The Build Process

Appoint Contract Administrator & Inform Planners

We recommend appointing a Contract Administrator (architect, QS or other qualified professional) when you go on site. They certify monthly valuations, manage changes, and protect your interests. Before work begins, check and discharge planning conditions and inform the planning department of your start date.

Clear Site

Your appointed contractor prepares access, clears the plot and provides the hardstanding before kit delivery. For Full Turnkey, this is coordinated by your affiliated contractor. See the Supply + Erect site requirements, including the 3m perimeter hardstanding and separate offloading/storage area.

Set Out & Dig Trenches

The house position and levels are set out; your engineer can check accuracy to avoid boundary/height issues. Trenches are then excavated for foundations.

Build Foundations

Concrete strip foundations are poured to the engineer’s drawings. Underbuild blockwork is taken to DPC, then hardcore, sand blinding and the concrete slab are installed. Drainage/sewerage is typically installed at this stage. A HebHomes representative inspects foundations to confirm suitability before kit delivery.

Erect to ‘Wind & Weathertight’

The kit arrives and erection begins. A typical four-person team erects most homes in ~7 working days (depending on size, complexity and weather). The specialist team erects the structural kit and installs the windows and external doors included in the agreed package. Non-loadbearing partitions and rooflights are supplied for installation by follow-on trades. Vapour-control requirements vary by system; see the Supply + Erect specification for what is installed and what is supplied only. The structure is now secure and weather-protected, but full sealing depends on exterior claddings and sealants.

Finish the Roof

While scaffolding is up, complete battening and roof coverings (profiled metal or slate), flashings and roof lights.

First Fix: Joinery, Plumbing & Electrics

Internal battening/framing proceeds; electricians run cabling; plumbers install pipework and underfloor heating; ventilation ducting is set; sound insulation is fitted. Plasterboard follows (insulated boards to external walls; fire-resistant behind stoves; moisture-resistant in bathrooms; thicker boards to ceilings for acoustics).

Second Fix

After taping/filling or plastering, finishes begin: hanging doors; skirtings and architraves; installing sanitaryware and connecting systems; fitting kitchen; laying floors; tiling; connecting heat pump and MVHR; final electrical fit-off.

External Finish

Timber cladding or outer leaf/render, guttering and final drainage connections progress in parallel with internal works (rendering is weather-dependent).

Finishing Touches

Decoration, landscaping and drive finishes (gravel, tarmac, planting). The house is almost ready for occupation.

Handover

The Contract Administrator certifies Practical Completion. Typically, valuations occur every four weeks and 5% retention is held through the build. At PC, keys are handed over and (subject to locale) you may occupy once the Completion Certificate is issued by Building Control.

Defects Period

During the (usually 12-month) defect period, record any snags/latent defects to be made good. The final retention is released once defects are rectified. Warranty arrangements are separate from the contractor’s defects period.

Your Home’s Structural Warranty

For Full Turnkey, your affiliated contractor can arrange NHBC warranty cover if they are NHBC registered, subject to approval for your project. Otherwise, you arrange a suitable structural warranty. Options include Premier Guarantee and BuildCare Structural Warranty through BuildStore, among other providers. Confirm the cover, project eligibility and any lender requirements before construction begins.

The Sigma II closed-panel system holds BOPAS+ accreditation, including a 60-year durability assessment within the scheme’s scope. This assesses the construction system and its associated processes; it is separate from a structural warranty for your completed home.

You are responsible for insuring the kit from delivery to site, as set out in your order form. Confirm site insurance arrangements before delivery and appropriate home insurance before occupation.

Reviewed by Alasdair Stephen, Managing Director, and Neil Stephen RIAS, Director.

Common Questions

Action Points

• Plan your finance & stage payments (read our Finance guide and Payment Schedule).
• Check statutory consents & conditions before starting on site.
• Watch our webinars for a full walkthrough (incl. Turnkey Service and Budgeting).