Introduction. Part I: Preparing to Create the Perfect Home. Chapter 1: The Basics of Self-Build. Chapter 2: Forking Out the Finances. Chapter 3: Finding and Assessing the Building Plot. Chapter 4: The Legal Stuff. Part II: Before the Build: Getting Everything into Place. Chapter 5: Designing Your Home. Chapter 6: The Green Light: Getting Permissions and Approvals. Chapter 7: Construction Management, Builders, and Subcontractors. Chapter 8: Buying Materials. Chapter 9: Getting Connected to Services. Part III: Structurally Speaking: Understanding Construction. Chapter 10: Preparing the Ground. Chapter 11: Holding up the House: Walls and Structures. Chapter 12: An Open and Shut Case: Windows, Doors, Insulation, and Partitions. Chapter 13: Floors and Stairs. Chapter 14: Raising the Roof. Part IV: The Inside Story. Chapter 15: Forming the Landscape. Chapter 16: Putting in the Pipes and Wrapping Up Warm. Chapter 17: Let There Be Light (And Power and Communications). Chapter 18: Kitchens and Bathrooms. Part V: Renovating, Extending, and Converting. Chapter 19: Internal Finishes. Chapter 20: Upgrading Old Houses. Chapter 21: Adding Space. Chapter 22: Buying a Property for Conversion or Replacement - the Opportunities and Dangers. Part VI: The Part of Tens. Chapter 23: Ten Good Reasons for Building Your Own Home. Chapter 24: Ten Good Reasons to Renovate. Chapter 25: Ten Things You Must Do Before Starting to Build. Appendix: Directory of Directories. Index.