Home / The guide / Permits and budget

Write the phasing plan

A phasing plan groups the work into stages that each leave the site in a usable, legal and safe state.

How

1. Phase 1 is typically access, site preparation, water source, wastewater and power foundations, because other work depends on them.
2. Phase 2 is the weathertight shell and the minimum viable systems.
3. Phase 3 and later cover finishes, expansions, food production and outbuildings.
4. Check whether your permits allow phased work and how long each permit stays valid; some lapse if work stops.
5. Make sure each phase ends with any required inspection signed off.
6. Link each phase to its budget and funding from legal-11.
7. Inside each phase, follow the master build sequence and inspection hold points in design-20.

Sources

1. When you need approval (building regulations). Planning Portal (England), accessed 2026-11
2. Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide: cost estimating challenges. US Government Accountability Office, accessed 2026-11
3. Budgeting for your build project. Self Build Portal (NaCSBA), accessed 2026-11

Open in the interactive guide