Self Build Construction

If you are thinking about a self build home, you will find the process challenging at times but also very satisfying when complete. The process of self build construction takes time and covers many different areas such as floors, windows, walls, the home's foundation, type of materials, roof, designer, and so on. In this article, we wanted to provide a few tips to help get you started with your upcoming self build project.

For starters, the home's foundation is a big part of the overall construction. Regardless of the materials you ultimately choose, the foundation is crucial and requires significant attention. When considering foundation, you will have four types from which to choose. First, there is the trench fill foundation, then the strip foundation, next the piled foundation, and finally, the raft foundation. Of all options, the trench fill and strip are the most commonly used but if you plan to self build on a piece of land that is a bit more challenging, the other two foundations would be used.

As far as the home's floors, this would include three options such as suspended timber, supported concrete, or pre-cast concrete beam and block. The most common type of floor used is the supported concrete, which is comprised of a hardcore base that is compacted and then laid for the slab. If your self build site were level, you would use this option. Now, if you want to avoid the cost of compacting and backfilling the hardcore, then a pre-cast beam and block floor would be an excellent choice. In fact, this type of floor is becoming more and more popular. With this, thermal insulation goes between the block and beam, and then the finished surface of the floor.

Next, you need to think about the walls of your self build. Obviously, you will need an outer wall no matter the materials used. However, this wall is typically made from brick while render, stone, and hanging timber and tile are also an option. When going with bricks for your outer wall, you would probably go with bricks made from clay. Because of this, you will notice some colour variation based on the region due to mineral content. However, if you cannot find brick or do not like the appearance, then consider using calcium silicate or concrete bricks, which also work exceptionally well.

Now, for your inner wall, you also have a variety of choices. For instance, a brick and block outer wall would usually go with an inner wall of concrete block and a plaster lining. However, if you use timber for the outer walls of your self build home, then the inside walls would likely be plasterboard. To insulate your home when using timber, insulation would be placed in between the frame and the plasterboard. We recommend you work with a good designer who can guide you through this process, helping you make the best choice for your specific home.

Just as with the foundation, the home's roof is very important. You could choose a trussed rafter roof, which is made from prefabricated units. The advantage with this choice is the convenience and ease in which the roof can be constructed. However, if you plan to have an upper room of the home, then you would want a traditional framed roof. For this, a skilled craftsman would erect the roof on site. While you will enjoy a beautiful roof, this option also means more money and more time to complete.

As far as the covering for your new roof, you would choose from natural slate, copper, clay tiles, concrete, thatch, or turf. The material changes the pitch of the room and overall appearance. Just remember that no matter the material you choose, our goal is to have a roof that will help shed water quickly during rain. Finally, the windows and doors for your self build need special attention as well. For the windows, you would like chose from plastic, timber, or aluminium. If you want to save money, then you could go with softwood but the windows will not hold up as well nor last as long. Then, for your home's front door, we suggest hardwood, which is not only strong and durable, but also gorgeous, rich, and warm.

- James M

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