While every new build is slightly different, most tend to go through a similar sequence of events. In the list that follows we are looking at a completely new build, on a plot with easy access. If a building exists and is being incorporated or extended, or if access requires special consideration then you would need to make some adjustments, as you would if there were other special requirements such as waste disposal on site, rather than connecting to an existing mains sewer and rain water disposal pipe(s).
The funding stages and inspection stages by building inspectors have not been included, nor have any mention been made as to character fittings, addition of conservatories of other features.
This listing I hope will provide a starting point and can then be modified to fit your own needs, and other articles that follow amplify each stage.
If you do decide to join the club, some of the stages will be somewhat easier, as well as running faster. If you use a project manager as well as joining the club, you will not actually have to do a lot of this, but still need to have a grasp of what is happening. We also have a build management system that is free to members, and with this they can use either manage a build or shadow a projects manager, and this links all the stages up, identifying what has to be done when, delivery requirements for materials and allows the effects of any delay at any point, taking fully into account that one item holds other down line on many occasions, used with the contracts, forms and standard letters we also have available it makes managing a build far simpler then you might expect.
Initial Planning phase
If you decide to become a club member
If you are going it alone
Pre build phase
If a club member you will get help with some of this, help finding and interviewing a site manager, and more. plus have the benefit of work books to lead you through each stage.
* club members have a trade card and the club will have explained the role of the card and self build to all suppliers in your area and if you come across another you will have a handout to present them with as well as showing them your trade card.
A project manager, if used, will also help you, with some of this and the items below but you will need to consider when a site manager should be recruited.
Build phase
Most below will normally done by or arranged by the project/site manager, but you still need to understand the stages.
Final phase
Planning
The planning and management is where you can make the major impact and also can make a great difference to the time taken finished quality and cost. Like any type of project it breaks down into stages and these further an be broken down into a number of steps. These steps looked at in isolation are neither particularly difficult to understand or arrange, although some have to be in a particular order in relation to steps that will have gone before and follow.
Lets just look at a couple of terms you may come across. The critical path is the sequence of steps that stops you shortening the project further, and any delay in any of these will cause delay to the programme. Float, is the amount of spare time that exists between one step and others that follow, before the item becomes a part of the critical path.
Planning and managing your build can be simplified and risk of overlooking steps, or overruns reduced by the use of a system of some type or even by using a wall chart or planner. The system required to build a house is not complex, and can be done using a moving card or similar system that you can carry about, while a system for a much larger development project may be and require specialist computer management software, that is both expensive and takes time to learn.
The task of planning a build, as long as you are aware of the detailed steps, using a planning system, or wall chart and a lot of research, is with the capabilities of most people.
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Self Build Homes Club is an international club
and trading title of Self
Build Homes Club llc. Local services
to serve members are commissioned for the club by New
Atlantis International Services Corporation.
All major commissioned companies involved, have New Atlantis trust status.