7 Self-Build Slip-Ups To Avoid

Everyone wants their self-build project to go smoothly. Inevitably, there will be some issues along the way, but ideally they should be small issues that can be easily solved. What you don’t want is big issues that could potentially jeopardise the success of your project. Such issues are often the result of careless mistakes. Below are just 7 of the mistakes you should try to avoid in order to make sure that your project goes well. 

Setting an unrealistic time frame

On average, most self-build projects are completed in 8 months. However, it really depends on the complexity and scale of the building you’re trying to construct. A small simple building could take much less time, while a large elaborate building could take a lot longer. It is best to see what professionals recommend and use this as a guideline. Don’t try to rush your self-build to get it done by a strict deadline, because this will just lead to more mistakes. It’s better to allow room for delays so that nothing is rushed.

Thinking you can stretch your budget

You need to be realistic about how far your budget can take you. Running out of money could bring the whole project to a standstill. If you are not able to borrow any more money, you could end up with an unfinished building! It is better for the overall projected cost to be below your budget. By doing this, you’ll have enough money not just for planned costs, but also any unexpected costs caused by small mistakes or delays.

Not getting full planning permission

It’s important that your project is granted planning permission. If there are any conditions and you wish to dispute these, make sure that you do so before you get started on your self-build (and that you succeed in disputing them). Don’t proceed if there are still legal issues to sort out. You could be ordered by local authorities to stop construction and tear down what you’ve already done. 

Assuming you have access to utilities

Just because there’s a nearby electricity pole or mains water pipe doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily be able to connect to it. When carrying out surveys on your plot of land, check that you have access to local utilities. If not, your project may not be possible unless you are able to find a way to harvest your own water and energy. 

Not ordering enough materials

Sometimes it’s worth ordering a little more than you need when ordering supplies like timber, tiles or bricks. If materials get damaged or misplaced, you’ll still have enough to complete your build. Ordering just enough can be too risky – you don’t want to be left short by a few bricks or a few planks of wood. 

Trying to manage too much yourself

Some people try to handle the entire self-build themselves – including doing much of the hands-on construction work. This can be a huge project to try and take on single-handedly, and it will likely be exhausting and long-winded. Be ready to take on some contractors to help speed things up and reduce the burden. Even organising the build yourself could be very stressful if you haven’t had experience doing it before. A construction management service could take over the project management role and save you the stress. This doesn’t mean that you have to take a complete backseat, but it could help reduce much of the work required. 

Building a home that you don’t actually like

Most people who are self-building a home start with a vision. It’s often something fun and a little luxurious. However, throughout the planning approval and design phase, it can be possible to lose sight of this vision. There could be lots of restrictions to work within, plus you may have architects or other professionals recommending certain changes. You need to be prepared to make some changes, but you don’t want the project to stray too far from your initial vision to the point where it’s no longer the home you want. Once it’s already built, it will be too late to undo it all. This is why it’s important to understand from the beginning which dream features you’re truly willing to sacrifice and which features you’re unable to do without.