NSBRC Guide to Getting Your Project Started - 24 October 2026

The NSBRC Guide to Getting your Project Started will give you the foundations for a successful, worry-free project allowing you to focus on the key decisions and enjoy the excitement of creating your new home. Ideal for anyone taking on a self build, renovation or large scale refurb for the first time, our new course is delivered by an experienced presenter with a background in designing and building homes.

In this Course you’ll learn how you can get started with a building project using checklists, tool & examples. The session covers various topics including appointing a professional team, understanding planning permission, project management, legal issues, completing the design, managing finances, preparing to start on-site, & more.

Our Guide to Getting your Project Started Course is delivered by Independent Project Manager, Mark Stevenson.

Having worked as a builder and construction professional for almost 30 years, Mark Stevenson uses his experience to help self-builders build their own homes.

Whilst Mark describes himself as a ‘professional builder’ as a result of his career in house building and timber systems manufacturing, he has specialist knowledge of timber construction and extensive expertise in finding land and appraising building plots.

What will the course cover?

Appointing your professional team

Professionals: who are they & when should I use them?

Professional fees & what you get for your money

Understanding your planning permission

Different types of permission

Dealing with planning conditions

Planning obligations: dealing with CIL

Project management - the basics

Choosing a routes to build: DIY, PM or Builder?

Tips for managing your team

Importance of communication

Dealing with legal issues

Covenants

Rights of access

Off site works

Party wall arrangements

Completing the design

What’s needed & who does what?

Site investigations & surveys

Building regulations

Energy efficiency

Choosing a structural build system - what are your options?

Warranties

Managing money

Mortgages & raising finance

Using the 'Help to Build' fund

Financial roles & responsibilities on a building project

Putting together a 'build budget'

What construction costs do I need to consider?

Managing VAT

Contingency and abnormal allowances: what are they?

Avoiding financial disputes & claims

Money saving ideas (checklist)

Financial tools (Excel based)

Budget tracking

Cash flow management

Variations & extras

Managing Time

Scheduling the prestart activities

Planning & programming

Example programmes (prestart, built, short term)

Managing Procurement

Choosing and appointing suppliers & contractors

How to put an enquiry together

Defining the scope of work / specifications & why these are important

Comparing quotations & how to work out which is best

Understanding contracts & appointments

Preparing to start on site

Your prestart checklist

CDM & health and safety

Setting up the site

Site access & storage arrangements

Site security

Dealing with demolitions & contamination

Dealing with services & diversions

Insurances

Managing information

Tips to make sure your build progresses on time and within budget:

Set realistic goals and timelines: Before starting your project, it is essential to determine realistic goals and timelines. This helps to ensure that everyone involved in the project has a clear understanding of what needs to be done and when it needs to be completed by.

Communicate effectively: Effective communication helps ensure that the project progresses smoothly, so all stakeholders are aware of the project's objectives, timelines, and budget. Hold regular meetings to keep everyone updated on the progress and address any issues.

Plan for contingencies: No matter how well you plan, unforeseen issues can arise during the construction process. Therefore, it is essential to have contingency plans in place to resolve these issues quickly.

Monitor progress: Regularly monitor your project's progress to ensure that it is on track by using project management tools to track tasks, timelines, and expenses.

Manage resources effectively: Ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively. This includes managing trades, materials, and equipment to minimise waste and keep costs under control.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your construction project progresses smoothly and is completed on time and within budget. Join the next course to find out more!

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Host or Publisher The National Self Build & Renovation Centre