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Any large project needs a schedule in order to maintain control and ensure you do things in the right order. For those of you considering building your own home, we have put together a basic schedule and order of things. It’s designed to make sure you do things in the right order and cuts down on wasted time as you wait for things to come together in order for you to progress. Using country house plans saves time and money, and we suggest using them if you can.
1) Arrange finance. You can’t do anything without the cash to pay for it. Be it a mortgage, loan, or other source. Make sure the money is in place, or agreed in principle before wasting any time.
2) Find the land. Find somewhere to build your home. Ensure it’s where you want to live and it’s development potential.
3) Fix a budget. Before you even plan the build, fix a budget to work to.
4) Get the plot valued and surveyed to make sure it’s suitable. Also check that the plot would receive planning permission or other local planning consent. If everything Is okay, buy it then arrange site insurance.
5) Find some plans. Either use a reputable architect to design it or use ready-made country house plans that fit your desired home and budget.
6) Find a contractor. This works with number 5, as the contractor will need to be able to build the home for that budget.
7) Sort out delivery of utilities such as electricity, water and waste. Most contractors will do this as part of the build, but it’s something you want to keep on top of before the first spade is dug.
8) If you want to save some money, clear the site and prepare it for the contractors. Create access and parking for their vehicles and somewhere to store materials. Doing it yourself saves time and money, and you can do it while selecting contractors or waiting for utilities.
9) Get any further insurances or warranties needed for the site and the contractors. This varies between states so check yours.
10) Set your contractor to work
11) Manage them effectively and be around as much as possible. At the very least be contactable in case there are problems or questions. If you can’t, spend the extra on a project manager, they are worth far more than they cost.
12) Work with your contractor and catch mistakes, problems or issues as early as possible. The quicker something is caught, the cheaper the rectification will be. Keep your desires and expectations as clear and as transparent as possible, preferably in writing.
13) Be present for any inspections and work with your contractor in addressing any planning or compliance issues.
14) Be present for first fix inspection, then the snagging inspection. Be realistic and ensure you highlight absolutely everything you want addressing.
15) Arrange final inspection once second fix is complete. Then complete the handover if everything is finished.
16) Allow up to a year for everything to bed in and maintain a further snagging list to be completed over that time.
Following this schedule won’t guarantee success, but it will increase the probabilities. It sets the order of things, which will allow you to progress as quickly and with as few delays as possible during the build. Work with your contractor, but don’t get in their way. Provide them with everything they need and everything will be fine.
