Our expert explains what a self build package company is and what the main benefits might be if you decide to use one for your build
Her search for a low-maintenance, energy-efficient house led Georgia Olivia to work with Baufritz to create her sustainable turnkey home. “The great thing about Baufritz is that everything is quoted for at the beginning so there are no nasty surprises as the build is going on,” Georgia explains. “The company was able to complete the shell of the building in only a few days and completed the house to a very high standard.” (Image credit: Baufritz)
When considering a self build project, one of the most important choices you’ll face is whether to manage the entire project independently or to partner with a self build package company.
While experienced self builders might prefer more control over their projects, working with a package company offers a range of benefits, particularly for those new to the process. Package companies streamline the development process from architectural design through to construction, providing a structured, reliable, and well-tested approach.
However, seasoned builders who prefer more creative freedom might find some aspects restrictive, especially if they’re looking to incorporate cutting-edge technology or experimental materials.
Pros of using a self-build package company
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A self build package company offers a comprehensive service that includes architectural design, planning, and a range of building services focused on the construction of the main structure of a home.
These companies have refined processes honed over years of operation, ensuring that their core services and products are efficient and reliable and fit seamlessly together.
Working with a company like this removes much of the guesswork associated with building a home from scratch, making the process smoother and more predictable and ideal for first-time builders.
1. Streamlined process and coordination
The process of building a home is complex and involves many moving parts: architectural design, planning permission, construction systems, and coordination with suppliers and contractors.
A self build package company combines all these elements into one cohesive service, simplifying the entire process. For new self builders, the predictability they offer is incredibly valuable, and by taking up the heavy lifting, the likelihood of problems is reduced – well that’s the theory!
As well as managing the development process, package companies deal with the technical details, allowing homeowners to focus more on personalising their design and less on bureaucracy and managing the builders.
In practical terms, this should mean fewer problems and delays, and provided the package company is good at what they do, each stage should progress smoothly. This step-by-step process is particularly useful for those who may not have the experience or time to oversee the intricate coordination required for a successful self build project.
Helen and Dan Brown worked with Border Oak on the design and build of this oak frame manor-style home in Berkshire. “We loved their approach, particularly the design and build parts to their business, as it helped us estimate initial costs much easier than working with individual suppliers,” says Helen. “Border Oak also helped us with the planning application and it went through with no issues at all. We connected services and sourced the groundworker locally and then Border Oak built the structure to weathertight stage.”(Image credit: Border Oak)
2. Expertise in core products
Self build package companies excel in their specific building methods and materials, providing specialist expertise in the products they know best.
For example, many package companies have a deep understanding of timber-frame construction, which allows them to confidently guarantee the structural integrity, energy efficiency and durability of the homes they build. Working with experts who know the technical requirements inside and out provides significant peace of mind, especially when it comes to structural components that form the foundation of your home.
This level of expertise means that self builders can trust their homes are being built to last, and comply with all relevant building regulations. For first-time self builders, this assurance is invaluable, as it reduces the potential for problems or costly errors.
3. Predictability and reliability
Building a home is a major investment, and predictability can make a huge difference in managing costs and schedules. Package companies offer a tried-and-tested approach, having refined their processes over multiple projects to achieve efficiency.
This reliability is a significant advantage, especially for first-time builders who may feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar development process and the potential for unexpected costs and delays.
Package companies aim to “get it right the first time,” and they typically succeed by relying on well-established systems. They know their products well and have developed processes to ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget. For many self builders, particularly those who are risk-averse, this reliability is one of the biggest selling points of working with a package company.
Inside the oak-frame self build, Border Oak paid close attention to every detail including all the finishing touches(Image credit: Border Oak)
4. Balancing creativity and standardisation
One of the major selling points of package companies is the degree of personalisation they offer within their structured framework. Clients can often make design tweaks, select preferred materials, and adjust layouts to suit their requirements.
For first-time self builders, this approach is ideal because it allows them to create a unique home without straying too far from proven methods – depending on the level of architectural freedom they’re allowed!
However, experienced self builders with a clear vision or a desire to push boundaries may find this structure and architectural limitations restrictive. They may want to experiment with innovative building methods, sustainable technologies, or untested materials, which may be outside the package company’s standard offerings. In these cases, the predictability and efficiency that package companies provide can become a hindrance rather than a benefit.
5. Removes the risks of going off-plan
For self builders who want to innovate with new technologies or non-standard materials, there are risks to deal with. New materials or cutting-edge technologies may not have undergone extensive testing in real-world construction, which introduces an element of unpredictability. The stability and efficiency provided by a package company’s approach rely on their thorough knowledge of familiar materials and processes. Introducing untested elements can upset this balance, potentially leading to delays, increased costs, and issues down the line if things don’t work as anticipated.
Self build package companies have refined their offerings over time, often perfecting their systems so that each component functions as part of a well-coordinated whole.
Through consistency and scale, they leverage commercial savings to balance the package premium. Once you begin swapping out materials or introducing unique technologies, these savings are lost and you run the risk of breaking this chain of predictability. For some builders, the creative payoff may be worth the potential setbacks, but for others, the added risk may outweigh the benefits of innovation.
6. Balancing creativity with practicality
It’s worth noting that working with a self build package company doesn’t mean sacrificing creativity. These days, most package companies, provide bespoke architecture with a flexible approach to design and layout, allowing clients to create a unique home while still benefiting from reliable construction practices.
The key is finding a balance – being assured you’ll get architectural brilliance without compromising the efficiency of the package company’s process.
FAQs
Are timber systems a limitation?
You only have to do a little bit of market research to soon realise that most package companies operate with timber building systems as their core product. A common question among self builders is therefore whether using a timber-based package company limits design options.
Timber frame systems, form the structural chassis of a home. These systems are highly engineered and come with certifications to meet safety, energy efficiency, and durability standards. While they are standardised to an extent, timber systems are versatile enough to support various architectural designs, providing both structural integrity and flexibility.
Because timber systems have been around for many decades, they have proven performance credentials. Self builders can incorporate creative design features without worrying about the stability of the underlying structure, or whether the finished home will be mortgageable. Timber systems have evolved, and these days they’re supplied as hybrid structures incorporating steel structures which allows them to unlock challenging architectural features and the large living spaces typical of self build projects.
Far from limiting design potential, timber frame systems can actually expand it, allowing for architectural freedom within the well-established framework of building physics and engineering.
Is a package company right for your self build project?
The choice of working with a self build package company ultimately depends on your personal priorities and experience level. For beginners, package companies provide an invaluable service, offering predictability, expertise, and a structured approach that simplifies the process. By managing technical and logistical complexities, package companies allow first-time builders to focus on the creative aspects of their project without becoming overwhelmed by the technical details.
However, experienced self builders who desire full creative control and the freedom to innovate may feel limited by the structured nature of package companies. While it’s possible to introduce unique design elements, those wanting to push the boundaries with new materials or methods will need to carefully weigh the potential benefits against the increased risks and costs.
In the end, the choice of working with a self build package company is a personal preference. For first-time builders, it’s an ideal way to bring a dream home to life with confidence. For seasoned self builders, the challenge lies in finding the balance between the cost of convenience whilst balancing the level of creativity with the practicality package companies provide. Either way, a package company can provide the support, tools, and knowledge needed to turn your vision into reality, no matter where you fall on the experience spectrum.
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Mark Stevenson has worked as a construction professional for over 30 years and following an extensive career in housebuilding. He is currently chief operating officer for Custom Build Homes and chair of the National Custom and Self Build Association. He previously worked as managing director for Potton, helping self builders build their own homes.
Whilst Mark describes himself as a ‘professional builder’ as a result of his career in housebuilding and timber building system manufacturing, he has specialist knowledge of timber construction and extensive expertise in finding land and project management.
He regularly shares his knowledge at Homebuilding & Renovating Shows and and coaches self builders about how to build their own homes. Aside from Mark’s professional career, his skills also extend to practical building knowledge as a skilled joiner, hands-on renovator and serial self-builder of his own development projects.
