What is Self Build?

Article Summary:
This guide explains the different levels of self-build involvement — from hands-on DIY to project management and turnkey homes. It also covers extensions, planning permission, and how to choose the right approach for your skills, time and budget.

Many of us dream about creating our own home, made exactly as we want it with all the features we require. Increasingly, people are making this dream a reality by taking part in the construction process themselves to varying degrees. This is what is known as a self-build house…

Self-Build Route	What It Involves
Full DIY	You complete most of the work yourself and hire trades only where essential.
Project Management	You hire contractors, oversee the schedule, manage materials and control the budget.
Contractors + DIY Finishing	Builders handle the main structure; you complete decorating and simpler tasks.
Turnkey Home	A company designs, builds and finishes the entire home to your specification.

What being a self-builder means

Self-build doesn’t always mean you are physically building the home. It can include using a self-build extension kit, hiring contractors, or taking on a project management role. Many people choose a blend of DIY and professional help depending on skills and confidence.

Self-build doesn’t mean building the house yourself — it simply means taking control of how your home is created.

Around one third of self-builders act as project managers rather than builders. Others hire contractors for most tasks and only complete decorating, while a small percentage use a turnkey system where a company builds and finishes the home based entirely on your specification.

What being a project manager means

As a project manager, you take responsibility for sourcing a building plot, hiring contractors, overseeing schedules, and managing budgets and materials. You control the decisions and ensure everything runs to plan.

Some self-builders prefer to appoint a professional project manager to handle day-to-day activity while they maintain full oversight. This is ideal for those who work full-time or cannot be on site regularly.

Extending your home

Self-build isn’t limited to building new properties. It also applies to extensions, conversions, and interior renovations. All of these can be self-managed or completed using kits such as a self-build extension kit, which simplifies planning and materials sourcing.

These kits allow you to choose a design that suits your home and budget before deciding whether to hire tradespeople or undertake the work yourself.

Self build planning

Both new builds and extensions may require planning permission. Applications are handled by your local authority, and many councils offer a pre-planning service to assess your idea before submission.

Be clear and accurate with your application — missing or incomplete details slow the process. You may also need certificates of ownership or notices for shared access areas.

Conclusion

Building your own home or adding an extension is the ultimate way to create exactly what you want, within building regulations. And with many levels of self-build involvement available, you can choose the role that suits your skills, budget and available time.

Last updated: February 14, 2025

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