Self-build/direct labour, occurs when the client decides to also take on the role of the contractor and build the house themselves. Essentially, this person directly contracts sub-contractors to undertake each element of the work. The advantage of self-build, is that you can save significant money, if you know what you are doing and you have the personal time to give to the project. The more you do, the more you save. However, there are many hidden costs and in particular responsibilities such as insurances and health and safety, which are often not considered. The person essentially becomes the main contractor, and therefore must co-ordinate all the other sub -contractors, arrange materials and supervise the build (note the designer inspects at the main stages of construction – see question 22). It is the clients responsibility to ensure that the construction is being constructed in accordance with the building regulations. The route of Direct Labour is suited more to those individuals who have a background or technical understanding of construction and who can afford to give their time to the construction process. Individuals with little understanding of construction can find the decision to go direct labour route a testing route.
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