SELF MANAGING YOUR PROJECT
Thinking of running your own self build? Project management expert Mark Stevenson shares his insight on what the role involves and how to be successful along the way
Build It readers Freddie and Katie Pack chose to project manage their self build in order to stay on top of their budget and scheduling
RICHARD GADSBY
Building your own home is a life changing experience that will have a huge impact on your lifestyle. It’s possibly the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever undertake and many self builders make the mistake of jumping into it without thinking about what the best approach is for them.
Whether it’s to save money, feel more involved or down to limited options, many self builders opt to self manage. For those who are well organised and have the time to dedicate to their project, this is a great option, but the role doesn’t just involve a bit of site organisation.
Thinking negatively, there’s plenty of opportunity for things to go wrong – inadequate budget, technical complexities, insufficient timescales and so on. You’ll therefore need dedication and resilience to overcome potential problems and get the work done. The challenge is to be able to sit down at the end of the build and enjoy a glass of Liebfraumilch (or whatever your tipple is) and be super proud of what you’ve achieved for the money you expected to pay at the start.