Self Build Houses: Planning For Problems

The word "self" in the phrase "self build house" is not, of course, literally true. Many self builders may view themselves more as project managers, organising the work but delegating the various aspects of house building to the trades people they employ.

If you have decided to act as project manager for your new home construction, rather than hiring a professional manager, quantity surveyor or architect, you should be aware that managing a house building project is a compromise between quality, time and cost.

To build your house to the highest standards will involve a longer completion time and the extra time needed will inevitably lead to higher construction costs.

Some of the many problems that have to be dealt with by a project manager include budget overruns, slowed construction due to inexperience of new building methods, bad communications and/or relations between builders, architects and project managers. Other issues that may arise include complaints from neighbours, failure of suppliers to deliver on cost, accidents on site, planning delays and adverse weather conditions.

Planning ahead can reduce some of the delays caused by these problems. For example, it's a good idea to let your neighbours know exactly what is happening on your new home site so they are not surprised and annoyed when noisy machines turn up on site at six in the morning.

Price should not be the only consideration when choosing a builder. You also need to be confident that your property project is as important to your builder as it is to you. If you are not impressed with the level of commitment shown by the builder, find another one.

If you do have to raise an issue, contact the site foreman or senior builder and discuss the problem in a calm, straightforward manner. Write down or draw out your understanding of what was agreed and use this as a basis for discussion. If it is a small problem, it can probably be sorted out immediately, but larger issues may need some preparatory work before you meet the builder. Be as patient as possible if the builder disagrees with you, since they have probably have more experience of what is actually possible and what is not.

No matter how well recommended the builder is, and how well you get on with them, a written contract is absolutely essential in resolving the inevitable problems that will occur. The contract should include details of how payment will be made, either in stages or as a once off payment on successful completion of the project.

Depending on your project, the builders may be around your house for weeks and even months and you need a good relationship with them.

Public liability insurance provides you with insurance cover against the possibility that visitors to your new house site receive injuries to themselves or to their property whilst on your land and building site.

As well as public liability cover for yourself, you should ensure that each of the building tradesmen and contractors employed by you is adequately insured and properly certified. If you have any doubts, ask to see the documentation relevant to this insurance.

Contract works insurance is a insurance policy for builders and may include cover against the loss of machinery, materials or tools by theft, fire or vandalism. An important aspect of contract works insurance is that it usually has provision to cover the loss or damage to machinery that is hired and brought onto the building site.

Personal accident insurance cover is also important to minimise the monetary loss you may suffer if you are injured in an accident on site and unable to continue working for a period of time.

Finally, always take the time to put everything important and relevant in writing. This includes agreements with both builders and suppliers and later revisions or alterations to agreements.

This article is only intended as a basic general summary and you should always seek professional advice where necessary.

More Limerick Property Articles