Project managing a self-build: what do I need to know?

We’d be lying if we told you that project managing a build is easy.

It isn’t.

A specific skill set and a mixture of organisation, communication, sheer determination and frankly, stamina is needed.  

Can I project manage my self-build home?

There’s no reason why you can’t but first things first, let’s be realistic. Do you have the time? Understanding the energy and time required to project manage a self-build home is crucial when weighing up your capabilities.

Having conversations with a professional project manager during the planning stages may be worthwhile when it comes to understanding the build process.

If you decide that your budget doesn’t allow for a project manager there are plenty of tools available to support you during your self-build journey. Saint-Gobain’s online Self-Build Manager can help self-builders to project manage their home build efficiently.

The Saint-Gobain Self-Build Manager takes the hassle out of project management woes with its easy-to-use system which keeps everything you need for your project in one place.

Self-builders can upload and securely store design plans, documents, and images, manage tasks, and set deadlines. The collaborative tool also allows self-builders to invite other members involved in the project to view documents and keep abreast of tasks to be completed. The online tool can be viewed on mobile and accessed via a desktop browser.

Prepare a timeline of works

A schedule of each stage of the build, including groundworks and snagging will minimise unanticipated issues or tasks as you embark on your self-build home journey.

Draw up an estimate of how long each job will take on a month-by-month basis. By doing so, you can meet deadlines and keep in control of when to have materials on hand and when you need to bring in subcontractors, such as electricians and plumbers.

Just remember to be flexible and realistic in your estimations.

Can a project manager support me in my self-build?

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.

A project manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the project and ensuring that the work is delivered on time and on budget. Calling in the professionals shouldn’t be sniffed at and perceived as a sign of failure. Hiring an experienced project manager will ensure things run as smoothly as possible if time doesn’t allow you to. Their task is to have their eyes on the entire process, road mapping the project from start to finish and checking progress on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.

Typically, a project manager will be responsible for hiring temporary toilet facilities to managing health and safety, taking deliveries, and safely storing materials and organising building control. An effective project manager will make daily site visits in the morning and evening to greet the site tradespeople and decide on the week’s agenda. You will be required to assess progress and ensure the right materials are available, on time.

Other types of support available

Architect or designer
You could outsource some of the project to an architect. They would typically assist with obtaining planning and building regulations approval, selecting a main contractor, and managing the project. The plus side of this package is nobody will understand the design and structural plans better than your architect. Architects tend to work on a percentage basis, with fees in the region of 12-15%.

Main contractor/builder
This is usually a general builder to oversee the work. Key tasks include organising and paying trades, scheduling and signing off deliveries, dealing with building control and ensuring health and safety compliance on site. The contractor’s margin will be in the order of 20-30% on any materials and labour they organise.

Keep an eye on costs
Hiring a project manager comes at a cost and some charge a percentage fee (around 10-15%) according to the total value of the contract while others prefer to work to a fixed price for their services.