The STA Self Build Starter Pack

A practical starting point for planning your build

Planning a self build involves a wide range of early decisions, and understanding your construction options from the outset can help keep your project on track. The Self Build Starter Pack is a free, practical guide designed to support informed decision-making before you commit to a build system or supplier.

The pack explains how timber frame and SIPs construction compares with traditional build methods, outlining key differences in process, performance and design flexibility. It also highlights important design considerations specific to timber systems, helping you identify issues that are best addressed early—before plans are finalised or costs are fixed.

Included is a clear checklist of questions to ask potential suppliers, covering specifications, roles, responsibilities and technical support. This helps reduce assumptions and ensures expectations are aligned from the start. The guide also provides an overview of how lenders, warranty providers and insurers typically assess timber-based construction, giving you useful context when planning finance and approvals.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore a self build or sense-checking initial ideas, the Self Build Starter Pack offers a reliable reference you can return to as your plans develop.

Click here to download your free Self Build Starter Pack

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