Build Your Own Brick House

Book excerpt: Build Your Own Brick House follows the process of a self-build, using traditional brick and block techniques, enabling the self-builder to understand both the individual stages and the nature of the build as a whole. It takes a practical approach, focusing on the best use of time, abilities and budget, and on communicating more clearly and effectively with designers and tradespeople in order to make the build as smooth as possible.The book covers:The possibilities and practicalities of building in brick; Making a budget and finding/buying a plot; Designing with brick; Obtaining planning permission and Building Regulations approval; Employing both a main contractor and subcontractors. Each stage of the build is covered, from foundations through the walls, roof, interiors and services, up to completion of a project and trouble-shooting. An essential and practical manual for the self-builder, and packed with tips and tools to help the self-builder understand the individual stages and the nature of the build as a whole. Fully illustrated with 250 colour photographs. Gerald Cole is the consulting editor of SelfBuild & Design magazine and has completed his own self-build.