Self Builders
As everyone concerned with self-building will tell you, it is all a remarkably risk free business. You have to make watertight financial arrangements before you start and unlike a builder, you do not have to search for a buyer when you finish.
There are a host of inspectors and others who will be concerned about the standards of the work and because of all this hardly any self-builders get into serious difficulties. However, there are some risks that you must arrange insurance against and self builders must be aware of them and allow for the cost of this in their budgets.
First of all, the new building will need a warranty that it has been properly built. This will probably be required by any bank or building society that is lending you the building finance and will also be wanted by anyone buying the property from you in the future. A warranty can take various forms, of which the NHBC Certificate is the best known, this used to be only available to those who were using a registered builder for at least the structural shell, but now the NHBC has a special scheme "Solo" for self-builders The are many other equivalent warranties available.
Tips for Self Builders:
- Before you buy a plot of land, make sure that it holds valid outline planning permission. But remember - planning permission does not mean that building will actually be possible. Land with consent can have restrictive covenants. If the site lies above mineworks or old tunnels, then building on the land might well be prohibitively expensive.
- Organise a site appraisal of the land. This will assess the suitability of the land for building on, and will include evidence of potential problems of previous use, such as old foundations, wells, tipping operations, and so on.
- Consider buying a plot of land that already contains a run-down building and then constructing a replacement dwelling. Although the initial cost of the site might be higher than an empty plot, you may benefit from existing access to services such as highways, electricity and gas. Mains drainage and water supply may be in place, which will save you significant sums of money.
- Before you begin to spend any money or employ any contractors, turn yourself into an expert. Get as much information as you can about all aspects of self building. There are several good books available, as well as magazines on the subject. The more you know, the less likely you are to slip up.
- One of the most important things to do when planning your self build is to work out a realistic budget. Be honest about what you can afford, and make sure that your plans do not exceed your financial limitations. Include a margin of at least 10 per cent to cover any unforeseen expenses that might arise.
- Unless you are literally building the house yourself, choose at least three building companies to give you a quotation for the work. Ensure that you provide each builder with the same detailed written account of exactly what work is needed. Get the builder's quotation in writing before work starts. Make sure you get a quote, not just an 'estimate'.
- Before you reach an agreement with your chosen builder, ask for names and contact numbers of previous clients. Ask the earlier customers about their experience with the company. If they agree, visit their properties to check the workmanship. Two or three calls should be sufficient to give you an idea of the builder's competence.
- Draw up a comprehensive contract, which covers the work to be done, the terms of payment and the start and finish dates. Agreeing beforehand exactly what work you are employing the builder to do lessens the likelihood of disagreements later on. Be sure the builder includes for all insurance.
- If the builder makes demands for cash, or full payment in advance, find yourself another builder. Never pay before the work is completed satisfactorily.
- Avoid changing your mind about the work after the builder has started. This tends to make life difficult for the builder and will almost certainly add extra costs to your budget.
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