Publisher's Synopsis
Are you thinking about taking on a self-build project? If so, you are probably just like many thousands of other people in the UK every year, looking for answers to many questions, such as: Could we take on such a big project ourselves? / Where would we start? / How much would it cost? / Could we afford it and who would fund it? / How would we build it (brick and block / timber frame / full "eco")? / How would we find a decent plot and how much would it cost? / Do we need an architect straight away (or at all)? / How do we get planning permission / Where do we find good builders and how much should we pay them? / What about warranties, guarantees and insurance? / How long would it take to complete the project? / Where would we live while we build? / How stressful would it all be? Is it a good idea? ... This book answers all these questions and many more, simply and logically ... Written by Barry Sutcliffe (project manager / designer / custom housing developer "GRAND DESIGNS" self-build expert and 5 times self builder), Self Build Simplified leads the reader, one small step at a time, through the often-scary processes, choices and revelations of what could well be for many people, the single most daunting but exciting physical and mental challenge they will ever take on ... This is a guide, not a manual... Most self build books try to teach the reader "how to be a self-builder". Unless you have a background in construction, that is always going to be a difficult goal to achieve. This book takes a different approach. Instead of trying to teach, it aims to guide. Instead of telling you how you should build, it gives you choices, highlighting the positives and negatives of each, at the same time helping you to make decisions, based on what is best for you ... This book is an absolute goldmine of information, ideas, choices, warnings and surprises. The best way to use it is to read it once, making notes as you go. Then, when you are ready to start, read it again, a few chapters at a time, reading your own notes too. Mixing your own thoughts with the author's will be the best the way to achieve your goals ... Keep the book with you throughout the project, referring to it constantly and before making significant decisions ... It could be the most valuable companion you take with you through the fantastic, nerve racking, but potentially extremely rewarding adventure that is "Self Build"!
