Who is really 'Self Building'

[syne]

I'd say a self build is when you do more than 75% yourself. 

 

 

 

A true self build means hewing rocks from a cliffside a spinning 110drainage pipe from hand reared sheep

. 

 

 

[ToughButterCup]

On 13/06/2025 at 13:50, LSB said:

Who is really doing it themselves, as in digging foundations, laying floors, ...

I'm just wondering how many of us are on here as it seems most people are getting in teams.

 

I'm DIYMax. Retired the day we got full PP.

If you don't require a formal qualification to get the job done , I'm on it. Not from choice. Or ability. Or bent. Just financial necessity. We're in a Development Zone so trades are like hens teeth. 

 

Which means 10 years in so far and still lots to do. MVHR second fit, Part P, Air Test, lobotomy.

 

Learnt a fair bit mind ....

 

[LSB]

7 minutes ago, ToughButterCup said:

 

I'm DIYMax. Retired the day we got full PP.

If you don't require a formal qualification to get the job done , I'm on it. Not from choice. Or ability. Or bent. Just financial necessity. We're in a Development Zone so trades are like hens teeth. 

 

Which means 10 years in so far and still lots to do. MVHR second fit, Part P, Air Test, lobotomy.

 

Learnt a fair bit mind ....

 

I'm impressed that you are still at it.

 

[Pocster]

Me sir me !

 

what didn’t I do …

 

Put up the timber frame 

CU wiring 

plastering 

install the glazing 

 

ummmmm , that’s it really .

 

took a bit of time - but me nutters are big 

[ToughButterCup]

On 09/07/2025 at 19:53, LSB said:

I'm impressed that you are still at it.

 

 

Sunk Cost. No option.

But come what may I'm going walking in the Rockies this summer. Maybe a bit of scree running and a bit of ice work. It's the bears that add a bit of spice....

[Eric]

26 minutes ago, ToughButterCup said:

 

Sunk Cost. No option.

But come what may I'm going walking in the Rockies this summer. Maybe a bit of scree running and a bit of ice work. It's the bears that add a bit of spice....

Are you going to look for the treasure in the Rockies? 

[Marvin]

Hi @LSB

 

Renovated an existing bungalow converting the garage but added a rear extension. Involved a bit of labour to help now and then otherwise definitely self build.  

[SteamyTea]

On 15/06/2025 at 10:13, -rick- said:

I've got to ask what's with the lifebuoy

In a flood zone.

[SteamyTea]

On 09/07/2025 at 18:45, ToughButterCup said:

10 years in so far and still lots to do. MVHR second fit, Part P, Air Test

On 09/07/2025 at 18:45, ToughButterCup said:

If you don't require a formal qualification to get the job done

You could have spent a day a week getting those qualification.

 

Just think if you could have done an environmental qualification and sorted them newts out on the cheap.

[saveasteading]

My pitch on this.

How much Risk and hands-on?

 

If you project manage and don't have a main contractor, and do some of the work, then it is self build.

The degree varies from there of course.

100% means no contractor, but help from friends and family.

Next level includes labourers or semi skilled workers ... . But it's all your responsibility.

From there down to 10%.  A nonsense figure of course. Several trades contractors, some diy.

 

We will all have our own views on this according to skills and experience.

 

[ToughButterCup]

On 12/07/2025 at 22:03, Eric said:

Are you going to look for the treasure in the Rockies? 

 

With a bit of luck we'll be blessed with a couple of sunsets and dawns while camped out of the wind on a ridge line. (Sulphur Skyline)

 

Fabulous night skies. And nay bloody midges.