The Self Builder’s blog

With the removal of the scaffold imminent, the overall look of the house will soon be exposed to all and sundry.

The rainwater goods are going on, the tiling to the single storey roof is being finished, tiles are being added to the pantry roof and sides of the chimney breast, the externals of the house won’t change much from here on in.

However on the inside, the size of the fitting out task seems mammoth, even compared to what has been achieved thus far.

It is here where minor details become crucial, to price, timescale and appearance.  Using the wrong fittings, even relatively minor ones, like plug sockets, will either enhance or detract from the overall impact of this project.

I am in negotiations with my builder, and my brother-in-law electrician, to see if we can manage as close to an ‘under one roof’ solution as possible, to the conclusion of this project.  What I mean is, I’ve chosen to off-load some of the project management by having most of the trades through one contractor.

The balance of risk and negating any arguments between trades, versus saving an estimated figure, has tipped in the favour of using a one-for-all completion route.   Albeit with the exception of certain specific parts like electrics, but you hopefully get what I’m typing.  

So from here on in, there shall be many more pictures, but rather of a transforming indoors.  Hopefully at a decent pace and to a very good standard.

Not a lot, one obviously deranged magician might say, but I think, that a name can mean a plethora of things.

Parents take extensive time, consult with various resources and books that help the process. To ensure, as well as, actually liking the name, you avoid dodgy shortenings and unfortunate connections with the in-situ surname, Richard Head springs to mind. 

Many also believe that a name can characterise a person, so why not a house?  How important is it to give it a name that will reflect well on its surrounding and be in-keeping with what the properties existence will be?  The majority will never think about it, but if you’re starting from the ground, I think it’s wise to have your own name, rather than become branded by the unimaginative. 

In fact, according to some selling agents, and we all know what they spout is gospel; a house’s value can be affected by its name.  Some are even advising people to re-name existing properties, especially those that have become burdened with generic numbers, those with ugly suffixes spring to mind, like 14a for example. 

I’ve been thinking about a name for my property for sometime, probably since the site was purchased.  It actual seems quite straight forward.  Most of the properties within the proximity of mine have names rather than numbers.  They range from Royal Oak Cottage to Abbey Lodge, so I need one slap-bang in the middle. My gaff will obviously be new and will have glorious open aspect views. The views will be over fields currently scheduled to be used for growing broccoli in the spring.  Can you see what is coming?  

I’ve just received confirmation from the local planning office, that my request has been accepted and approved.  Therefore, the property will eventually have a beautifully crafted name plate with ‘Newfields’ carved into it.  As it happens it also sits quite nicely with our surname. 

The council also advised, that the previous owners of the site, who decided to sell rather than build, had asked if the property could be called ‘Rose Cottage’.  How very unimaginative, the second most popular house name in the figures I found, hopefully I’ve saved or added a few quid with my choice.

The day I doubted would ever arrive, has. It’s been t-minus my sanity for what feels like forever. I’m still pinching myself that I’ve got this far. However excited I feel, that is now dwarfed by an overriding feel of relief at this point. 

I think the next feeling I can muster is akin to feeling like I’ve gone out and left the cooker on.  Except, surprisingly, I know how to use a cooker.  I haven’t really a clue as to how you’re supposed to build a house.  What have I missed off? What T’s are left uncrossed? Who’s not told me all I need to know?

These are concerns I knew I would have, as do many self builders.  My skill is not in the knowledge of, or performance of, building tasks.  However I do have an ingrained desire to understand what is going on, regardless of my ability to perform the actual task in hand.

I think this can sometimes be my downfall, and also reason behind a fair few sleepless nights.  What also feels apparent is that many builders don’t take or find some issues too serious.  This is down to experience I believe. The knowledge of what a buildings inspector will like or dislike, or whether a planner will actually ask you to correct any of your planning permission condition failings.

Still, onwards and upwards, well actually I think we still need to go down a bit to meet the finished floor level condition, or perhaps we don’t. I’ll sleep on it!

I have an appointment with my builder, 8.00 Monday morning.  Where I’m hoping to start watching the excavation unfold. The builder has provisionally set a target of DPC pre-Christmas, for, his words not mine, blasting it in the New Year.

Fantastic news.  But I’m not sure whether to feel excited or shit scared.  Excited as the projected is finally getting off the ground, literally speaking.  Scared as I’m not sure with have crossed enough I’s and I’m sure I’ve seen some un-dotted T’s knocking around.

No worries, leave it to me.  Famous, or should that be infamous, last words.

We’re waiting on a final SAP estimate calcs, and structural engineering calcs related to a revision in the roof structure.  I’ve decided to to have an open trust effect in the master, or more specifically, my bedroom.

However the buildings inspector is happy to proceed, and the builder is chomping at the bit.  Albeit with stage payments that don’t quite add up.  Trust is the name of the game, I think.  We both agree on the actual total cost, even if how it’s been divided up has been done incorrectly.

I think it’s the unknown and lack of control in all the goings on in this project that are making me nervous. But I’m hopeful that all will start to drop, or be drilled, into place now we are finally going to see some physical action.

Wish me luck, and godspeed.