So, you’ve decided to dive into the thrilling world of self-building, and you might be feeling a mix of excitement and a tingling sense of, “What have I gotten myself into?” That’s perfectly normal !
Designing and constructing your own home is not just about picking the right tiles or choosing a paint colour; it’s about creating a space that reflects your personality, your dreams, and maybe even your fabulous collection of quirky knick-knacks. But before you get lost in the sea of Pinterest boards and Instagram inspiration, let’s break down commonly used building terms you’ll likely need to become familiar with and understand. In this comprehensive guide series, we’ll explore and demystify the A to Z of terms that will dance their way into your life as you embark on this exciting journey. I’ll guide you through this while keeping it simple, user friendly and straightforward. Think of it as your trusty dictionary while you navigate the mysterious territories of planning permission conditions, floor plans to insulation types or interiors and so much more.
In this first ‘bite-size’ section we take a look at letters A through to D.
A
Architect - An architect can help you design your self-build home and ensure that it meets all planning regulations. Architects use their knowledge of construction and drawing skills to create functional, safe, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing buildings. At Strawberry Grange we have chosen to work with a top locally based Chartered Architect Practice – MAC Architects from day. One of whose specialisms are particularly focused in the self and custom build sector. They understand the needs of clients and their mission and value statement set the scene for an enabling working relationship through to a successful outcome on a build project where client aspirations are met and very often exceeded.
“Creating Spaces For People - Architecture isn’t just great ideas it’s about creating built forms and interiors that ignite emotion and places people aspire to live, work and enjoy. Places that complement the natural landscapes and established communities. Places that leave behind a legacy. Every place has a story and through creative design solutions, we help bring your narrative to life. Your vision matters… We are here to guide your project through from conception to completion.”
– MAC Architects
Airtightness - The focus of eliminating any and all unintended cracks and gaps in the external envelope of a building. This is an important feature to ensuring your home is energy efficient and is something your design team will prioritise in the design and manufacture of your building.
Ancillary Area - Areas that do not form part of the main dwelling directly, but are still part of your property, such as a patio, garage or detached outbuilding
Architectural Salvage - Disused building materials or accessories that can be repurposed for use in a new space
Addition - A projecting structure, or wing, which is part of the original building rather than a subsequent extension
Airbrick - A perforated brick built into a wall for providing ventilation. Used, for instance, to ventilate the underside of timber ground floors, blocked fireplaces or a roof space.
Architave - A moulding around a doorway or window opening. It usually covers the joints between the frame and the wall finish.
B
Budget - the financial plan that outlines the total amount of money allocated for your self-build project. It includes everything from land purchase and construction materials to labour costs and unforeseen expenses. This is something to work on at the very early stages before you buy anything. It’s about successfully getting the whole build completed the way you plan to. Potential purchasers will discuss their dream home and budget with our team and will have expert guidance on costs before they commit to anything. We can put you in touch with experts who can advise on an individual basis and can help carry out a feasibility check with you too. With the Strawberry Grange model you will know fairly accurately from the outset what your total build cost will be and you can choose to adjust your budget , for instance on selecting a higher spec on some things, and a more modest price point on others. A well-planned budget helps you manage your resources efficiently and prevents overspending, running out half way through and either not being able to complete the build or having to compromise on it significantly, so our team will help you prevent that before you start and you'll know what the timeframes and costs are. With the unique range of possible solutions available on this particular site our partners are on hand to offer a tailored approach on an individual basis. Some flexibility within your budget is also important, as there may be seemingly minor things you want to change, or adapt and increase the spec on certain things as you progress.
Brownfield land - A piece of land that has been previously used, usually with remains of old buildings or structures still on it and often it has been used previously for commercial activities, or become vacant. In Strawberry Grange’s case it is a brownfield site and part of a farm and horticultural business. Currently there are dilapidated structures and old shed buildings in place and these will be cleared to make way for the Strawberry Grange Development.
Building Regulations (Often shortened to just “Regs”) - This refers to standards set forth by local authorities that ensure the safety and integrity of buildings. It's vital that you familiarise yourself with building regulations, as noncompliance may require expensive modifications down the line. Because Strawberry Grange has a specially selected team in place to assist you they will make sure your design is fully compliant with all Aberdeen City Council’s requirements to avoid any issues from the outset.
Back Addition - The narrower part of a building, or wing, which extends rear-wards beyond the “main“ structure, being an original feature rather than a subsequent extension
Bargeboard - Timber, sometimes decorative, placed along the verge of a roof at a gable end . These may also be called decorative fascias. Particularly ornate ones are commonly found in granite and Victorian homes built in this area of North East Scotland in Aberdeen and on Royal Deeside. They can also be found in more modern house styles which pay homage to this local vernacular characterful feature.
Bay Window – a window formed in a projection of a wall and carried on foundations.
Beam – a structural component spanning an opening and designed to carry the weight of the structure above.
Bitumen – black, sticky substance, similar to asphalt. Used in sealants, mineral felts and damp-proof courses.
Box Gutter – square shaped gutter, often found behind a parapet wall.
Breeze Block – originally made from clinker cinders (or “breeze”) -the term now commonly used to refer to various types of concrete building blocks.
Bressumer – A lintel, often timber, over a shop front, fireplace or bay opening.
Buttress – a wall, usually triangular in shape, built to restrain bulging. Temporary buttresses can be constructed in timber and are used during construction, typically if a facade is being retained and built behind.
Batten - Thin strips of timber, commonly used to support roof tiles or slates.
Bracing - The arrangement of timbers spanning across roof trusses to provide lateral stability.
Bespoke – A term used to describe the process of creating custom-made structures or buildings to meet the specific needs and requirements of clients. The end result is a home that is completely individual and unique to you.
Break Ground - The transition from the planning and designing phase into the building phase of a project. The point when works start on the building project.
Buildability - The ability with which a project can be built efficiently in terms of quality, time and cost.
Building Warrant – The legal permission required to begin building work.
C
Contract - A legal agreement between you and your builder/contractor that sets forth the scope, costs and timeline for your project. Having a solid contract in place protects both parties involved as it ensures everyone understands each others expectations regarding project expectations. You will have a contract with the main contractor on the Strawberry Grange site.
Cost: See Budget.
Custom build - Self-build homes supported by a developer to an individual’s specifications. This is what Strawberry Grange is – because we are more than a single self build in isolation the local authority require the site to have a cohesive ‘look’ although all the homes will be different. For health and safety reasons, being respectful to neighbouring plot purchasers and ensuring everyone’s build is delivered to the highest quality, in a professional and timely matter this is the ideal model for everyone involved and ensures all plot purchasers have the best self experience possible.
Contractor – contractors will carry out the work on-site, following the drawings and specifications to deliver what has been designed. They are usually split into main or sub-contractors. The main contractor can oversee all the other sub-contractors on site and will either report back to the client or the project manager or both. We have an award winning main contractor for Strawberry Grange who will help you every step of the way
Cavity - The gap between the external and internal walls of a house, often filled with insulating material such as expanded polystyrene.
Cantilever – A beam that’s only supported at one end, with the load carried over the overhang.
Cladding - The application of one material over another to provide a layer. Used in self-build to provide thermal insulation, weather resistance or to create as 'aesthetic' or external 'look'. The non-loadbearing external skin of a wall to give a particular appearance and weather proof the build.
Conduit – usually a metal or plastic tube used to protect electrical cables.
Coping/Coping Stone – usually stone or concrete laid on top of a wall as a decorative finish and designed to stop rainwater soaking into the wall.
Cornice – molding at the junction between a wall and ceiling. Can also include a moulding at the top of an outside wall designed to project and throw raindrops clear of the wall.
Coving – curved junction between wall and ceiling.
Cut Valley – a gutter at the junction of two roof where the slates or tiles are cut to meet on the valley line.
D
Design: Now comes the fun part! Clients create a design brief and work with the design team to create their prefect home. Design refers to the overall appearance and function of your home, from room layout to exterior style. When self-building, thoughtful design ensures your space meets both aesthetically pleasing aesthetics as well as meeting lifestyle requirements and needs. During this process you'll get to experience the latest BIM architectural technology and see your home in 3D so you are confident and excited about all your choices.
Design Team - The group of designers working on your project. In our case the design team is lead by MAC Architects. Other members include a structural engineer and timberframe manufacturer technical team. We have used a landscape architect for communal spaces, and garden design and interior design are available as an optional extra should any purchaser wish during the later stages of the build.
Design Code - Strawberry Grange’s planning application was brought forward with important design parameters set through a Design Code and plot details so that those seeking to develop a plot into their dream self build home can be guided as to house design, size, acceptable materials, sustainability requirements and other factors which Aberdeen City Council will welcome.
In the Design Code there is a varied palette of materials and colours influenced by the local setting and vernacular which to blend and incorporate traditional Scottish Architectural features and contemporary design. Homebuyers will be able to design their home with experienced architects and commission qualified award winning local contractors to build out their home ready for occupation. You can download a copy of the Design Code directly from the website - www.strawberry-grange.co.uk
Drawings – The term used for sketches, plans, schematics and diagrams that communicate detailed information about the house design and how it can be built
Drainage - Proper drainage helps prevent any risk of flooding and water damage on your plot of land. A great benefit to plot purchasers at Strawberry Grange is that all this has already been carefully and professional considered and designed. New residents will be purchasing a serviced plot, so all drainage requirements will be an the plot boundary. When the contractor is ready to start your build all they do is “ plug into” this system at the appropriate points.
Dado Rail – a molding fixed to the wall or capping paneling and forming the top most part of a dado. Originally designed to avoid damage to the wall where people or furniture brushed against it.
Damp-Proof Course (or DPC) – layer of impervious material (mineral felt, PVC etc) incorporated into a wall and designed to prevent dampness rising up the wall or lateral dampness around windows, doors etc.
Damp-Proof Membrane – horizontal layer of impervious material (usually polythene or bitumen). Incorporated into floors or slabs.
Dormer – a window built out from a roof slope.
Dormer Cheek – the vertical side of a dormer window.
Downpipe – vertical pipe which brings rainwater to ground level from roof gutters or waste water from hoppers.
Drip – groove under an overhanging edge (e.g. window sill) designed to stop water running down the face of the building.
Having knowledge of these terms will not only make the process simpler but more enjoyable too!
If you know of any I have missed – please add them in the comments section below so others can benefit from a really comprehensive list.
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