Self-build home: Prepare a brief
Introduction.
A clear, written brief should be prepared:
- To help decide what is required.
- To create a record of what has been agreed.
- To describe requirements to other people, such as designers.
It can take a considerable time to develop a thorough brief and some self-builders may wish to seek expert advice to help them. However, it is important that the brief is 'owned' by the self builder, reflecting their personal requirements, not those of a consultant.
The brief is not a static document, it will develop as the project progresses and requirements are better understood. However, beyond the concept design stage, the brief should be strictly controlled as subsequent changes will incur increasingly large abortive costs.
Prepare a brief.
In the first instance, the brief should focus on the functions that need to be performed in the building, and should avoid being just a list of accommodation. That is, it should focus on ‘what you want to do’ rather than ‘what rooms you want to build’. This helps keep options open during the design process and avoids leaping to conclusions before requirements have been properly assessed.
The brief might include information about:
- The overall context for the project, including a description of the self-builder, their lifestyle and aspirations for the project.
- The budget.
- The programme and any key dates.
- The functions that the building will be required to accommodate.
- The qualities that will be required from the project, and their relative priority.
- Any comparable facilities that might act as a benchmark.
- Any specific sizes, relationships or other spatial requirements.
- Any functions that require privacy, separation or connection.
- Any particular technical requirements.
- Specific inclusions and exclusions.
- Initial assumptions about the likely procurement strategy and organisation of the project (see Develop a delivery strategy for more information).
- Assumptions about durability, lifespan and maintenance requirements.
- Internal thermal, ventilation, acoustic and lighting conditions.
- Requirements for sustainability.
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..