The prospect of managing the construction of your own self build project is daunting to most people, and can also be very time-consuming.

Understandably a considerable number of self builders choose to employ an independent project manager.

If you feel you need a full project management service, there are a number of independent professionals around the country. A significant number of architectural practices will also offer this service.

A project manager is there to keep an eye on quality and ensure the builder is using the correct materials.

However, rather than sit in the site hut on your project all day and every day, they will probably only visit the site two or three times a week to make sure things are progressing in the manner they should.

There aren’t any set fee scales any more – they were abolished by the government – but costs for this level of service will be anything between 8 and 15% of the total build amount.

The sum can vary around the country, and will be driven by market forces.

As a self builder you are effectively the main contractor, so you need to organise your own site and project insurance policy, with companies such as Buildstore & Self Build Zone.

You can read more on the subject here: What Does a Professional Project Manager Do and Is It Value for Money?