Day 1
Budgeting & Finance
This first session is dedicated to methods of raising finance and the importance of setting a budget and controlling costs throughout the project.
Finding & Evaluating Land
Finding a building plot is never easy, but there are ways and means to find that elusive dream plot.
Design & Specification
This session will look at how to get the best design for your dream home.
Building Systems & Construction Methods
We’ll take you on a comprehensive tour of the build process, covering everything from clearing and setting up your site, laying the foundations and options for building the superstructure and roof.
Day 2
Planning Permission & Permitted Development
Our Planning expert will explain the intricacies of the planning process and how you can optimise your chances of getting approval for your dream home.
Building Regulations
We’ll explain about building control procedures and the importance of building regulations.
Trades, Contracts & Tendering
We’ll discuss the best way to find tradesmen, the trades you’ll be hiring, when you’ll need them and what they do.
Project Management & Site Set Up
Starting with the basic principles of managing the people involved in your build, through to budgets, basic contracting techniques, buying materials and site management.
Day 3
Eco Fundamentals
Our eco expert shows you how to lessen the impact your project could have on the environment; he looks at the incentives available and drivers for using various eco technologies, comparative fuel costs and helps you understand how to calculate the payback terms. He’ll also consider the latest legislative requirements of Passive House, SAP ratings, and other potential incentives.
Eco Design, Planning & Management
We will look at the different elements of the building to make sure they are designed, specified and installed to maximise their potential.
Internal Services:
Our eco expert will discuss the usage of current eco-tech options in your new home.
“I have learned more in three days than I would have done in years on my own”
a wealth of information about all aspects of self building“This course had provided me with a wealth of information about all aspects of self building, with helpful and knowledgeable presenters. It’s great value for money and I now have a self build bible. I highly recommend it!”
assisted with specific questions & used accessible languageAs a complete novice to self build, I found the three day self build course run by Charlie Laing an extremely informative and positive experience. Charlie and his team clearly have a wealth of experience of the self build process. Their delivery was very clear and maintained a good pace. A vest amount information was covered but the presenters were good at giving their time to answer questions that helped consolidate learning.
They also assisted with specific questions relating to individuals projects. The language used was very accessible and when technical terms had to be used such as u-values they were clearly explained.
I think the greatest benefit for me was getting a clear overview of the whole process, the importance of planning the build in great detail before starting the construction work and assessing the merits of different choices available for materials, construction and management options for the project.
Furthermore, it was also great to have the opportunity to talk and network with the other course attendees. This course comes with my highest recommendation for some one thinking about self build.
Refund Policy - The Self Build Course
Cost of course per person: £395 gbp (VAT inclusive).
We offer course places on a first come first serve basis.
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.
