Self Build and Renovation For Dummies (eBook)

Nicholas Walliman is a professional architect and lecturer in building construction. He built his own home and has since worked on numerous self-build and renovation projects.

Introduction 1

Part I: Preparing to Create the Perfect Home 7

Chapter 1: The Basics of Self-Build 9

Chapter 2: Forking Out the Finances 15

Chapter 3: Finding and Assessing the Building Plot 25

Chapter 4: The Legal Stuff 39

Part II: Before the Build: Getting Everything into Place 47

Chapter 5: Designing Your Home 49

Chapter 6: The Green Light: Getting Permissions and Approvals 59

Chapter 7: Construction Management, Builders, and Subcontractors 77

Chapter 8: Buying Materials 99

Chapter 9: Getting Connected to Services 111

Part III: Structurally Speaking: Understanding Construction 123

Chapter 10: Preparing the Ground 125

Chapter 11: Holding up the House: Walls and Structures 139

Chapter 12: An Open and Shut Case: Windows, Doors, Insulation, and Partitions 157

Chapter 13: Floors and Stairs 177

Chapter 14: Raising the Roof 187

Part IV: The Inside Story 207

Chapter 15: Forming the Landscape 209

Chapter 16: Putting in the Pipes and Wrapping Up Warm 229

Chapter 17: Let There Be Light (And Power and Communications) 249

Chapter 18: Kitchens and Bathrooms 263

Part V: Renovating, Extending, and Converting 275

Chapter 19: Internal Finishes 277

Chapter 20: Upgrading Old Houses 289

Chapter 21: Adding Space 305

Chapter 22: Buying a Property for Conversion or Replacement - the Opportunities and Dangers 317

Part VI: The Part of Tens 327

Chapter 23: Ten Good Reasons for Building Your Own Home 329

Chapter 24: Ten Good Reasons to Renovate 337

Chapter 25: Ten Things You Must Do Before Starting to Build 343

Appendix: Directory of Directories 351

Index 359

"Full of info, it demystifies impenetrable technical jargon."
(Grand Designs, January 2007)

"...a great introduction." (Build IT, January
2007)

"This is a great reference for anyone seriously
considering a self build." (Self Build And Design,
March 2007)

"...provides the concrete know-how on all the regulations,
design and financial implications of self build and renovation
projects." (Self Build & Design, November 2007)