Build Your Home with Potton Self Build

Timber frame & SIPs build systems helping self-builders create their dream home

As part of the Kingspan group, our timber frame and SIPs build systems bring together insulation technology and building solutions to maximise construction efficiency. At Potton all our build systems are built to a quality assured standard through our integrated management systems with the following ISO certifications,

• ISO 9001 Quality Management
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management
• ISO 37301 Compliance Management
• ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management

When you build a Potton home you can have peace of mind that our build systems meet and exceed relevant industry standards and building regulations requirements.

Taking you through the build process

Our self build consultants will be on hand to help advise you on the right build system for your project and budget. They will also explain what to expect from the build process and the importance of our weathertight package.

The Potton design team will provide the final specifications of your timber frame package, ready to move your project through to the manufacturing process. Whilst our team of architectural technicians will take care of building regulations and engineering requirements. Including submission of documents to the planning officer and if needed they will resolve any questions or queries.

What happens onsite?

A significant proportion your new home will be manufactured offsite in our factory. The main elements of on-site work include roof finishes, external joinery and cladding, first and second fix plumbing, electrics and carpentry. If you decide to take our weathertight package then we will look after the roof finishes and windows and doors for you as well.

A dedicated Potton contracts manager

As part of your Potton package, you'll also have the benefit of support from a contracts manager. They will assist you in preparing for the build and oversee the erection of your superstructure.

The role of the contracts manager begins with a site access check and pre-start meeting where we will review work that needs to completed before we can start our work on-site. Our contracts manager will visit site at key stages during our works to check progress, site safety and your satisfaction.

Which build route is best for you?

At Potton we have several options available, depending on how much time you have and how hands-on you would like to be.

Route 1 - Self-managed

For most self-builders this is a popular route. A good option for people who would like some involvement in the build, but like the idea of someone else doing the heavy lifting. The advantages of self-managing with Potton is safety, time and our range of products, leaving you to manage the external cladding of the building and the interior fit-out.

All our products are designed to help keep costs under control with less unexpected expenses as components are pre-cut in our factory, to make assembling on site easier and quicker for our team of erectors.

If you are thinking of self-managing your build, our range of products can include:

• Construction of foundations

• Manufacture, supply and erect timber frame

• Insulation and weathertight package, which includes the roof finishes, fitting of windows and external doors and staircase

We're here to guide you through your build

To help you self-manage your build we have a number of free workshops and webinars you can attend, provided by our team of experts through our Self Build Academy. You will also be supported by your assigned contract manager who is here to guide you through the build.

Self-managing your build can be very satisfying and many self-builders prefer to be actively involved in the build. If you are considering this option our advice is that whilst you don’t need to have construction experience you will need to have good organisation skills, confidence and be able to dedicate time to the project.

Route 2 - Using a project manager to oversee your build

Whilst managing a build is not necessarily complicated it can be time consuming and not ideal if you have a busy lifestyle. The role of the project manager is to keep the construction on track, making sure work is completed so that you can take a step back from the build process. However, you will still need to appoint the sub-contractors with the project manager and organise the tendering process.

At Potton we have a network of independent project managers, who you can directly engage to manage your build. We recommend you clearly set out your expectations before appointing a project manager, here are some tips to help you get started:

• Set out your project objectives and expectations including build costs, build time and build quality

• Decide the scope of the service required and extent of their responsibility

• Look at how the service will be delivered e.g. when the project manager will carry out inspections and what the communication arrangements are

• Discuss the process of decision making and dealing with problems – who has authority and to what extent

• Decide who will make arrangements for managing safety and what resources will be made available for working safely

Making sure everything is clear right from the outset will help you build a good relationship with your project manager. A smooth running site will be more efficient and cost effective if everyone is clear on their roles.

Route 3 – The full turn-key service

By opting for a turn-key service you will be appointing a main contractor, who will have full-responsibility for all other elements involved in the build. They will directly source materials and engage with sub-contractors, which is why this can be the most expensive option of all self build routes. By using a turn-key option the project is shared between us and the main contractor. At Potton we can build up to a weathertight stage with the main contractor responsible for the cladding and fit out.

If you’re not a practical hands-on type of person and happier to take a step back, then this route could be perfect for you. Depending on your location we can often suggest a main contractor for you to use that can provide a turnkey service.

If you are considering this route to build, we recommend speaking with your self build consultant who can provide you with further advise and information.

Committed to quality assurance

At Potton we are committed to providing self-builders with quality products which is why we have invested in independently certified managements systems through ISO certification, including:

• ISO 9001 Quality Management
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management
• ISO 37301 Compliance Management
• ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management

Giving you reassurance that our build systems are safe, perform as intended and meet the relevant industry standards and building regulations requirements.

As part of a global manufacturer of building systems we ensure that our products meet and even exceed regulatory requirements. Investing in tests and certification through the BBA (British Board of Agrément), to assess our building systems for health and safety, thermal and structural performance and fire safety.

Every home constructed using a timber system supplied by Potton benefits from a set of structural calculations, in accordance with British and European Standards and relevant third party certifications.