The Metrotile Guide to Self-Building – Running Your Build

Once you’ve got a plan, know exactly how your house is going to be built and who by, and you’ve got all the money in place, the rest of the process should be easy, right? Well, sadly no. If you want your build to run smoothly, you have to be on top of things right to the end. So, in the final part of our three-part guide for novice self-builders, we take a look at how to stay on top of running your build.

Project management

Hiring a project manager to run your build will tend to cost you around 10-15% of your total budget (and somewhat undermines the point of the self-building). However, if you’re going to do the job yourself, be aware that you are probably going to need to be on site every day and be available by phone at all hours if you want everything to stay on track.

Schedule of works

Well before you start work, you’ll need to have a realistic timetable detailing exactly when everything is going to happen – when materials are arriving on site, when tradespeople are due to start/finish working on site etc. This will allow you to keep your build on track and ensure no time is wasted. For example, if your windows and window fitters turn up while the walls are still being built, they won’t be able to do their job and you’ll be wasting time and money. Having a realistic schedule of works (with time built in for unexpected delays) will save you money and major headaches.

Communication

It’s vitally important to keep communicating with all of your suppliers, tradespeople, mortgage provider and anyone else involved in the build. If someone is due on site on a certain date, check a couple of times with them – perhaps a week before and the day before you’re expecting them – to make sure they’re definitely still coming and haven’t been held up on another job. And if you have any issues, make sure you communicate with the relevant people as soon as possible. Problems are generally much easier and cheaper to fix when they arise than if you wait a couple of weeks.

Metrotile have been manufacturing our lightweight roof tiles for over thirty years, making us a supplier you can rely on. We will do everything in our power to help your project run smoothly. Check out our series of free video tutorials to learn how to install one of our roofing systems. Alternatively, for general advice or to find out more, give us a call on01249 658 514 or drop us an email today!