Managing your own self build project is never an easy task.  From securing the land (if you aren’t lucky enough to already have this) and getting your plans ready, to assigning a contractor and managing the finances, a self-build project doesn’t always run smoothly, no matter how smooth we intend it to go.  Once your plans have been approved and the build is underway, thoughts turn to the interior of your home.  If you’re planning a self-build it’s best to think of your interior design and style before the build begins, but for many self-build projects, it’s hard to really picture your interiors until you begin to see the exterior of your home take shape.


Image source -
Pixabay

When should you start thinking of internal doors for your self-build?

With all interior elements of your home, it’s best to start planning them during the design phase.  Your exterior design should complement the style you are planning for your interiors, and this includes important materials like your internal doors and flooring.  Your fixtures and fittings are one of the last steps to completing your self-build project, with foundations, construction, roofing and first and second fix all key in getting your build of the ground (no pun intended).  At every point of a self-build project you need to have a vision of the end building in mind.  This includes both inside and outside the build, so you need to be giving some thought to the style and make of both your internal doors and indeed your flooring options, especially if opting for wooden flooring.

Setting a budget for your doors

One of the hardest things when deciding to build your own home is managing the budget.  If you are planning to manage the whole build project by yourself, then the financial side of things needs to be carefully monitored as you don’t want building costs to spiral out of control.  If you are getting a contractor in to do the build then it’s important to ensure you get finishes like your doors, floors, kitchen and bathroom all included here.  Your quantity surveyor will be able to help you budget this accordingly. If you know the style of internal door you want, whether it’s something like oak doors, walnut doors or mahogany doors, you need to get an idea of how many doors will be fitted in your home, and what standard of finish you want.  This will impact your final budget.  It’s also worth remembering with new builds and new building control measures, you will need to fit a certain size of door and it is also worth looking at fire checked doors.  While this could all mean a more substantial investment up front, it’s better for your build in the long run.  You don’t want to be tearing up floors and taking down doors a few years into your build.  Setting a generous budget (that you can afford of course), pre-build for your doors, will allow you to fit these to a high spec during the build. 

Don’t forget your door furniture

Deciding on your internal doors for your self-build doesn’t just end with the frame of the door.  You need to consider other elements like whether or not you want glazed doors.  Glass panels in doors can help light through making rooms appear bigger, something to consider if your self-build is modest in size.  You also need to set a budget aside for door furnishings like door handles, locks, latches and hinges.  Again, all of this should be considered before you begin your build, as you will want the internal look and feel of your home to match the exterior, and your choice of doors can play a big role here.

Planning a self-build project?

Are you currently in the process of planning your own self-build project?  For help and advice on fitting the right internal and external doors, call into one of our showrooms or get in touch with our team today for more information on choosing the right doors and budgeting accordingly.