Description
Book SynopsisIncludes a directory of useful contacts, Web sites, and organisations to get you started Everything you need to know to build your ideal home Why compromise when you can get the home you've always dreamed of? Self-Build and Renovation For Dummies is the comprehensive guide that shows you how.
Trade Review"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)
Table of ContentsIntroduction 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
