Homebuilding & Renovating

Choosing the best route to self-build

Most self-builders agonise about how they’re going to get their new home built — worrying that costs will spiral, or they’ll regret choosing a bad builder. This article explains the options available and how to make sure your preferred build route suits your circumstances. Choosing the right build route really is key to a successful, smooth-running build and, in turn, reduces the chances of a stressful build. As such, it pays to give this decision considerable thought from the outset.

There are four main choices when it comes to building a home:

• You can literally build it yourself, although most people don’t have the time or inclination to do so.

• Alternatively, you could self-manage and employ trades/subcontractors to do the work on your behalf.

• Using a professional project manager to oversee the building process is growing in popularity.

• Opting for a turnkey builder offers the most convenient solution but is possibly the most expensive of the options available.

TAKE THE DIY APPROACH

Building your own home by rolling your sleeves up and getting stuck in is a self-build fantasy that most people are too busy to realise. There is no doubt, doing it yourself can prove cost-effective

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