Elegant Design
256 Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 2BY
Tel: 01372 270224 Mobile: 07905 590515
Copyright © Elegant Design 2020
Option 1 - Build it Yourself
The Benefits of Self Build
- Economically very efficient, avoids incurring the daily labour costs which rack up
costs quickly.
- Puts you in control of your project, great if you like to take responsibility for
change or haven’t been able to find builders you can work with.
- It is immensely satisfying to take a design you helped with and implement it yourself.
- Keeps you fit, both mentally and physically.
- You learn to improvise and think on your feet and each problem solved builds not
only your house but also your confidence.
- Modern PIF techniques have replaced the need for some traditional skills.
- You’ll become a great organiser, each piece of work requires planning, materials
purchased and specialised tools.
- You’ll acquire new skills and possibly another career to boot.
- When we arrive home we all acknowledge the fact that “We did this together.” at the
front door.
The Draw Backs of Self Build are in the full report.
A description of our self build success with PIF blocks can be found at the end of
the full report.
Option 2 – Manage the Project yourself.
A GREAT half way house between implementing the design yourself and engaging a building
firm.
You get to plan the work out and source materials, pulling in tradesmen as and when
necessary.
You can get good advice from the tradesmen who come on site to cost a piece of work,
you may even discover that it is something you can tackle yourself. Just talking
it through while they calculate their piece should help you get a gut feel about
their competence and reliability. Avoid the clowns and the know-it-alls who find
it hard to listen. You need people you can work with, treat each meeting like a short
job interview. They can help you order the right quantities for their work and may
recommend the best supplier in the area as well. Consider doing the less critical
practical things that you enjoy yourself to keep costs down.
Option 3 – Have Elegant Design manage the Project for you.
Please see full report.
Option 4 – Engage a Building Company.
For our top 10 tips to help you get the best out of your building company see the
full report.