What we have learnt so far

HAVE A GOOD MARRIAGE:  Self explanatory really.  It's tough enough without arguing about living in a caravan for 6 months longer than expected.  Thankfully Mike is very understanding and tolerates Tracy's peccadillos because he shares her dream of building the dream home.  Come hell or high water, till death do us part.

TIME: If you have built a house before you will have a better idea of how much time you will need  but, if like us, this is your first time, try to avoid tight schedules and unachievable deadlines.  If you want to do the job properly you don't want to be rushing - mistakes are easy enough to make without rushing.  The only reason we still have hair is because we want to get this right and are relaxed about deadlines.  Mostly!

MANNERS: We always thank people.  It's surprising how shocked a lot of people when you thank them properly.  Maybe the big builders take their suppliers for granted.  The point is how helpful everyone is to us - is it by chance or because we say thank you?

CONVERSATION: Matt's better at this than us but it's 'good to talk'.  It's amazing what tips you get and, again, how helpful people become.  Matt's always chatting to the lorry drivers and we never have any problems with any of them. 

CONCRETE:
Measure twice and calculate 3 times.  It's expensive stuff so you don't want to waste too much.

You can't pour concrete when it's too cold!  The NBS guideline is 5 to 30 degrees.  If you have to pour, some suppliers will pour at 2 degrees and rising and you can use frost blankets etc.

Check the mix before it comes out of the lorry and DON'T POKER SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE!!!

ACCESS:  It will cost you more if concrete lorries are on site more than their allotted time - so make sure access is clear and easy.  The reps will come and check if you ask them nicely.

LIFTING GEAR: Check when you order stuff if you need equipment to lift the gear of the lorry.  It's a tad awkward when an artic turns up with 7 tons of steel on it and no means of lifting it other than asking the driver (who isn't insured) to help you.

TEA: Always keep the kettle on the go.  A good cuppa is a great ice breaker and helps people enjoy coming to our site.  The more they enjoy it here the more help we get!

RESEARCH: Get used to using the phone, the internet and reading relevant books/magazines.  We have saved a lot of money by doing a lot of rsearch and talking to the right people.  Once you have found the best method/product always get more than 1 quote to bring the price down.  It's scary at first but you will soon get the hang of it.

MEASURE ONCE, CUT TWICE: I have lost at least a day cutting away polystyrene to get the proper rebars put in.  I didn't double check the drawings before I rushed ahead building the walls.  I also put a drain in the wrong place for the same reason.  Rest assured I will be double checking from now on.

WEATHER: Luckily we have time on our side but we would be further ahead if we had the site covered to protect us from the rain.  Waterbars need protecting, compressible board collapses when wret and trenchfoot isn't pretty.  If you can afford it get covered.

INSURANCE: Peace of mind.  No question - just do it.

BEER: Drink it.  Drink it lots.

POLYSTEEL: It works but make sure you know what's in store if you need to use a waterbar.  And brace it well.

WATERBARS:  mmm  You have to do your research.  If there's a lot of waterproofing look at what is involved with ICFs.  As the formwork is double sided you have to put the waterbar in first - so if it rains whilst you're building the wall the waterbar will get wet - either from above or below - you can't stop it - even with a kicker (unless you cover the whole building with scaffold etc.0.  You should be OK IF you can pour the concrete within 3 days and use the right waterbar.  But 3 days is a big ask unless you have plenty of help. DON'T RUSH - that's when accidents happen and mistakes are made. Take your time and enjoy the journey. Make friends on the way and involve them in the decision making whenever possible.