to have CAD drawings for working with the SIPs company.


THE BUILD We toyed with the idea of using a contractor for the entire project, but were keen to get the most out of our budget and hae a bit more eibility around making changes. Following our architect’s recommendation, we opted for a project manager, coupled with highly recommended builders from a neighbouring site, steering us towards the direct labour approach. After paying various fees (land insurance, soil tests, building control, a structural engineer, etc) and setting up accounts at local builders merchants we finally broke ground in April 2023. With our project manager at the helm and the builders living up to their good reputation, the foundations were completed on time and with precision and accuracy for the SIPs’ arrival in May. Four weeks later the house was built! Well, the structure of the house anyway. With direct labour, you don’t have much control over tradespeople’s availability – which can lead to delays.


FABRIC FIRST


Sustainability is a big consideration for us, but with a limited budget, it is about working out where to get the


biggest ‘bang for your buck.’ Windows were a key item so we spent a lot of time researching, even travelling as far as Scotland and Swindon to look at windows with our long-suffering children in tow. The triple-glazed Norrksen windows we selected have a U-value of 0.9 with all the south facing windows having solar control glass to reduce solar gain. We opted for 172 mm SIPs panels with a foil backed breather membrane that provides a U-value of 0.15. We are trying to make the building as airtight as possible so tape up and joins and use grommets for any penetrations into the SIPs. We also went for an MVHR system (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) to ensure a fresh supply of air, but also reuse the heat energy generated in the house.


DOING SOME DIY To try and reduce costs, we have tried to do some of the jobs that require less skill. These include installing the R ourseles laying the underoor heating, making temporary windows, getting knee-deep in a muddy trench to lay ducts, and cleaning up the site. As we both work full-time and have young children, it has been challenging, but rewarding, and spending so many hours on site getting stuck in has helped us develop good relationships with our trades. We have ended up managing the majority of the project since the roof was complete, as our project manager became occupied with a commercial project. This saved us on his fees but has meant many late nights pricing up materials, sending emails, and generally being quite stressed trying to work out what needs to happen and when. If we had a pound for every time we’ve been asked ‘when will you be in,’ we might have been able to afford a contractor! But you can check in on us on nstagram to find out how we get on. We set up an Instagram account for the build (at @selfbuildfamilyhome), and we have been quite moved by the support from other self-builders and tradespeople who have reached out to us on there.


Your Vision. Our Expertise.


Modern living requires a modern interior door and screening system that transforms any space. AluSpace is a revolutionary aluminium steel-look system that’s perfect for dividing and maximising spaces of any shape and size while providing an effective acoustic barrier.


• Available in several confi gurations, including as a fi xed screen, hinged single or double doors, sliding doors, or pivot doors


• Ultra-slim sightlines • Tailored to meet any design style • Accessories include a choice of classic, modern and industrial handles


Discuss your project with us today:


0191 565 2200 | sales@twrgroup.co.uk www.twrgroup.co.uk


8 www.sbhonline.co.uk SBH07_TWR_HP1.indd 1 mar/april 2024 11/07/2023 10:31


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