Self-build home: Justify the project
Introduction
Justifying the project is the first, and perhaps the most important stage. It involves assessing whether the project is worth pursuing and whether it is likely to be deliverable. Because of the importance of these issues, it can be beneficial to seek expert advice, perhaps from a surveyor or an architect with experience of self-build homes.
Prepare a statement of need
A ‘statement of need’ is a first attempt to set down on paper the requirements that could justify the project. It should also list alternative solutions, such as; purchasing a completed building, extending or refurbishing an existing building, doing nothing and so on.
Assess the viability of the project
It is then necessary to explore the options set out in the statement of need in more detail. This might include assessment of:
- The likelihood of obtaining a suitable plot.
- The likelihood of obtaining planning permission.
- The likely order of cost of the project (including fees, taxes, contingency, inflation, fixtures and fittings and so on).
- The availability of funds.
- The likely delivery route (see Develop a delivery strategy for more information).
- The likely length of the project programme.
- Alternative accommodation arrangements during construction (if necessary).
- An assessment of project risks.
- Assessment of comparable completed projects.
- An assessment of the amount of time that can be dedicated to the project.
- The strategy for managing the project.
- An assessment of the assistance that might be required.
- A preliminary organisational structure for the project.
- The likely value of the finished home.
The project should only proceed to the next stage if this assessment suggests the project is viable, desirable, achievable and affordable.
Featured articles and news
From mud bricks to smart concrete
A brief history of building materials.
Building automation and control systems market study
BSRIA 2024 North America BACS software & services.
Impact of digital technology on productivity in construction
New CIOB academy guidance for companies of all sizes.
Demolition and retrofit approaches in Planning Policy
MHCLG survey informing potential government updates.
Expert taskforce to spearhead new, new town generation
Sir Michael Lyons given 12 months for recommendations.
Government policy statement on new towns
A coded vision for a new generation of new towns.
AT Principal Designer exemplars published
Supporting clear and comprehensive demonstration of the skills required.
Homes England goes to TOWN for co-housing project
Marmalade Lane developer selected for Northstowe neighbourhood.
Cohousing and related approaches to solve housing issues
Different forms of community housing explained with examples.
Alternative and off-grid housing communities in the UK
From Hockerton Housing Project to Tinkers Bubble.
Skills gap highlighted to Minister for Industry
Key opportunity in mission for economic growth and net-zero.
Specifying XPS in masonry cavity walls below DPC level
Moisture requirements, DPCs and third party certification.
Types of rigid foam insulation
A brief description and some of the main construction types.
Metal composite material panel systems MCM and MCP
Sandwich finishes, forms, details, core and their impacts.
Cumbria's vernacular architecture
A history of building impeded by unsettled times.
CIOB and MMC Ireland announce strategic partnership
For better working conditions, and a more productive construction sector.