The NSBRC Guide to Getting your Project Started will give you the foundations for a successful, worry-free project allowing you to focus on the key decisions and enjoy the excitement of creating your new home. Ideal for anyone taking on a self build, renovation or large scale refurb for the first time, our new course is delivered by an experienced presenter with a background in designing and building homes.
In this Course you’ll learn how you can get started with a building project using checklists, tool & examples. The session covers various topics including appointing a professional team, understanding planning permission, project management, legal issues, completing the design, managing finances, preparing to start on-site, & more.
Our Guide to Getting your Project Started Course is delivered by Independent Project Manager, Mark Stevenson.
Having worked as a builder and construction professional for almost 30 years, Mark Stevenson uses his experience to help self-builders build their own homes.
Whilst Mark describes himself as a ‘professional builder’ as a result of his career in house building and timber systems manufacturing, he has specialist knowledge of timber construction and extensive expertise in finding land and appraising building plots.
What will the course cover?
Appointing your professional team
- Professionals: who are they & when should I use them?
- Professional fees & what you get for your money
Understanding your planning permission
- Different types of permission
- Dealing with planning conditions
- Planning obligations: dealing with CIL
Project management - the basics
- Choosing a routes to build: DIY, PM or Builder?
- Tips for managing your team
- Importance of communication
Dealing with legal issues
- Covenants
- Rights of access
- Off site works
- Party wall arrangements
Completing the design
- What’s needed & who does what?
- Site investigations & surveys
- Building regulations
- Energy efficiency
- Choosing a structural build system - what are your options?
- Warranties
Managing money
- Mortgages & raising finance
- Using the 'Help to Build' fund
- Financial roles & responsibilities on a building project
- Putting together a 'build budget'
- What construction costs do I need to consider?
- Managing VAT
- Contingency and abnormal allowances: what are they?
- Avoiding financial disputes & claims
- Money saving ideas (checklist)
- Financial tools (Excel based)
- Budget tracking
- Cash flow management
- Variations & extras
Managing Time
- Scheduling the prestart activities
- Planning & programming
- Example programmes (prestart, built, short term)
Managing Procurement
- Choosing and appointing suppliers & contractors
- How to put an enquiry together
- Defining the scope of work / specifications & why these are important
- Comparing quotations & how to work out which is best
- Understanding contracts & appointments
Preparing to start on site
- Your prestart checklist
- CDM & health and safety
- Setting up the site
- Site access & storage arrangements
- Site security
- Dealing with demolitions & contamination
- Dealing with services & diversions
- Insurances
- Managing information
Tips to make sure your build progresses on time and within budget:
Set realistic goals and timelines: Before starting your project, it is essential to determine realistic goals and timelines. This helps to ensure that everyone involved in the project has a clear understanding of what needs to be done and when it needs to be completed by.
Communicate effectively: Effective communication helps ensure that the project progresses smoothly, so all stakeholders are aware of the project's objectives, timelines, and budget. Hold regular meetings to keep everyone updated on the progress and address any issues.
Plan for contingencies: No matter how well you plan, unforeseen issues can arise during the construction process. Therefore, it is essential to have contingency plans in place to resolve these issues quickly.
Monitor progress: Regularly monitor your project's progress to ensure that it is on track by using project management tools to track tasks, timelines, and expenses.
Manage resources effectively: Ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively. This includes managing trades, materials, and equipment to minimise waste and keep costs under control.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your construction project progresses smoothly and is completed on time and within budget. Join the next course to find out more!
Refund Policy - The NSBRC Guide to Getting your Project Started
Cost of one-day courses held at the Centre per person: £165.00 gbp (VAT inclusive).
Cost of one-day virtual courses per device: £85.00 gbp (VAT inclusive).
If you are unable to attend the course after booking, we can transfer your place to another course date if you notify us at least a week before the event (subject to availability). Please notify us as soon as possible. Please note that we will issue a full refund if you notify us up to 7 days prior to the event start date, if you notify us after this time your payment will be non-refundable.