self build - project management?

blue-kat

is there is a self build sub-forum or thread here?

I'm looking for tips from experienced self builders please .

We're just starting a project to convert derelict coach house in our back yard. So far we've got planning permission and just about to start on building regs. it's to provide ancillary accomodation and home office/studio for us, not for sale and quick profit.

I won't actually be doing the building myself, so I'll try to be useful at the organisation end of things, ordering materials, planning, co-ordinating etc. while husband and friends get on with building.

I'd be really interested to hear how other people manage their projects.

what software do you use?
when did you start keeping a project or site diary?
any top tips or potential traps for newbies?

is it possible to self build on a tight budget?
they seem so cavalier about money and ever increasing debt on the building TV shows. We need to be able to actually afford to live in our house at the end.

Doozergirl

Erm, we're small time property developers and don't use software. Don't keep a diary.

It is possible on a tight budget, it's all about negotiation really and watching out for good deals, and then negotiating a bit more. I agree that people are quite cavalier on TV programs but they don't set realistic budgets and then seem to blow them out of all proportion, probably because they are incapable of trying hard to either plan or bother to shop around.

H has the responsibility of finding labour, I shop for everything else and google until my eyes bleed.

If you see something you like on other people's houses, don't be afraid to knock doors Good quality labour will always make things look more expensive and of better quality. Don't spend a fortune on things just to have them fitted badly. Make your plan and stick to it - if it takes longer to be sure then take that time rather than pay tradespeople to change things. Sarah Beeny really does talk genuine sense

Homebuilding and Renovating magazine Rocks!

sloth

try http://www.ebuild.co.uk/ loads of useful info and forums there

windym_2

I agree with Doozergirl. Shop shop and shop again.

We completed our barn conversion 2 years ago. I project managed it and sub contracted all works. No software needed. No diary used. But do invest in a good camera and take lots of photos. I submitted all my own plans for Planning Permission and Building Regs. I did have an architect but quite frankly I did a better job!

Get friendly with the local building reps and let them know that you want the cheapest quote for everything. Don't be afraid to order plasterboard from one and timber from another. Get prices on account before you order. I sourced lots of products from the EU myself.

Sign up to Homebuilding and Renovating show, you can get free tickets sometimes. Go to the show a couple of times, but certainly when you need to place orders. I managed an additional 12% discount with an already negotiated price for underfloor heating.

You WILL become a renovating bore!

Get the VAT pack for Self Builders/Renovators from HMRC. Read and digest fully what you can and can't claim for as this may sway your buying decisions. For example you cannot claim for carpets but can for wood or tiles, it may be cheaper to buy a more expensive floor and reclaim, than buy a carpet and not. Keep meticulous receipts/books.

It can and will be stressful, but it will be rewarding and enjoyable. Good luck.

Andy_L

Goodluck. At the risk of teaching you to suck eggs have you heard of a "gant chart"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gant_chart
Its the basic tool of project management planning and shows waht tasks have to be done before what tasks and what can happen at the same time (eg you can't carpet the upstairs or plaster the downstairs ceiling before the floors in, but you can get them both done at the same time once it has been.
You can either use a dedicated software package like Microsoft Project, hack something up using a calander on Excel or get a magnetic calander board & lots of magnetic strips.

robv_3

You should start off by doing two things....

o- Join the uk_selfbuild group on yahoo.
o- get a copy of housebuilders bible by Mark Brinkley

harryhound

We renovated/extended a wreck in the 70/80's.
Was not such an industry then and no internet to look things up.
You may have got your timing spot on - there will be some cheap labour knocking on your door soon, not to mention discounted materials.
Don't forget Ebay and your local architectural salvage (scrap yard) and bankruptcy auctions. There will be some real bargains out there sold by people who don't know the value of what they have got.

Good luck, I hope you have a secure source of income.

Harry.

Doozergirl

Agree, ebay is fantastic and you can pick up some fabulous bargains if you are prepared to wait. I set up searches to email me every day when I have certain things on my shopping list.

On our last house I got a brand new front door and a lovely solid wood portico/surround type thing for about £75. My carpenter said it would have been about £1200 from a joiner!

Front doors are really easy to pick up cheap and the local small ads are good for things like old fireplaces.

Bungarm2001

Like doozergirl...we are small(ish)time property developers/investors and over the 11 years or so we've been doing it, we have never really planned everything from the start, mainly because we've found that things never (ever ever) go to plan, and flexibility in all things is the keyword.

I do keep a diary on each property tho, as I have found that way, me and my OH (who does the bulk of the work)don't argue so much about the nitty gritty and can get on with the major things. (It means we can look back to see how we dealt with a particular problem)

I have a pretty extensive collection of costs, builders contact numbers, utility contacts and the local Building Control phone numbers are written in fire across my soul. :eek: You could start by doing something similar i.e. get a collection of phone numbers together in one place along with a contact name (VERY useful to talk to the same person over again)

When we were starting out, we didn't have any of these things and did rely heavily on advice from experienced developers and builders. The internet wasn't really around then either, so DIY magazines too were a big help.

The shopping around for various items is essential...I can't stress that enough...from buying tiles/slates for the roof right down to electrics, drainage etc. Check out places like Jewson (no I don't work for them..!) and see if you can negotiate a few hefty discounts buy promising to buy exclusively from them. Be cheeky..it can pay dividends!

Ebay is an extremely good source for many things, but keep an open mind. For instance, we managed to get a complete kitchen brand new for less than a secondhand similar size and quality one from Ebay just by going to a local firm. Look out for local ads in the paper or cards in newsagent windows...we have picked up many bargains this way including a steel bath (new) free. Get friends and family to keep an eye and ear out for certain items that you'll know you'll need. The more the merrier!

Good luck with it all..it sounds really exciting...!

blue-kat

thanks for all the useful replies, I am taking time to digest the info. Thanks all

I've read Marcus Brinkley excellent book, learning how to use excel for Gannt charts, which I am sure will be helpful to present plan visually, and already use huge dry wipe calendars and charts.
I found a simple book on project management skills, which I think will be useful to employ, rather than slip into bad habit of making big decisions whilst cooking family dinners.

meanwhile I'm searching for a stained glasses front door for main house, as part of project to provide level wheelchair access, a achane to hone my research and shopping skills

Doozergirl

I thought these people seemed quite good value for money at the Homebuilding and Renovating show (you must go to one - just missed the big one unfortunately). The cottage ones were lovely.

http://www.distinctivedoors.co.uk/triple_glazed.htm

Otherwise I'm still evangelical about front doors and ebay; I've put in four ebay front doors now!