Planning your self-build

• How to build a house
• How to find a plot of land for sale
• Planning your self-build
• Contracts, safety issues and regulations
• Construction

• Once you have bought a plot of land, arrange for site insurance so that you are covered in case of accidents or damage.

• Start getting quotes from as many local builders, architects and tradesman as possible. Talk everything through with a designer, including different materials and building costs, and then make a detailed plan.

• The next step is to obtain planning permission. Many self-builders choose to use an architect or planning consultant as the intermediary as this usually involves some negotiation with your local planning authority. You should be approved or refused within two months.

• Once you've gained planning approval, it's time to co-ordinate the visits of the Building Control officers to oversee the project.

• Submit detailed drawings to the Building Control Department, along with your application form and you will be issued an approval notice - in effect, the go-ahead to start work.

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