A successful self-build team is summarised by the strength of each individual member, and finding the right tradespeople is crucial to ensure that the work is done to a high standard.
Those new to self-build may be unaware of the techniques used to find the right specialists to make your dream home become a reality. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to set you on the right path.
In this article, we’ll cover when to plan for trades, where to look and who can help find the right people for your self-build.
AT WHAT STAGE OF THE BUILD SHOULD I HIRE MY TRADES?
If you’ve anointed yourself as the Project Manager, you’ll be responsible for pulling in the trades yourself. This process should begin by building relationships and creating a list of trades that operate in your area. From there, ask for references from these trades, or use online resources to conduct a background check on their business.
If you’re going turnkey (the main contractor takes the responsibility of making decisions post-detail), that person will bring in their tradespeople directly.
Whatever method you choose, the hiring process should begin once you have a concrete build plan in place.
Check out our video on what other consultants you may need for your self-build:
HOW TO FIND RELIABLE TRADES
The process of finding tradespeople may seem easy on paper, but the challenge comes from finding the right one for your project.
As self-build architects, we'll give you plenty of resources in terms of where to look, but we won't necessarily be helping you with every individual tradesperson.
If you are looking for that level of assistance, it would be a good idea to hire an external project manager. This can give you the assurance that someone who understands construction and pricing is having oversight on the project.
When you're starting to look for your builders, plumbers, electricians and any other specialists, there are plenty of online organisations you can look at to find out who is best suited to your project.
These show that the person has gone through a certain level of vetting and training to become a member of that organisation.
To give an example, if you're thinking about doing timber construction and looking for specialised builders, The Structural Timber Association is a reliable organisation that hosts a registry of members you can look through.
Additionally, you should be looking for tradespeople who have the appropriate insurance in place to carry out your project.
Here are a few resources you can use:
Amid all the modern digital methods used to source contractors, word of mouth is an effective measure of finding the right people near you.
Once you get that first tradesperson in, don’t be afraid to ask them for their recommendations for the other roles that require filling. Experienced contractors often have their own network of people they have worked with on previous projects.
There are some jobs you can carry out yourself but be careful with the ones that require a building inspector. If the work doesn’t meet the inspector’s standards, this can have major repercussions on your timeframe.
Taking on odd jobs around the building site can be a way to get labour costs down. If you have the time and ability, don’t shy away from getting stuck in.
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“A common question our self-builders ask is ‘What are the best ways to cut costs?’ If you have the ability to carry out tasks on-site yourself, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run. Often around 50% of the total cost of your build will go to labour.”
- Jenny Chandela, US Registered Architect
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WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING THESE TRADES?
If any issues involving your tradespeople and their work arise, the principal contractor is the one in charge of resolving them.
These are things to keep in mind when deciding if you're going to take charge of your project’s construction.
ASK FOR QUOTES
We at AC Architects recommend obtaining multiple quotes from different tradespeople in your local area. Additionally, try to get these quotes written or documented, to give you a better understanding of the T's and C's.
As architects specialising in self-build, we can look at these quotes to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.
You can get these quotes over the phone, in person or online. Checkatrade’s ‘Request A Quote’ page is a good example of an online resource that can be used to find quotes for your build.
We also recommend having stage payments for your trades, as this assures you the job will be completed, and also puts less strain on your cash flow. This is dependent on your financial situation of course.
WHO CAN HELP ME?
Other contractors involved in your self-build will be able to assist you in sourcing and assessing different tradespeople but keep in mind these individuals will carry their own fees.
A project manager can manage the tendering process for your project, soliciting bids from tradespeople and subcontractors. They can evaluate proposals, negotiate contracts, and ensure that you get competitive pricing from qualified professionals. An experienced PM will also know how to handle miscommunications and unforeseen issues onsite.
A quantity surveyor can provide accurate cost estimates for your project, including labour costs associated with hiring tradespeople. They will also have a network of contacts within the construction industry, including tradespeople, suppliers, and contractors. They may be able to connect you with reliable tradespeople who have a track record of delivering quality work.
When it comes to finding the right tradespeople, let your curiosity get the better of you. Conduct thorough research, request quotes from multiple professionals, and carefully evaluate their experience and proposed plans. This is key to making those crucial decisions that align with your project's needs and budget. With the right team of tradespeople in place, you can embark on your self-build journey with confidence, knowing that your project is in capable hands.