Self Build and Renovation For Dummies

Nicholas Walliman is a professional architect and lecturer in building construction. He built his own home and has since worked on numerous self-build and renovation projects.

• Introduction 1Part I: Preparing to Create the Perfect Home 7Chapter 1: The Basics of Self-Build 9Chapter 2: Forking Out the Finances 15Chapter 3: Finding and Assessing the Building Plot 25Chapter 4: The Legal Stuff 39Part II: Before the Build: Getting Everything into Place 47Chapter 5: Designing Your Home 49Chapter 6: The Green Light: Getting Permissions and Approvals 59Chapter 7: Construction Management, Builders, and Subcontractors 77Chapter 8: Buying Materials 99Chapter 9: Getting Connected to Services 111Part III: Structurally Speaking: Understanding Construction 123Chapter 10: Preparing the Ground 125Chapter 11: Holding up the House: Walls and Structures 139Chapter 12: An Open and Shut Case: Windows, Doors, Insulation, and Partitions 157Chapter 13: Floors and Stairs 177Chapter 14: Raising the Roof 187Part IV: The Inside Story 207Chapter 15: Forming the Landscape 209Chapter 16: Putting in the Pipes and Wrapping Up Warm 229Chapter 17: Let There Be Light (And Power and Communications) 249Chapter 18: Kitchens and Bathrooms 263Part V: Renovating, Extending, and Converting 275Chapter 19: Internal Finishes 277Chapter 20: Upgrading Old Houses 289Chapter 21: Adding Space 305Chapter 22: Buying a Property for Conversion or Replacement – the Opportunities and Dangers 317Part VI: The Part of Tens 327Chapter 23: Ten Good Reasons for Building Your Own Home 329Chapter 24: Ten Good Reasons to Renovate 337Chapter 25: Ten Things You Must Do Before Starting to Build 343Appendix: Directory of Directories 351Index 359

"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)