What is a Typical Self Build Schedule?

Building your own home can be daunting - there's a lot to consider and remember! To help you on your self build journey, we've summarised the 12 stages of the self build schedule into one simple blog post!

First things first, if you don't already have a site, you'll need to find the perfect plot for your future home.

Once you have a site, before any groundwork can begin, you need to plan your build - and mentally prepare!!

An architect will help turn your ideas into black and white. They'll also factor in planning and building regulations that need to be considered at this stage. Planning is one of the most important parts of the build because it will determine: 

• The size and layout of your home
• Potential build costs
• Planning approval from your local council 

Applying for planning permission can be a stressful and lengthy process, but it's absolutely essential. Without it, you can't break ground. The good news is though, your architect can help guide you through the process, making sure everything's covered. Then it all lies in the hands of the planning office.

Top Tip: Remember to plan your ventilation strategy and set aside a budget for a Beam Central Vacuum System and Mechanical Ventilation System. 

As soon as planning permission has been granted, it's time to clear your site and get ready to build. This process usually involves:

• Demolishing any old buildings 
• Removing trees and bushes 
• Levelling ground 

A good, clear access route should be arranged at this stage to allow any contractors and machinery into the site when needed. Any site facilities should also be in place.

The site can then be marked out as per your architect's drawings, ready for foundations to be dug! 

This is a crucial part of the build process as (as the name suggests) it is the foundation of your build, ensuring a solid base for your house to be built on. 

The most common type of foundations in the UK and Ireland are strip foundations. Trenches are dug to the required depth and width, before being signed off by building control, and then filled with concrete. 

A few layers of blockwork are laid, called the footings, which brings the house level above ground and ready for the floor structure. 

Once foundations are complete, the next step is building the floor structure. This is what forms the ground floor of your home. 

Common types of floor structure in the UK and Ireland are:

• Concrete slab
• Beam and block
• Suspended timber floor 

Radon and damp-proof membranes, insulation and key services (drainage, water supply, etc) should be installed before the floor structure is put in place. 

Top Tip: This is a great stage to contact BEAM to discuss your Central Vacuum and Mechanical Ventilation requirements. 

This is when your build really starts to take shape. Internal and external walls are built to the top floor level and your build finally starts to look like a house.  

There are three main types of wall construction:

1. Blockwork - Traditional building method using concrete blocks and bricks with a layer of insulation between. 
2. Timber Frame - A pre-fabricated timber structure forms the inner shell, with external block or brick usually added.
3. Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) - Hollow insulated blocks are stacked, reinforced with steel and filled with concrete.

Top Tip: Place your order with BEAM for your Central Vacuum and Mechanical Ventilation Systems at this stage. 

As soon as the walls are up, it's time to make a start on the roof.

The structure of the roof goes up first. For pitched roofs, this usually means fitting trusses - pre-fabricated triangular timber frames that are quick to install and support the shape of the roof. For flat roofs, joists are used instead - horizontal timber beams that create a base level. 

Next, the roof is felted and battened to make it watertight. After that, your chosen slates or tiles are fixed in place, and fascias & soffits can be installed.

Top Tip: Planning on installing a Heat Recovery Ventilation (MVHR) System? Any roof vents need to be installed at this stage. 

The final step in sealing your home from the elements is getting your external doors and windows installed. Once they're in, the house is officially closed up and protected from the weather - a big milestone in your build.  

At this stage, you'll also see rainwater goods such as gutters and spouts, being fitted to direct water away from your roof and walls. 

Now that the house is weathertight, work can start inside the house! 

First fix refers to all the behind-the-scenes work that happens inside the house before any plastering begins. It's all about getting the essential systems in place that will be hidden in your walls, floors and ceilings. 

This stage typically includes: 

• Insulation - Installed within the walls, floors and roof space
• Electrics - Wiring for sockets, switches and light fittings 
• Plumbing - Pipework for water supply, waste water drainage and heating system
• Joinery - Internal stud walls, roof struts, door frames and floor joists
• MVHR System - Ductwork is installed while walls and ceilings are open
• Central Vacuum System - Ducting is installed to connect the inlets to the power unit location

This is a critical stage because once the walls are closed up, making changes becomes expensive and messy. It's also your chance to double check things like:

• Socket placements - where will you actually need to plug things in?
• Radiator positions or underfloor heating zones
• Light switch height and positions (especially for things like bedside switches or hallway lights)

When the first fix is complete, it's time to get walls and ceilings smoothed over, ready for painting and decorating. 

Plasterboard is fixed to the walls and ceilings, followed by a thin coat of plaster to give everything a smooth, seamless finish. Ceilings are usually plastered first, followed by the walls. 

Openings are lefts for sockets, switches and pipework, ready to be connected up during second fix. 

The end is nearly in sight. Your house finally starts to feel like a home as the visible parts of your electrics, plumbing and joinery are completed. 

Here's what usually happens during second fix:

• Electrics - The main fuse board will be connected and face plates for sockets, switches and light fittings are installed
• Plumbing - All taps, sinks, toilets, showers and radiators are connected and tested
• Central Vacuum - Ducting is laid in the floor before floor screed is poured
• Joinery - The kitchen will be fitted along with internal doors, skirting boards and architraves

Finally, the floor screed is poured, covering ducting, pipework, and giving you a smooth, level surface ready for flooring.

Once the second fix is complete and the plaster has fully dried (usually a few weeks, depending on conditions), decorating can begin and fixtures start to go in.

This is when your BEAM Central Vacuum and MVHR units are installed and tested to make sure everything’s working properly, and to check that none of the ducting has been damaged during the build.

With walls painted, kitchens fitted, and floors laid, this is the stage where your home really starts to take shape, ready for the final touches.

Top tip: If you’re tiling floors or walls, make sure your Central Vacuum and MVHR systems are tested before tiles go down.

Before moving into your new home, it's important to carry out thorough checks for any faults or defects both inside and outside the property. These are often small, but getting them sorted now will save hassle, time and money later on. 

Common snags to look out for include: 

• Roof - Look for any broken, loose or cracked tiles
• Plumbing - Run taps and showers, flush toilets, and check external drains to make sure everything flows as it should
• Electrics - Test all sockets, switches and lights to confirm they are working properly
• Doors & Windows - Make sure they open, close and lock easily with no sticking or unnecessary gaps
• Walls & Flooring - Ensure plaster has an even finish, flooring and stairs are sturdy, and paintwork is satisfactory
• Fixtures & Fittings - Inspect everything for cracks, chips or scratches

You can snag the home yourself or hire a professional snagger to survey the property for you and give you a detailed report. 

After snagging is complete and any fixes have been sorted, there's only one thing left to do - move in and enjoy your new home! All the hard work, decisions and waiting have finally paid off.