I’m Peter Body, a chartered surveyor and building consultant, with over 50 years’ experience in the housing sector, initially as a quantity surveyor in private practice, then a house builder and more recently a timber frame kit designer and manufacturer.

In 1984 I co-founded Norscot Joinery, a leading Scottish manufacturer of timber frame kit homes, windows and doors, which I managed until retiring in 2014.

I created the [Http://www.cottagekithomes.com Cottage Kit Homes] concept and was responsible for designing both these cottages and many of the other house types offered by Norscot.

In 1996 I designed and built my own house. Unsurprisingly, I undertook the project management and employed separate trades - a popular self-build route.

I have also spent many years supervising self-build projects where the client was not employing a builder able to offer a recognised 10 year warranty and required a Professional Consultant’s Certificate to secure a mortgage.

There are many forms of house construction from straw bales to bricks and blocks. Whilst I have knowledge of most of these methods, my expertise lies in conventional timber frame construction. The reason for this is simple; timber frame is the easiest, most flexible and cheapest form of construction. And, I’m all about getting best value for money.

In summary, whilst I would not profess to know everything about self-build I have accumulated a wealth of practical experience and knowledge which I’m happy to share.