Guest blog from lapd Architects
Stef and Pauline’s Graven Hill Journey: Starting on Site
In lapd Architect’s last blog they began the self-build journey with their clients, Stef and Pauline. The blog outlined the initial design process and finished just after Stef and Pauline had gained plot passport compliance. This blog will pick up Stef and Pauline’s journey from this point, showing you how they got from there to seeing the first materials getting delivered on site at their Graven Hill plot.
Technical Design
The next step along the journey, after being given the go ahead for the house design by Graven Hill and the local authority, was the technical design phase. This is all about making sure the necessary information to actually build the house is put down on paper, alongside all the building regulations that proves the building can stand up and is safe. Ultimately this allows builders to price for, and eventually construct, the new home. lapd Architects worked with Stef and Pauline to shortlist different contractors to make sure they were choosing the best company for the job.
Appointing a Contractor
lapd Architects compared different potential companies and analysed their tender returns to make sure there was no unnecessary costings or stipulations. For Stef and Pauline, it was Drewett and Hunt contractors that ended up winning the contract. lapd Architects had worked with Drewett and Hunt on Build It’s Self Build Education house, so they had confidence that they understood the Graven Hill process and could deliver their dream home.
Golden Brick
In addition to everything being designed above ground, there were also the works below ground to think about. At Graven Hill there is a process called Golden Brick. This involves Graven Hill providing the foundations of the build up to DPC (Damp Proof Course) level (essentially the foundation plus the first few layers of bricks, you can see what this looks like in the images below). Graven Hill will also make sure the services, such as gas and electricity, are in the right place to provide the building with energy and other amenities. This Golden Brick process means that when Stef and Pauline exchange with Graven Hill the plot will be VAT exempt.
These first moments on site, even though the plot was not yet fully Stef and Pauline’s, were very exciting. They were the first real sign that a house would be built on this plot. To see work start on site is always exhilarating, and even the low level foundations were something to be proud of. Stef and Pauline were able to appreciate the scale of their home by walking around the ground floor foundations.
Exchanging with Graven Hill and the First Materials Arrive
Once the Golden Brick was completed, the exchange on the plot could happen. Stef and Pauline were very excited when the first truckloads of material began to arrive on site. The scaffolding began to go up, the contractors were on site and the cranes were lifting timber frame panels into position. It almost seemed surreal to Stef and Pauline, and it was a moment of excitement for all involved.
There are just a few self-build plots remaining on Phase 1 at Graven Hill, so be sure to get in touch with our Sales team today to discuss your requirements and kick-start your journey towards your dream home for 2021.