Project Sequence

1) Finance in place

Begin with a realistic budget and cashflow plan. If using a self-build mortgage or bridging, ensure the product supports stage payments and fits your programme. We can introduce specialist brokers (BuildStore, Ecology Building Society, The Lending Channel). See Putting Finance in Place.

2) Buy the land

Identify a suitable plot and take professional advice as needed (e.g., chartered surveyor, planning consultant). Instruct a solicitor to submit a conditional offer (subject to consents and surveys). We can refer a site-search partner and, under our Planning & Building Control or Turnkey services, help coordinate required surveys.

3) Choose your design

Your site and budget guide the design. We help you select the HebHomes house type and layout that match your brief, context and budget. Our catalogue provides options for different sizes and lifestyles.

4) Appoint a professional (your agent)

Appoint a local architect/surveyor to act as agent, or HebHomes can act as agent in Scotland via our Planning & Building Warrant service (including Principal Designer duties under CDM). For England, Wales and Ireland, we can recommend trusted agents.

5) Planning Permission

Your agent prepares and submits the application. Decision targets are typically around eight to nine weeks after validation, though this can take longer. HebHomes supplies the drawings for your chosen design and, depending on service level, site context information. If no current permission exists, early feasibility with a planning consultant is recommended.

6) Building Control / Building Warrant consent

Engage a structural engineer for foundations and site-specific details. Once planning is secured, we issue your Supply or Supply & Erect contract and prepare detailed construction drawings for submission to Building Control/Warrant. Approval often takes around eight to twelve weeks. In some cases, applications can be phased to allow an earlier start on site. Finalise bathroom and kitchen choices and ask your agent to tender to reputable local builders.

7) Appoint a builder

Your agent typically tenders to three reputable contractors (ideally NHBC-registered) and advises on appointment based on capability, programme and value (not price alone). Under our Turnkey option (Scotland), we appoint an affiliated contractor rather than tender. Ensure both parties understand the contract and obligations.

8) Procurement & mobilisation

Confirm production information, window schedules and kit coordination. Lead-in times vary (e.g., windows can be several weeks). Delivery and erection are programmed with your main contractor. You or your contractor also finalise site access and temporary services. Staged kit invoices follow your contract.

9) Groundworks

Clear the site, install access, and construct substructure & foundations to the engineer’s design. Under Turnkey, our affiliated contractor manages this; under Supply/Supply & Erect, your main contractor does.

10) Building completed (superstructure to finishes)

The kit is delivered and erected to wind & weathertight, followed by roofing and cladding. Internally, first fix (wiring, plumbing, underfloor heating, ventilation, insulation, plasterboard) precedes second fix (kitchen, bathrooms, joinery, floor finishes, services commissioning). We recommend appointing a Contract Administrator to certify valuations, manage changes and retention.

11) Move in

On Practical Completion, keys are handed over and you assume insurance responsibilities. Once Building Control issues the Completion Certificate (region dependent), you may occupy. Some clients opt to act as a show home by agreement.

Common Questions

Action Points

• Confirm finance & cashflow (specialist self-build mortgage advice and stage payments).
• Plan statutory approvals (planning, Building Control/Warrant, surveys, engineering).
• Read the Build Process (what happens on site from groundworks to handover).