David Snell & Friends - Project Management

28th Nov 2009

Could you really manage your own building project? Thousands of people do it at many different levels, and so could you. To make an informed decision you should learn what is really involved, how much time you'll really need, and what skills are likely to come in handy.

We'll have a project manager accompanying industry expert David Snell to help you decide whether you want to take on this task. If you decide not to, then you'll also be able to get advice on finding and choosing a professional project manager, as well as an understanding of the briefing process and costs involved.

Seminar Timetable (Delivered by David Snell)

Introduction to the Centre and Self Build Land & Finance
Join our anchor speaker for a brief introduction to the Centre - what's here and what's in it for you. Covering everything from how the scanner system works, the educational journey and renovation house audio tour to the inspirational Potton Show home, why you should self build or renovate and the five core steps you should follow to achieve a profitable home. Don't miss this brief overview to help you find your feet.

Every year approximately 20,000 people will either build a new home or substantially renovate an existing but dilapidated house. Become reassured that the opportunity exists for us all and learn how to organise your finances right at the outset. As for plots and properties, these exist all over the country. Learn the basics of how to find them first and how to make an initial assessment of their viability.

Open House
Whether you’re considering either self building or renovating for a profit, you are bound to have many questions.  If so, sure you attend the ‘Open House’ session – a relaxed and open environment which offers you the chance to share views and experiences and voice any concerns or questions, whilst benefiting from the panel’s expert knowledge.

Intro to Self Build & Renovation: Design & Planning
Design, planning and budgets go hand in hand.  All must be in harmony for your project to be a success.  Whether new build or renovation, find out how to develop your ideas, select a designer and secure your planning consent.

Intro to Self Build & Renovation: Choosing Trades & Buying Materials
Managing cost means managing the two things you pay for – materials and labour.  Find out how to save time in choosing your materials and suppliers and understand the process for identifying, selecting and appointing your builders.

Intro to Self Build & Renovation: Project Management
Could I really manage my own building project?  Thousands of people do at many different levels, and so could you.  But in making this decision you should learn what is really involved and how much time you will really need.

Ask The Experts

David Snell
With 45 years of practical and professional experience in property and self building, David is the acknowledged expert in his field. Contributing Editor to Home Building & Renovating Magazine, David can talk you through each stage of the self build & renovation process and help you understand how to achieve your dream.

Charlie Laing, Charlie Laing Project Management
Charlie Laing has been in construction for 15 years, having trained as a project planner before project managing various commercial projects both in the UK and overseas.  Charlie Laing Project Management looks to turn your plans into reality, they can help you define your scope of work, find the right designer, oversee the tender process and then control the work on site.  They can offer advice at key stages in the project or oversee the whole process depending on your needs.

Simon Comba, West Park Project Management
West Park Project Management was set up with one goal in mind: to assist self-builders in achieving their dream home, on time and within budget.  West Park Project Management offer a project management service to self builders and small developers on a wide variety of projects, from small home extensions through to large apartment blocks and everything in between.  Simon Comba will be here to share with you his abundance of knowledge on the dos and don’ts of project management, whether you’re keen to take on this role yourself or hire in a professional.

Mike Hardwick, In-house Project Management expert
With no prior knowledge of the construction industry and holding down a day job during his own project, Mike is living proof that anyone with the motivation and self discipline to see a project through to completion can successfully self build their ideal home.

What’s In The National Self Build & Renovation Centre

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre is open to the public all year round, 5 days a week. 

EDF Energy Renovation House
A full-size model of a derelict Victorian terrace, with an audio tour walking you step by step through its renovation.  The Renovation House tour helps you visualise what can be done with what may initially seem a write-off; and will leave you filled with confidence to try it yourself.

Trade Village
The Trade Village is a permanent exhibition space, with over 240 supplier stands featuring a range of products from foundations to kitchens.

The Potton Show Home
A beautiful example of what’s possible with a self build.  Potton, the timber frame package build experts, have created this show home with a high-spec interior which should definitely inspire you to kick-start your project this year!

Education Journey
The audio education journey walks and talks you through the planning process of a self build or renovation.  Covering groundworks, foundations, materials, roof styles, brickwork and more, the Education Journey will provide you with a useful background knowledge of everything you need to be aware of, whether you’re planning to take on an architect or work with a package build company.

Selection of Experts
The Centre is open all year round, and we have a handful of in-house experts here on a permanent basis to give you independent advice.  Our experts specialise in planning and design, building techniques, and eco-building.

Potton Zone Studios
A fantastic example of what’s available if you’re looking to extend your home quickly and easily.  Designed for use as offices and playrooms, these garden studios can usually be fitted without even needing planning permission.

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