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
