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Q&As
Should we manage our self-build, hire a project manager, or use a main contractor?
We’re planning to start a self-build project later this year and are unsure which build route is right for us. Part of us likes the idea of managing the project ourselves to save money and stay in control, but we’re aware it could be stressful and time-consuming. How do we decide whether self-managing is right for us?
One Answer
This is one of the most important decisions in any self-build, and the honest answer is that the right route depends on several factors and essentially ‒ you. If you are well organised, confident in making decisions, willing to learn and have the flexibility to deal with issues Monday to Friday, then self-managing can be a very effective route. It will give you the greatest level of control and can help more of your budget go into the build itself. However, it does require time, resilience and the confidence to coordinate your trades and keep things moving.
If being closely involved in the project really is important to you, but you would prefer the peace of mind of experienced oversight, trade coordination, and guidance throughout the process, you may be better suited to a project manager. This route can be especially valuable if you want to stay hands-on without taking on the full weight of the day-to-day management of your site.
A main contractor is usually the best choice for those who want the least day-to-day involvement. It is typically the most expensive option, as you are deferring most of the decision-making. However, it sounds like your decision is between self-managing and appointing a project manager.
Ultimately, you need to weigh up your time, temperament, organisational skills, budget, appetite to learn about the self-build process, your project’s complexity, your health, your proximity to your site and how involved you genuinely want to be throughout the build. This should lead you to the answer that’s right for you.