How long does a self-build take?
It’s the first question every wannabe self-builder asks: how long will it take? Bringing your vision to life takes a lot of preparation and research and these five simple checks can help to kick start your project.
There are a number of ways to undertake the construction of your self-build home, which depends on how much of the project you can take on yourself.
How long does a self-build take?
On average you’ll find that a self-build project can take up to two years from finding your plot to moving in. You must factor in securing finances, designing and planning and it can take between 8-12 months for the construction part of the project.
It could take around a year to acquire land, submit plans and get your self-build approved before you can even break ground. It could, in some cases, it can take longer for planning approval depending on the application. Once everything has been approved it’s onto the build. Bear in mind that these are estimates and depends on how many people are working on the self-build project and how big the property is.
Do it yourself or hire a project manager?
Project management of a self-build home is time-consuming and if you have a full-time job and feel you will struggle to project manage, handing responsibility to a project manager or builder is one way of making your life easier.
Choosing a method: traditional self-build or timber frame?
Traditional builds are made of materials such as brick, block, and stone – a method, as the name suggests, have been around a lot longer than modern timber construction. This sturdy method is preferred for its strength and durability and small changes can be made with blockwork in contrast to timber frame builds.
Timber frames and structural insulated panel systems are praised for erecting a weatherproof shell faster than brick and block, but they generally take longer to arrive on site, with lead times that need to be factored in. Timber frame suppliers normally require a substantial deposit in advance.
Timber frame construction is becoming a popular choice for self-builders as it can deliver a number of long and short-term benefits. A well installed timber frame build has a number of advantages – it’s based upon a sustainable material, it’s economic to build, thermally efficient and the nature of its construction and the use of factory prefabrication – means that it can be erected quickly.
If everything goes to plan, ideally your timber frame self-build could be completed between 8-12 months.
A self-build schedule for a traditional self-build
1/ Site preparation: a month or two
This is the time to sort out any anomalies related to the plot and the plan before you start any digging. Clearing the site, taking measurements, and applying pegs are essential to double-check the original plans. The local planning authority will be on your case to make sure the measurements match the approved plans.
2/ Foundations: one to two months
Breaking foundations is a moving moment (literally) in the build. This stage can vary in the amount of time to complete depending on the plot you’re dealing with and what technique you are using. The majority of self-builders will start with the trench fill technique. This method will only work with stable ground, such as clay and chalk soils, as the sides of the trench are vital to support the build. Trench fill foundations also avoid the need for bricklaying below ground, saving you time and money.
3/ Creating the structure: around three months
Once the foundations and floor structure are in place, it’s time to build the external walls with blocks or frames, as well as building and installing the roof to ensure the building is weather tight as soon as possible.
4/ Installation inside: up to four months
This part of the build includes building internal walls and supporting structures, flooring, plastering, fitting and plumbing toilets, showers and connecting electrics and heating systems.
5/ The finishing touches: few weeks or months
Decorating, snagging and external landscaping feature in the final part of your self-build home project. Many self-builders may decide to save money and decorate their home however this final part can be finished in a matter of weeks with extra helpers on board.