Build It
Your Framework for a Successful Build
Get the knowledge, tools, and expert guidance to manage construction with confidence and stay in control.
“Once construction starts, things can move quickly, decisions need to be made, progress tracked, and issues resolved. It’s a busy phase, and without the right knowledge and structure in place, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or lose sight of the bigger picture.
Build It gives you the tools and support to stay in control during construction. It’s a practical, guided approach that helps you manage progress on site, keep quality high, and make confident decisions, all supported through an online workspace, a step-by-step programme, and live fortnightly group sessions."
— Oliver Steele-Perkins
Who It’s For
Build It is designed for homeowners, renovators, and self-builders who are:
Approaching or already in the construction phase
Appointing a contractor or managing trades directly
Wanting confidence to handle onsite challenges
Seeking expert tools to manage quality, time, cost, and communication
Committed to keeping control
If you're ready to make sure the build is delivered on your terms, Build It is for you.
What You’ll
Access and Learn
with Build It
Build It guides you through the construction phase, helping you stay in control of the build, manage quality, and avoid project drift. The content focuses on managing contractors and specialist works packages tracking progress, and keeping costs and timelines on track, so your project stays aligned with the plans you’ve put in place.
On this website, you’ll find key insights related to this phase, offering a glimpse of the practical tools and professional guidance available inside the learning pathway. You’ll also have access to live support group sessions every fortnight, where you can bring questions and get advice based on real project scenarios.
Build It is backed by the Essentials Workspace, helping you manage site activity, progress, track payments and variations, and keep on top of daily actions.
Step 1
Before You Begin – Construction Kick-Off Pack
A quick-start for those entering at the build phase, with essential context to avoid early missteps.
The difference between a Site Manager and a Project Manager (and why it matters)
Procurement & Pre-Contract Setup: What you need in place before the Principal (Main) Contractor starts
Essential pre-site checks, risk areas, and where Plan It dovetails with Build It
Step 2
Site Set-Up Essentials
Preparing your site for construction with the right utilities, access, and early-stage controls in place.
Service Disconnections: What to do before demolition or strip-out, safely disconnecting gas, electricity, and water
Temporary Builders’ Supplies: How to arrange temporary water and power for the build.
Hoardings, Signage & Site Security: Managing site boundaries, safety notices, and access points, and essential pre-start notifications.
Welfare Facilities: Providing safe, compliant site welfare and planning for smooth site operations.
Step 3
Creating your Build Programme
Most self-builders don’t receive a detailed build programme from a contractor, so we’ve built an interactive one for you so that you can stay in control.
Understanding the Build Sequence: Typical order of works, from site set up to handover
Collaborating with Your Team: How to gather the right information from your contractor and specialist suppliers.
Using the Essentials Build Programme: Access your interactive construction programme template, customisable to your build
Keeping It Updated: How to track progress, flag milestones, and stay on top of lead times
Step 4
Coordinating Specialist Suppliers
Bringing in your key trades and suppliers at the right time and in the right order.
Groundworks, timber frame, roofing, glazing, fit-out: how to plan and manage them
Lead times, dependencies, and contractor coordination
Avoiding gaps between works packages
Managing Change and Minimising Delays
Keep your build moving and your budget under control when things change.
Common causes of delay and how to proactively address them
How to handle variations, both contractor-led and client-led
Communication, documentation, and keeping your programme live
Step 6
Reviewing Payment Requests and Valuations
Understanding what’s been done on site, and what should be paid for.
How to assess work done against the programme
Reviewing and responding to applications for payment
Tools and tips to avoid over payment and disputes
Step 7
Preparing for Completion & Sign-Off
Laying the groundwork for a clean handover into Certify It.
Snagging prep and aligning your completion goals
Holding retentions and managing expectations
An overview of what to track throughout the build, organising for final certification
“Oliver worked with us on a major rebuild of a historic house in Berkshire over more than a year and provided the highest standard of professional advice and project management.
It was a complex project with a mix of new build and refurbishment, and a tight budget for a very significant build. Oliver broke down the component elements in a way that was easy to follow, liaised with the contractor and sub-contractors to keep things on track and on budget, and provided clear documentation at every stage.
We would definitely use Oliver again.”
“Build It is grounded in over 25 years of hands-on experience delivering residential construction projects to the highest standard. From complex basements to full-home refurbishments and high-spec finishes, I know what it takes to keep a build on track, maintain quality, and avoid the common pitfalls that catch homeowners out.”
Why Build It?
Build It gives you the tools, knowledge, and support to stay on top of your project during construction, so you can:
✔ Keep things moving – Spot issues early and avoid unnecessary delays
✔ Protect your budget – Make sure what you pay for matches what’s been done
✔ Coordinate with confidence – Know when and how to bring in specialist suppliers
✔ Stay in control – Track progress, handle variations, and manage payments professionally
Essentials Workspace
Included with the Build It Learning Pathway is access to the Essentials Workspace, your online project space where you can manage your journey from start to finish.
The Workspace keeps everything in one place, helping you stay organised, apply what you’re learning, and connect with trusted professionals when you need them.
Manage your Project from Start to Finish
Your interactive Build It Roadmap, breaking down the process into clear, manageable steps that maps out your timeline
Pre-built action lists, project filing structure and meeting agendas ready to use
Access to our recommended consultants, including Architects, Structural Engineers, Interior Designers, Green Energy Experts, Eco Design, Passive House and Cost planners.
No gimmicks, just the right tools to keep your project moving forward, with clarity and control.
Live Support with Oliver
Fortnightly Project Support Calls
Ask questions, get advice, and learn from others on the same journey without going it alone.
“Oliver helped us build trust with clients and ensured quality outcomes on some of our most complex builds. He brings deep technical knowledge and leadership to the delivery stage.”
Award Winning Design and Build Contractor - West London - 3 Years Head of Construction
Verified Trustpilot Review 5*
Managing your own building project can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
As part of the Homebuilding Essentials Build It Pathway, you’ll be invited to join fortnightly Project Support Calls with Oliver, live sessions designed to give you clear answers and shared learning in a relaxed, supportive group setting.
Whether you're working from the design and budgeting phase, managing a build, or preparing to wrap up your project, these calls are your opportunity to:
Bring questions from your own project
Listen in on what others are asking
Get honest, practical advice based on 20+ years of experience
You’ll likely find that someone else’s question answers yours too, and that a bit of shared insight can go a long way toward avoiding costly mistakes.
What to Expect from the Support Calls
Group calls every two weeks (online Teams call)
Bring your own questions
Relaxed and supportive
Guided by Oliver but shaped by what the group brings
A chance to check in, get unstuck, and keep moving forward
Please note, these calls are designed to support you, but they’re not formal project management or one-to-one consultancy.
Think of them as advisory, peer-supported sessions led by someone who’s been there, works in the industry on live projects, and wants to help you stay on track.
About
Oliver Steele-Perkins
With 25+ years in residential construction, I’ve worked on everything from luxury penthouse refurbishments to complex conversions, new-builds and self-builds. I know what it takes to get a project right from the start, and I’ve seen the costly mistakes homeowners make when they don’t have a solid plan.
I’m a Chartered Construction Project Manager and have led high-value residential projects across London and the South East, featured in, Homebuilding & Renovating, House Beautiful, Property Investor News, Your Property Network and have advised on the Ask an Expert at Grand Designs Live, London and Birmingham.
I developed Homebuilding Essentials to bridge the knowledge gap for homeowners, providing you with the tools and expertise needed to take control of your homebuilding projects.
"Managing the build phase well is where your planning pays off. I’ve seen how quickly things can drift on site without the right oversight. Build It gives you the key knowledge and structure to stay on track and in control."
– Oliver Steele-Perkins MCIOB
Guided Pathways
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Plan It
Plan It equips you with the knowledge, tools, and structured processes to confidently design, budget, and prepare your homebuilding project, ensuring a smooth and well-managed build.
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Build It
Build It equips you with the expertise, guidance, and step-by-step processes to manage your construction project effectively, ensuring quality, cost control, and timely completion.
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Certify It
Certify It equips you with the knowledge and processes to navigate final inspections, compliance, and certification, ensuring your project is completed with the documentation needed to validate your investment