In an ever-changing housing market, new builds and self-builds are more popular and appealing than ever before.
If you are considering undertaking a new build in the beautiful Oxfordshire area, a self-build project may seem daunting, with many separate elements to consider. Property programmes such as Grand Designs can make the whole thing seem incredibly ambitious and prohibitively expensive, with escalating costs and stress levels!
However, with the right expert help, you can achieve your dream result and move into a property built to your specifications. At H & OB Building in Witney, Oxfordshire, we have extensive experience in all aspects of new-build projects.
Knowing what to expect and when helps you keep your project on track and reduce the likelihood of unexpected costs and delays.
Two-stage Process for a New Build House: the Basics
Any new build project consists of two sections: pre and post-weathertight.
Weathertight is when the house has its basic structure. It has a roof, windows and doors and can be locked and secured.
Once the self-build is weathertight, the second stage can begin. The second stage includes plastering, installing kitchens and bathrooms, electrics and decorating.
Step-By-Step Guide to Building a New Home
Watching your dream Oxfordshire property take shape is a thrilling experience. From the moment the foundations are poured to stepping inside the finished home for the first time, each milestone brings excitement and challenge. Here’s a handy step-by-step guide to building a new home.
(If you’re looking for even more information on new builds, this handy article, A Typical Self-build Schedule, from Home Building, gives a more detailed overview of all the elements of a new build construction project.)
New Build Houses; Planning
The best way to determine if your project will likely succeed is to make early contact with the planners. Most local authority planning departments offer pre-application advice. Some authorities will charge for this advice. However, it will strongly indicate what your planning officer will accept regarding style, dimensions, and any existing material stipulations.
Pre-application advice comes in very handy when completing your application for planning permission. Check out The Complete Guide to Making a Planning Application about the ins and outs of the planning application process from the leading industry publication Build It.
You can make planning applications easily online via the Planning Portal, a user-friendly website that presents you with a series of simple questions. Your answers establish the type of application you need to make and to which council you must apply. Then, you fill in the relevant application forms, attach documents and drawings and pay the appropriate fee.
New Build Houses; Architecture
An economical choice for the design stage is to use a custom-built package supplier. The package supplier will offer you a selection of architectural designs and material options. Contractor services and project management are included in their pricing structures. Other self-builders prefer to employ an architect and a main contractor or professional project manager or even manage the build themselves.
Decide how you want the project to run and how much involvement you want to take in the process before you go any further with your plans.
You may find that your architect or package supplier favours a particular construction system, such as timber frame or brick and block. However, it’s your dream home, so don’t hesitate to state exactly how you’d like it to be.
New Build Houses; Foundations
Once the ground is clear, it’s time to lay the foundations of your new build.
The foundation of a home or building is essential to the value and safety of the structure. Each foundation construction phase has requirements and components vital to the completed building. You can read more about the Foundation Construction Process here – it is a fascinating and skilled area of new build construction.
Next, the builders will start the brickwork. At this point, you will be able to see where your doors and windows will be and the layout of your floor plan. The first stage of scaffolding also goes up at this point.
New Build Houses; First Floor
Once the ground level is complete, builders begin working on the upper floors, constructing the roof gable and installing flooring. Your self-build is now taking shape.
New Build Houses; Tiled Roof
The moment the roof goes on, your house starts to look like a home. Carpenters install the roof trusses, fascia and soffits. Then, guttering is installed, and the tiled roof takes shape.
The roofing stage marks the moment when the new build is considered weather-tight. You’re now moving into the post-weather-tight phase of your self-build project, where work continues inside the building.
First Fix
As work begins inside your new build, contractors start on the plumbing, electrics, carpentry and staircases. This stage of the construction project is known as the first fix. Rooms begin to form, and ceilings are installed. At this point, you can indeed start picturing yourself living in this brand-new space.
Second Fix
The second fix is when your bathrooms, toilets and all sanitaryware go in, and sockets and switches are fitted. Contractors fit elements such as skirting boards, and your new home is ready to be decorated.
Finals
Finals is the stage of construction when your kitchen goes in, and all the final snagging takes place. All the details are perfect, and your contractor finally hands you the keys to your new property. Congratulations!
H & OB Building for New Build Houses in Oxfordshire
H & OB Building in Witney, Oxfordshire, will complete your new build house project to the highest standards from start to finish. We work alongside you, from pouring the foundations to proudly handing you over the keys.
Let us help you take your dream Oxfordshire new build from a vision to reality. Contact us today to find out more.