JoeM

Oh that is something I need to do some research on, because ideally we'd use solar and a heat pump to eliminate the need for gas! So more than happy to be convinced @SteamyTea

@SteamyTea I think somewhere in between, for example the painting and tiling I'm happy to have a go myself and probably have a go at project managing too. For parts of it, I just wouldn't feel comfortable putting others at risk (e.g. electricity and gas). @ProDave We are in the west midlands/shropshire and I think we'd like to stay around here for links to family/friends... @Redoctober Thanks for the link, I will definitely have a look! Thanks to you all for the info and welcome! I will definitely keep reading, until I drive my partner mad anyway (then maybe a little more).

New member here, I felt at first that information would be sparse and protected tightly by gatekeepers. I'm so happy to have found this community! We area mid 30's couple who are outgrowing our small home and sick of looking at new builds that have dreadful finishes, are placed on cramped estates and charged those wild west 'management fees'. So we have decided we are going to look seriously at securing some land and building a forever home, that is as eco friendly self-sufficient as possible. With that said I am trying to cost everything down to toilet roll holders as a starting point and then add on some contingency for issues (25% at the moment though happy for you experienced builders to give me a % that I haven't plucked out of the air!). I can't find an itemised list of everything to think about and have tried to piece it together myself, I wonder if someone could reorder my list below so they make sense and in terms of which step should follow so I can research expected cost of each stage? e.g. because it's in the wrong place or I have missed something crucial. Thanks in advance Identify suitable plot with loose idea of final structure Outline planning permission and check for any ransom strips, overages etc. Purchase Plot on positive outline permission response Check ground ahead of foundations Develop full house plan with engineer/architect (could use some info here, is this two different people?) Gain full planning permission Begin excavation for foundation Lay foundation Fix internal drainage system Ground floor insulation Internal concrete pour as base for sructure (is this done at foundation stage or is it a secondary pour?) Internal blocks up to first floor Services to ground level (electricity, gas (hoping to be fully electric so may not require this, water, tv/internet?) External brickwork up to level 1 Scaffold up to level 1 Lay floor of first floor Continue connection of drainage Insulate first floor Internal block shell up to roof level External brickwork up to roof Roof on Insulate roof Tile roof Pump insulation into cavity walls (or find a better insulation system) Insulate loft space Fit all windows Fit external doors Plaster house Begin decorating the inside (fixtures and fittings) I'd be very surprised if this list is exhaustive and so would be grateful if anyone could help flesh it out! Alternatively, if the answer to this is on an FAQ or has been previously answered, I'm happy to do the reading if you could point me in the right direction Thanks again