Buying Guide - Self Build Planner

Schedule Your Project

Stay on time and on budget with our week-by-week schedule of build works for your project

While every project is unique, the sequence of a typical self build will follow broadly the same pattern, regardless of where and when it is taking place.

There are a number of scheduling programmes out there, many of which cost a fair bit of money and are primarily aimed at developers who will benefit from the investment in software spread over a number of schemes.

But for a one-off project, most self builders and renovators manage to track their finances and block out a basic timetable on a spreadsheet, in conjunction with their contractor.

I’ve pulled together a simple schedule based on the average construction time for a large detached house. The calendar spans 30 weeks, offering an idea of what happens and when during a typical build.

The programme shadows both a masonry and conventional timber frame home, each with standard trench foundations. I’ve restricted the plan to these systems because trying to apply a universal timetable to other build routes simply won’t work.

For instance, some flat pack structures that come ready with insulation, doors and windows already installed can be erected in a matter of days, so your schedule of works will be advised by the supplier and their construction team.

Be aware that this sequence of events is indicative only and some activities may take more or less time for your particular project (depending on the size and complexity). It’s up to you to agree a precise itinerary and appropriate programme to work to with your contractors.

Always be prepared to amend the timetable on the advice of your tradesmen and the reality of the situation at the time. For example, you can’t slavishly stick to a schedule if you’ve just had a week’s delay because of heavy snowfall.

Before you start

The 30-week plan begins when construction work starts on site, but before any of this can go ahead, you’ll need to ensure the following is completed:

The plot has been acquired
Designs have been drawn
Planning permission has been granted
Building Regulations plans and SAP assessment have been submitted and approved
Invitations to tender have been issued
Main contractor (or trades, if you are project managing yourself) has been selected
Services have been arranged through the relevant electricity and water suppliers
Suitable site insurances and structural warranty have been purchased
Lead-in times for products and materials have been established (to ensure they’re ordered correctly)

Key:

(M.O): Masonry only
(T.O): Timber frame only

Weeks 1-2 : Before building work starts

Notify building control (BC) of commencement (48 hours before work begins)
Create site access
Clear plot and strip topsoil for later reuse in landscaping
Set up land in accordance with the site plan
Arrange temporary services (electricity & water)
Form secure storage on site
Install site office, portaloo and temporary fencing
Mark out foundations (using a surveyor if necessary)

Weeks 2-3 : Foundations, footings & oversite

Excavate foundation trenches and wait for BC inspection
Fit foundation reinforcement and pour concrete (inspection may be required)
Build foundation blockwork to damp proof course (DPC, inspection may be required)
Backfill foundation cavities to ground level
Pour concrete slab oversite to form the ground floor structure/install beam and block oversite to specification
Fit at least 100mm insulation above or below slab
Make sure the foundations are accurate enough for the timber frame’s tolerances (T.O)

Week 4 : External works

Excavate service/drainage trenches (inspection may be required) and install ducting and drawstrings
Connect to mains sewer
Install off-mains solution (treatment plant etc) if required

Week 5 : Scaffolding & structural system

Construct outer leaf walls to DPC (M.O)
Install foot scaffolding as required (M.O)
Lay drainage pipes in pea shingle
Check falls and connections

Week 6-9 : First floor construction

Construct lower storey walls from DPC upwards (M.O)
Install cavity insulation (M.O)
Place meter boxes (M.O)
Build in structural openings and lintels (M.O)
Raise scaffolding as required (M.O)
Position first floor joists or beam and block intermediate floor
Erect timber frame, including roof structure (T.O)

Weeks 10-12 : Superstructure construction

Construct upper storey walls (M.O)
Build in structural openings and lintels (M.O)
Install cavity trays (M.O)
Position cavity closers (M.O)
Bed wall plate (M.O)
Build up gables (M.O)
Form chimneys (M.O)
Place lead soakers (M.O)
Fix windows and external doors (T.O)
Internally, begin first fix electrics, joinery and plumbing/ducting (see week 18) (T.O)
Fit insulation (T.O)
Tape joints (T.O)

Weeks 13-14 : Roof structure/tiling

Install roof trusses (M.O)
Affix wind bracing (M.O)
Build in gable ladders (M.O)
Construct dormers if required (M.O)
Batten out and fit undercloak (T.O)
Fit roof and ridge tiles (T.O)
Apply flashing (T.O)
Affix soffits, fascia and bargeboards (T.O)
Apply external cladding, brick, render etc (T.O)
Gutters and downpipes (T.O)
Take down scaffolding (T.O)

Weeks 13-14 : Roof structure/tiling

Lay sarking/breathable membrane (M.O)
Fit undercloak (M.O)
Set down battening at correct gauge (M.O)
Lay roof tiles (M.O)
Fit ridge tiles (M.O)
Apply mortar and bargeboards (M.O)
Put in flashings (M.O)
Weeks 17-18 : Works to watertight
Install windows and doors (M.O)
Affix soffits and fascias (M.O)
Apply external render if required (M.O)
Fit guttering and downpipes and connect to drainage (M.O)
Drop scaffolding (M.O)
Conduct airtightness testing once structure is wind and watertight and all potential air leakage points are sealed

Weeks 18-19 : First fix

Joinery:

Fit floor deck
Door linings
Install staircase (with protective cover)
Studwork for partition walls and plasterboard noggins
Loft hatch framework
Tank stands

Plumbing:

Position waste pipes
Lay hot/cold feeds for taps and outlets
Install heating pipework and gas meter
Fit underfloor heating pipework and manifolds
Run ducting for mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) unit

Electrics:

Run carcass wiring for power, lighting, broadband etc
Insert back boxes for sockets and switches
External wiring for lighting and security features
Armoured cable to external areas such as garage, pond, patio areas as required

Weeks 20-22 : Plastering/tacking

Lay floor screeds
Tack ceilings
Fit coving
Wet plaster or ‘dot and dab’ plasterboard (M.O)
Allow plaster to dry (M.O)
Dry lining (T.O)

Weeks 23-24 : Internal fit out

Fit hard flooring
Install kitchen units
Put in bathrooms
Lay loft insulation

Weeks 25-26 : Second fix

Joinery:

Hang doors
Fit balustrades and hand rails
Apply skirting and architraves
Board out loft if required
Install wardrobes

Plumbing:

Fit cooker
Install woodburner (if specified)
Fix radiators/connect underfloor heating
Put in boiler or equivalent
Install and commission heating system
Fit MVHR unit

Electrics:

Affix faceplates for sockets and switches
Set in place consumer unit fuse board
Install internal and external light fittings
Fit alarm system
Arrange garage supply

Weeks 27-29 : Painting, decorating & landscaping

Sweep up
Internal decoration (only apply a mist coat to wet plaster while it’s still drying out)
Ceramic tiling
External decoration
Test drains and backfill trenches when BC are happy
Lay paths
Build retaining walls
Set down driveways
Establish patios and outdoor decking
Boundary treatments (fences, hedging, walls and gates)
Install turf/seed lawns