Which building method should you use for your self-build?

It’s arguably one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when it comes to your self-build. 

The method you choose to build your home will impact every aspect of your project from costs to the internal layout. It’s not something to rush into so what do you need to look out for?

Certain construction methods are better suited to particular house designs than others. For example, if you have an artistic and ambitious open plan design in mind, a steel frame construction may be preferable to traditional brick and block.

It always returns to budget. Different methods of building influence the costs per square foot. The smaller your budget, the more restricted your choice of building method. Furthermore, if you require a mortgage, you may find that your lender restricts your construction options. 

Here’s our guide to each of the major build systems:

The traditional visual appeal, durability and insulation properties, plus the large number of well-practiced builders in brick and block-work, make it a practical choice. The nature of the material means that all work takes place on the chosen site, removing the need for remote crews and delivery of large prefabricated sections.

Standard brick and block materials won't be as costly as some other methods, but the build is likely to take longer, meaning increased labour costs, and there can be long delays (and associated expenses) caused by poor weather.

Finished masonry must dry-out thoroughly before internal work like electrical installation can proceed, and frost can cause expansion damage to new walling. Consideration of the seasons is highly significant in scheduling.

Sound and sturdy

Availability of attractively solid materials used in brick and block-work, means the method is likely to remain popular. Their sound-proofing qualities are preferred in urban environments, but it is worth remembering that the most efficient heating of masonry buildings can require continuous energy input, even when the property is unoccupied for predictable periods.

The need for speed

One of the biggest advantages of timber is the speed of construction. Erection of timber frames generally involves the supplier's carpenters during the build. This introduces a high degree of component familiarity, expertise and time-efficiency, with problems easily addressed by an experienced crew. Assembly of this kind of frame can take around two weeks.

Bear in mind that the precise design for a timber frame must be finalised in advance of manufacture, and allowance of factory-time (often three months) needs to be included in your schedule. Late alteration of a design can result in delays and mounting costs.

Timber frames require less time to dry out, ahead of internal work such as decorating and electrical installation. This can commence as soon as a timber frame is weatherproofed. Low temperatures are no hindrance and if poor weather is likely, timber frame construction will quickly enclose areas requiring further work, which would be considerably delayed within a masonry frame.

If you're considering timber frame construction, you can find out everything you need to know about these whole house kits here.

Steel's benefits will depend on the nature of the project. If the design is unusual, uniquely artistic in style, or extreme in its proportions, steel is likely to be easier, more flexible and much faster to bring to reality than traditional methods.

This option will almost certainly require you to purchase a kit on a supply and fit basis and your choice of design will be limited to those offered from the kit manufacturer.

One advantage over brick and block construction, is steel's sheer speed - because steel frames will have been manufactured to a very precise design beforehand, elsewhere. Once suitable foundations are created on site, a steel construction can go up in a few days, and once the roofing, glazing and other cladding are added, total weatherproofing means internal fixtures and decoration can follow without delay. It's fast and less likely to be hindered by adverse weather.

Use of mass-produced steel sections needn't necessarily be expensive, though the grade of steel and its resistance to corrosion will affect cost. Obviously the design specification will be reflected in the metalworkers' fees - from very moderate for simple sections, to very substantial for complex artistic work.

SIPS

SIPS or Structured Insulated Panelling uses layers of ply or OSB which encapsulate an insulating core. The thickness of the plasterboard and the effectiveness of the insulation vary according to the supplier and the cost of the chosen insulation material. These structures provide useful rigidity, often exceeding the strength of timber frames. The system can easily be adapted to work in combination with a steel or block-work frame.

Insulated concrete framework

This method uses large hollow lightweight blocks that lock together, providing a hollow formwork system into which concrete is poured. Once set, the concrete creates a high-strength structure and the formwork remains in place as thermal insulation. The process is simple and arrangement of the formwork is extremely flexible.

Styro Stone

Styro Stone uses a stone-substitute made from expanded polystyrene, which is ecologically very sound and offers excellent insulation. Styro Stone buildings can reach a high level of completion by a proficient team in a single day.