Here’s a list of the people and companies we’re using for various parts of our self-build. If you’re also thinking about self-building in Cornwall or the surrounding areas, you may want to contact them.
Architects
Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole – for all floor plans, elevations, building regulations drawings and other design-related aspects
Solicitors
Charles French & Co – for buying and mortgaging the land
New home warranty and site insurance
Self-Build Zone – for the 10 year new home warranty (mandatory if you’re using a mortgage to finance the build and a good idea anyway), and site insurance (the alternative to buildings insurance while the house is being built and also protects against site injuries and similar issues)
SAP assessment
Energy Access – for the SAP assessment (a standard assessment of a new home’s energy efficiency based on drawings) and EPC (a certificate at the end of a build that confirms its energy efficiency)
Structural engineering
DCSC Structural and Civil Engineers – for the structural engineering part of the building regulations drawings, to confirm that the structure is sound
Groundworks
Burley Construction – for all groundworks, foundations, retaining wall and external blockwork
Building control
Stroma – for building regulations approval and general building control site visits (they also work with Self-Build Zone to combine site visits)
Surveys
Mining Searches UK – for mining surveys
SWARCH – for archaeological surveys
Scaffolding
Allrise Scaffolding – for the scaffolding
Timber frame
Frame UK – for the timber frame and associated structural elements including its design
Screed
Smoothflow Liquid Screeding – for the ground floor screed
Carpentry
Laity’s Carpentry and Joinery – for all first and second fix carpentry
Doors and windows
Cornwall Aluminium Windows – for all windows and external doors including the entrance glazing
Roof
Cornwall Zinc Roofing – for the metal roof
Plumbing, heating and ventilation
MSB Heating Solutions – for all plumbing, heating and ventilation fitting
Electrics
MW Property Solutions (aka Helston Electrical) – for all the electrics (power and lighting) and network cabling
Lighting design
AMOS Lighting + Home – for the lighting design and fittings
