On Site

In Northern Ireland, the local authority will arrange a set number of mandatory inspections for your build. You must notify your building control officer when these inspections are scheduled to take place on-site.

The daily management of your self-build site will vary depending on whether you’ve hired a main contractor or are handling the trades directly, as well as your chosen building method.

Ensure you check sight lines, rights of way, restrictive covenants, and whether new entrances are required before proceeding.

The wastewater company will handle the system installation, potentially under the supervision of your site assessor.

A good site plan will include landscaping needs, but in many self-builds, it's limited to meeting planning requirements, such as native hedging and trees along the boundaries.

At this stage, your insulation and airtightness strategy should be fully developed in consultation with your energy assessor to ensure optimal efficiency.

Most window suppliers and many door suppliers will require a site visit to measure the openings directly before manufacturing the units.

A carpenter will fit the roof, and you or your builder will typically need to provide scaffolding and a teleporter. Be sure to clarify responsibilities when getting a quotation.

Your joiner will likely be responsible for fitting the kitchen, internal doors, skirting boards, architraves, and the staircase, ensuring all elements are installed to a high standard and properly finished.

First fix typically refers to all the work completed before plastering the internal walls and ceilings. The exact scope should be agreed upon with everyone on site.

At this stage, the fitting out of bathrooms, kitchens, and other rooms begins. From a plumbing perspective, the heating system will be commissioned, and fixtures and fittings, such as sanitary ware and taps, will be installed.

Like other second fix elements, choosing wall and floor coverings can be costly. These choices are highly personal, and the costs can vary significantly depending on the materials and finishes selected.

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and functionality of a space, so selecting the right style , colours ,fixtures and placement is key to achieving the desired atmosphere.

During the design process, your architectural designer will have provided guidance on the kitchen layout, ensuring there’s sufficient space for all your requirements and the overall design flows smoothly.

The bathroom design will have been addressed during the planning stage to ensure it aligns with the overall design and meets your functional needs.