Self-Build and Renovation For Dummies
About the Author
Author's Acknowledgements
Contents at a Glance
Table of Contents
Introduction
About This Book
Conventions Used in This Book
What You Don't Have to Read
Foolish Assumptions
How This Book Is Organised
Icons Used in This Book
Where to Go from Here
Part I: Preparing to Create the Perfect Home
Chapter 1: The Basics of Self-Build
Seizing the Opportunities and Avoiding the Pitfalls
Renovating or Converting Instead of Starting from Scratch
Preparing and Organising: The Keys to a Successful Project. Chapter 2: Forking Out the FinancesWorking Out How Much You're Going to Need
Raising the Money
Chapter 3: Finding and Assessing the Building Plot
Finding the Plot
Assessing the Plot: Is It the Right One?
Knowing How Much to Pay
Buying a Plot Without Planning Permission
Chapter 4: The Legal Stuff
Buying the Plot or Property
Conveyancing and Legal Stuff
Buying at Auction
Part II: Before the Build: Getting Everything into Place
Chapter 5: Designing Your Home
Looking at Different Approaches to Designing a Home
Discovering Basic Design Principles
Hiring Design Help. Agreeing on a DesignGetting Your Architect to Manage the Project
Chapter 6: The Green Light: Getting Permissions and Approvals
Mastering the Ins and Outs of Planning Permission
Working the System --
Getting the Best Out of the Approval Process
Dealing with Listed Buildings and Other Special Planning Features
Navigating Building Regulations
Chapter 7: Construction Management, Builders, and Subcontractors
Getting to Grips with Construction Management
Doing It Yourself
Working with Builders and Subcontractors
Obtaining Estimates and Arranging Contracts. Protecting Yourself When Things Go WrongPlanning for Safety and Security
Chapter 8: Buying Materials
Buying Material Yourself
Making Decisions on Materials
Shopping for What You Need
Hiring Tools and Plant
Chapter 9: Getting Connected to Services
Thinking about Your Water Supply
Installing Drainage and Sewage Disposal Systems
Switching on the Electricity
Choosing Your Fuel: Gas, LPG, Oil, or Solid Fuel
Is Anyone There? Telecoms and Cables
Part III: Structurally Speaking: Understanding Construction
Chapter 10: Preparing the Ground
Starting from the Ground Up. Thinking about FoundationsClearing the Site
Digging the Excavations
Pouring the Foundations
Waterproofing a Basement
Dealing with Difficult Sites
Chapter 11: Holding up the House: Walls and Structures
Clarifying the Meaning of 'Traditional Construction'
Examining Masonry Construction
Delving into Timber Framing
Looking into Alternative Wall Construction
Applying the Makeup: External Wall Finishes and Appearance
Chapter 12: An Open and Shut Case: Windows, Doors, Insulation, and Partitions
Choosing the Windows
Making an Entrance: Doors
Insulating Your Walls: Thermal Insulation.