precision and craftsmanship with the blockwork were second to none. Despite meticulous planning, the
groundworks came with their fair share of surprises. Our site, sitting atop clay- based soil, proved highly susceptible to waterlogging. The relentless rain and storms of late autumn transformed the neatly prepared trenches into muddy ponds. This involved installing unforeseen land drains to help manage surface water and prevent future waterlogging. It was a stark reminder that, no matter how precise the calculations, construction retains an organic element, requiring onsite problem-solving and close collaboration with all parties involved in the build, groundworks, structural engineers, and architects. But through the mud, progress
emerged. Weavers completed the block-and-beam fl oor, supplied by Litecast, installed alongside our foul water and top water drainage. It now stands proudly up to DPC level, ready for the timber frame installation. We opted for this type of fl oor due to its excellent load-bearing capacity and suitability for our clay-based soil. This type of fl oor also offers better resistance to ground movement compared to a traditional slab, providing a solid, long- lasting foundation for our timber frame structure. Seeing this stage completed was a pivotal moment, as it transformed the site from abstract plans into something tangible.
One strategic decision we made early on was to subcontract key trades for specifi c skilled tasks. y doing this, we can work directly with experienced professionals for key elements like electrics, plumbing, and plastering while taking on certain jobs ourselves to help save money. Tasks such as painting, landscaping, and some internal carpentry
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are well within our capabilities and should provide some breathing room in our budget. While this approach requires more coordination, the potential savings make it worthwhile. It also helps us feel more connected to the build, learning along the way.
In parallel with the groundworks, we have also been laying down deposits for big-ticket items, including windows, doors and the roof. This proactive step is intended to help keep the build on track and aligned with our project timeline. By securing these essentials early, we hope to avoid delays further down the line and maintain some sense of order amidst the inevitable chaos of a self-build. Looking back, the biggest challenges have often led to the most rewarding moments. Adapting to the clay soil, managing the water drainage, and juggling the many moving parts of project management have all tested our resolve. Yet, each challenge overcome has given us greater confi dence to tackle the next phase. It was a memorable moment when the block-and-beam fl oor was completed; after weeks of muddy chaos, seeing the solid fl oor in place gave us a huge boost. We’ve also been fortunate to have supportive neighbours throughout this process. We made an effort early on to keep them informed of our plans and to address any concerns they had. The positive relationship we’ve built has helped smooth the inevitable disruptions caused by deliveries and construction noise.
Here are a few tips we’ve learned along the way:
• Plan fi nances early Start the mortgage application process as soon as possible, especially if you are self-employed.
• Expect the unexpected: No matter
how detailed your plan, unforeseen costs will arise – from extra drainage solutions to soil-related surprises.
• eep it fl exible llow room in your schedule and budget to accommodate last-minute changes.
• Use trusted tradespeople: Personal recommendations and positive reviews made a signifi cant difference in the reliability of our team.
• Stay involved: The more we engaged with the process, the more informed our decisions became. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – there are so many technical terms and situations that you cannot be expected to understand it all, so if something is unclear, just ask.
As we look ahead to the timber frame delivery, which will be supplied by PYC, we feel the weight of each decision and the sense of steady progress. Scaffolding is being installed ahead of the timber frame by Spartan Scaffolding, led by Charlie Miller, ensuring a safe and effi cient setup for the next stage of the build. Our home, Skippings, named after the historic Chilterns threshing barn that inspired its design, is slowly taking shape. We are immensely grateful to the teams who have helped us reach this stage and to the friends and family who continue to cheer us on from the sidelines. This next stage will mark a signifi cant milestone for Skippings, and we eagerly anticipate stepping inside for the fi rst time, seeing the architectural vision take shape. Standing on a freshly laid foundation, with a little more mud on our boots, braced for the next stage of the build, we refl ect on how far we have come and look forward to the moment we can call this place our home.
Follow along with us on Instagram @skippings_house_build
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