US
18 MIN READ TIME

ROUTE 1: SHELL BUILD

A shell-only build is the entry level for package homes. The basic idea is to put a major chunk of your project – namely the structural design and delivery of the main weathertight shell – in the hands of a single, specialist company. With this route, your supplier will assess the buildability of your architect’s design before value-engineering their kit to suit. They’ll usually also take care of the heavy lifting by erecting the superstructure on site as part of their package Shell build: what you need to know (either themselves or via a trusted partner). That leaves you with a dry house shell, ready for you or your contractor to move forward with the internal and external fit-out. So, it’s pretty easy to plan and manage the rest of your scheme.

There can be slight variations on the theme. Some companies might calculate and supply the materials for your own contractor to assemble, for instance. Others can provide extra services, such as follow-on carpentry and joinery or even project management further into the build.

1
ANTHONY HARRISON
Unlock this article and much more with
You can enjoy:
Enjoy this edition in full
Instant access to 600+ titles
Thousands of back issues
No contract or commitment
Try for 99c
SUBSCRIBE NOW
30 day trial, then just $9.99 / month. Cancel anytime. New subscribers only.


Learn more
Pocketmags Plus
Pocketmags Plus

This article is from...


View Issues
Build It
August 2019
VIEW IN STORE

Other Articles in this Issue


Build It
Welcome
Finding a viable plot is often cited as one of the
REGULARS
inspiration
This five-bedroom certified Passivhaus property was
product news
Great shopping ideas for your custom home project
WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT… THE POTTON SHOW CENTRE
The show centre is open 6 days a week (Monday – Saturday).
interiors notebook
Add a dash of rustic appeal and bring a timeless quality to your home’s decor with these country cottage-style fixtures, fittings and finishes
BuildIt Subscribe today!
12 Issues delivered to you for just £24*
Self build & custom build mortgages
Looking to fund your bespoke home project? Each month we round up the best deals from leading lenders and update you on what you need to know to secure the right finance
Ask the EXPERTS
Essential advice on your problems with building, budgeting, DIY & planning from the most experienced names in the self build industry
Land FOR SALE
It’s FREE to subscribe to PlotSearch – the UK’s premier
FULL OF PROMISE
Could John Mannet’s own garden on the edge of a Dorset village make the perfect site for his new downsized home?
next month…
September issue on sale 31st July
focus on:
Jan Chadwick, a resident of Cambridge’s innovative cohousing development on Marmalade Lane, tells us a little bit about life since moving in to this thriving self build community
READERS’ HOMES
Hillside sanctuary zzzzz
CONSTRUCTION METHOD Concrete, steel frame & timber
Worth the wait
A change in construction teams meant works got off to a slow start, but Kirsty & David Sanders have completely transformed their Victorian terrace into a stunning light-filled modern abode
Barn-style beauty
After dreaming about building their own house for more than 20 years, Chris and Christina Hughes have created a spectacular timber frame abode in rural Kent
Labour of love
Interior designer Peggy Prendeville has transformed this Edwardian ecclesiastical building into a stylish modern home that oozes wow factor
Sustainable design
Richard and Katie Spencer have achieved a long-held ambition to create a contemporary Passivhaus property for their family
RENOVATION & BUILDING
Part 8 Fitting the Windows & Roof Tiles
Glazing and roof finishes have a big impact of the final aesthetic of a new home. Chris Bates reveals how we specified and installed these elements on our Education House
Complete guide to renovating a house
Emily Smith takes a look at what Build It readers have spent on their renovations and shares some tips for preparing your project budget
Ultimate guide to ground source heat pumps
Find out how this renewable technology works, the key benefits and whether it could be the right fit for your project withNigel Griffiths’ in-depth advice
Prefabricated extensions
Modular and prefab methods are widely used for self builds, but can you take this approach to enlarge your current home? Rebecca Foster looks at the diff erent routes available
6 things to consider when choosing a bespoke staircase
Charley Wardbreaks down what you need to know in order to commission a bespoke flight that’s both functional and adds real wow factor to your project
Are bifold doors right for your project?
Folding sliding doors (aka bifolds) are one of the most popular options to forge a link between home and garden. Emily Brooks explains their main advantages
Extension cost guide Part 3: Wraparounds
In the final instalment of our mini-series on extension costs, Adrian Wild sets out indicative costs for building a single-storey wraparound addition
BUYER’S GUIDE TO smart heating
Intelligent heating has quickly become a standard feature in many homes – but what’s the optimum setup for self builders, and how will an integrated system take your controls to the next level of convenience? Emily Brooks explains the options
DESIGN & BUILD SPECIAL
Design & build packages: Discover the easy route to your dream self build home
Design & build packages: Discover the easy route
Creating an idyllic livework oak frame home
Owner: Lyn Bullock Location: Herefordshire Construction method: Oak frame & SIPs House size: 217m2 Package route: Planning design & weathertight shell Package supplier: Border Oak
Timber frame kit delivers healthy & sustainable bespoke home
Owner: Christian Wagner Location: Isle of Lewis Construction method: Timber frame House size: 97m2 Package route: Structural design and timber frame kit Package supplier: Scotframe
ROUTE 2: HOUSE DESIGN & SHELL BUILD
Employing one company to complete the plans and put up the weathertight superstructure of your home could help to streamline your self build
Stunning eco build
Location: Aberdeenshire Construction method: Structural insulated panels House size: 200m2 Build cost: £260,000 Package route: Wind & watertight kit with full construction package Supplier: Caber House
High performance contemporary home
Location: Sheffield Construction method: Timber frame House size: 183m2 Package route: Design, manufacture, supply & erect Supplier: Frame Technologies
ROUTE 3: TURNKEY
If you’re keen to hand as much responsibility over to the professionals as possible, employing one company to oversee delivery of the entire project on your behalf could be the best option for a stress-free and cost-certain self build
EXPERT HELP
HOUSE DESIGNmasterclass
When settling on a realistic home building scheme, dealing with the planners is only half the battle. Architect Julian Owen explains how to ensure your drawings meet the Building Regulations and why it’s important to get this right
HERITAGE RENOVATIONS: When to call in the pros
Refurbishing a period property can give you a unique home filled with character – but there will inevitably be challenges along the way. Alan Tierney reveals why you should consider bringing in the experts to help ensure your project is a success
10 questions to ask your designer
Choosing the right professional to plan your home is an important step in any self build journey. Mike Hardwick runs through the questions you should ask any prospective designer before making your final decision
Planning refusals: HOW TO APPEAL AND WIN
Mike Dade summarises the potential courses of action should the council reject your proposal
How to get services to your plot
Tim Doherty outlines the best ways to ensure your building site has connections in place
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO finding land
the first step in your self build journey is tracking down a viable building site. Keep yourself ahead of the competition with Build It’s top plot hunting tips
Chat
X
Pocketmags Support