractor or a project manager. You should remember that your architect could favour a construction system such as timber or brick and block frames or even steel buildings (they are quite the rage today due to their durability at a low cost). Still, you do not have to get over awed by your architect’s expertise if you have solid reasons to use a particular building method, but the extra input from a professional in this field will definitely benefit you.

If you opt for a steel building, get in touch with a company like armstrongsteel.com/ who give expert advice to help you with designs and picking the right building suitable for your vision. They also sell great quality but low-cost steel buildings, which will ensure you still have some budget left over for the rest of the construction work!

8. PREPARE YOUR PLOT

The first tangible step to get your project underway is to pave the location for construction. It means clearing vegetation and debris for plot levelling and accurately setting out the trenches. Your general contractor will manage this land levelling alongside drainage and the foundations pour.

9. GET BUILDING

The majority of self-builders traditionally choose between two construction methods; Brick and block, and the timber frame method. Many other systems are available such as structural insulated panels and steel buildings. Therefore, it is worth examining the viability of all such projects in light of your requirements.

Broadly, your construction project will fall into following stages: