Your self-build home is somewhere you may hope to live for decades. So, you will want some input into the construction method proposed by your build team. The good news is that Building Regulations provide peace of mind that whatever structural system you decide will meet modern construction needs, like safety, and adherence to the regs will satisfy the local planning authority. But each system will have pros and cons, and different costs. We have detailed below some of the most favoured methods. Like house extensions, most self-build projects are built using two essential ways:
- Brick and Block
- Consists of an outer and inner skin block held together with wall ties.
- Build time: Around 20 weeks for a three-bedroom home (180m2) – slower than a timber frame.
- Pros: i) Helps even out the internal temperatures; ii) Good acoustic performance due to material density; iii) In combination with block and beam floors, reduces the chance of floors creaking and supports open-plan designs.
- Cons: i) Construction can slow down due to a wet system drying out; ii) Thicker profiled walls; iii) Freezing conditions/ snow/ heavy rain can hold things up.
- Timber Frame
- Sometimes prefabricated, the frame supports the entire building enabling opportunities for freeing-up space for open plan designs and reducing the need for internal load-bearing walls.
- Build time: From around five days based on erecting a timber frame and making watertight
- Pros: i) Quick construction – supports homes being built in three months or less; ii) Airtightness easy to achieve thus improving insulation; iii) Eco-friendly solution – providing timber is from a responsible source.
- Cons: i) Expect a significant lead time; ii) Once fabrication of the frame is complete there is no going back.
There are other construction methods which are less popular, but no less effective.
- Insulating Concrete Formwork (or ICF) is a system of blocks which are filled with concrete for a quick build. Although pricier than brick and block, the method carries excellent acoustic performance and insulation. But any changes post-pouring of concrete are costly to rectify and not all trades have experience in ICF.
- Structured Insulated Panels are composite panels that layer a rigid insulating material between outer boards. Although more costly than a timber frame, self-builders save on labour costs and heating bills. This method is complex, so builders with experience in this system are a must.
Towards the specialist end, oak frames and thin joint blockwork are alternatives for self-builders wanting to do something different with their design.Your construction method is an important decision and will significantly affect the cost, energy efficiency, and duration of your self-build project. An element of your decision-making will be based on your vision for a dream home and your planning permission and design criteria. However, you are not alone – by hiring an experienced team of experts, the likelihood is your architect or builder will be able to give the right advice.