Are you looking for information on how to build a house?

You've come to the right place.

The Self Build Guide is designed to give you information on how to build a house, your own house, and if there are other good resources available, we'll give you a nudge in the right direction.

This page is an overview of what's involved in building a house but if you want more on a particular subject just follow the links for detailed info.

Money

The first step on the road to building your own house is working out how you will finance it, how much you want to spend and what is achievable within your budget. Identifying costs and managing them effectively is essential for a successful project.

Land

One of the biggest hurdles to building a house is finding the right plot of land in the right place to build on. Luckily, there are plenty of useful resources and techniques to increase your chances finding one and assessing it's suitability.

Design

Whoever designs your house will need to produce a design that fulfils your taste and requirements whilst meeting the constraints of planning policy and building regulations all within your budget.

Construction

The construction phase of a new house will vary depending on some key decisions made at the initial planning and design stages:

1. House Construction Method - The system used for the house's superstructure.


2. Build Route - Who's building it and who's doing the project management?

Irrespective of build route and build method, your house construction must comply with the approved design, building regulations, structural warranty requirements and health and safety regulations.

Have a look at our construction project management section for more information on these requirements.

In general, the construction of a house will follow a similar path:

• Site Clearance
• Groundworks
• Excavation
• Drainage
• Foundations
• Superstructure
• Service Connections
• Gas
• Electricity
• Water
• Drains
• Roofing
• Windows and Doors
• 1st Fix
• Joinery
• Electrics
• Plumbing
• Plastering
• 2nd Fix
• Joinery
• Electrics
• Plumbing
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen Fitting
• Decoration
• Flooring
• Driveways and Access
• Landscaping

Each build is different and dependent on design so this list provides a rough guide to the basics. Have a look through our site more information on self building your own home.