Self-build home: project plan
This is a free-to-use, open-access plan for the organisation, design and construction of self-build homes.
If you have ideas for things to add to the plan, you can either edit the plan and add them yourself, or submit a comment and we will add them for you.
There are a number of delivery routes for self-build homes:
- Purchase a kit house.
- Appoint a design and build contractor to design and build the home.
- Appoint consultants to design the home then get a contractor to build it.
- Appoint consultants to design the home then manage the construction yourself.
It may not be clear which route should be followed until initial assessments have been carried out, a plot located and a brief prepared. See: Develop a delivery strategy for more information.
It is also possible to work with other organisations such as social landlords, developers, or community groups to develop a self-build home, however, these projects are likely to follow a plan imposed by the lead organisation and so they are not covered here, although many of the project stages will be similar. Working with a developer is sometimes called ‘custom build’ rather than ‘self build’.
See Custom-build home for more information.
An outline project plan is presented below. It describes activities step-by-step from the first moment it becomes apparent a self-build home could be a possibility right through to occupation of the completed building. Most of the stages are common to all four self-build routes, but the appointment stages vary.
Clicking on any of the stages will take you to a detailed description of the tasks that need to be carried out.
Stage 1: Justify the project.
Stage 2: Prepare a brief.
Stage 3: Find a plot.
Stage 4: Develop a delivery strategy.
Stage 5: Raise finance.
Stage 6: Acquire the plot.
Stage 7: Appoint designers.
- Appoint consultants to design the home, or;
- Appoint a contractor to design the home, or;
- Appoint a supplier to design a kit house.
Stage 8: Prepare a concept design.
Stage 9: Submit a planning application.
Stage 10: Prepare a detailed design.
Stage 11: Submit a building regulations application.
Stage 12: Prepare production information.
Stage 13: Appoint contractors.
- Appoint a contractor to construct the home, or;
- Appoint a range of contractors and suppliers to construct the home, or;
- Confirm appointment of the design and build contractor to construct the home, or;
- Confirm appointment of the supplier to fabricate and install the kit house.
Stage 14: Prepare for construction.
Stage 16: Construction.
Stage 17: Occupy the home and rectify any defects.
Featured articles and news
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.
Comments
It seems that the handover information such as building manual, H&S files, and other operation and maintenance documents are not mentioned here.
Not surpised that most building owners do not know what is in their building.