The seven stages of a self-build
From finding a site to handover. Open the stage you are at, tick off its checklist and come back later. Your progress is saved in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Overall progress
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Find and check a site
Find land, and check it can get planning, services and a sensible foundation before you pay for it.
Typical time: Weeks to many months, depending on the market
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Design and planning permission
Hire a designer, prepare the application and get a grant of permission from your local authority.
Typical time: About 4 to 9 months to lodge and decide, longer with further information or an appeal
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Arrange finance and budget
Set a budget with a contingency, then arrange a self-build mortgage that pays out in stages.
Typical time: Mortgage approval and tender commonly take 2 to 4 months, alongside detailed design
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Insure the build
Arrange the cover your lender and the law expect, before any work starts on site.
Typical time: A few weeks, but it must be in place before work starts
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Notify Building Control
Appoint your assigned certifier (the independent professional who inspects and certifies your build) and your builder, then lodge the commencement notice with the council before you start.
Typical time: Allow several weeks to prepare, plus a 14 to 28 day notice window
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Build
Site works, foundations, shell, services and finishes, with inspections and drawdowns along the way.
Typical time: About 9 to 14 months for a standard house
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Completion and handover
Certificates, the BER, snagging and the final drawdown, so you can move in with the paperwork in order.
Typical time: Commonly 1 to 2 months