Homebuilding Insight: Project Managing is Most Popular Build Route

Project managers homebuilding
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Being a project manager is the most popular build route on a self build or renovation project, Homebuilding.co.uk research shows.

This path was chosen by 29% of respondents to the Homebuilding & Renovating Reader Survey 2020, while the second-most popular build route was DIY, selected by 27.2% of respondents.

One of the main advantages of choosing and managing your subcontractors on yourself build, extension, renovation, remodel or conversion, is that you cansave around 20% on build costs.

This is because by taking on the role of project manager you will keep the 10-20% which is normally added to a main contractor’s salary.

Choosing to DIY on a self build or renovation can also enable cost savings as you won’t need builders. This build route also means you’ll know your home inside and out, and have the pride of having built it yourself.

(MORE:Self Build Routes: DIY)

The next most popular build routes were:

  • Appointing a main contractor (selected by 27%)
  • Appointing an architect to oversee the build (6.5%)
  • Appointing a retailer to organise the building work - such as a kitchen retailer who would organise the installation (5.1%)
  • Hiring a package company (3.6%)

How to Pick Your Build Route

There’s a lot to consider when choosing your build route, and you’ll need to carefully evaluate your circumstances before making a decision. For example:

  • Does your budget dictate which build route best suits you?
  • How much time can you devote to the project?
  • How capable are you of carrying out jobs yourself?

(MORE:Use our Build Cost Calculator to Assess Your Costs)

Your answers to these questions will help you decide your build route. For example, if you’re short on time and self build experience, it would be worth considering the package route (a hands-off approach where a company builds your house for you).

Read our build guides to understand further how to next choose the build route for your next project:

Jack Woodfield
News Editor

Jack has worked in journalism for 11 years and is the News Editor for Homebuilding & Renovating, a role he has had since 2019. He strives to break the most relevant and beneficial stories for self builders, extenders and renovators, including the latest news on theconstruction materials shortageand hydrogen heating. In 2021 he appeared on BBC's The World at One to discuss the government's planning reforms.


He enjoys testing new tools and gadgets, and having bought his first home in 2013, he has renovated every room and recently finished a garden renovation.