Use commitments, not stage numbers, to choose the review
Land, design, planning, surveys and investigations alone remain pre-build, even when they cost money. An accepted building, trade, package or material order, a kit or build deposit, substantive enabling work or substantive building work makes the project live. A paused or partially procured project remains live. RIBA references can orient a conversation, but they do not determine eligibility.
Updated: 13 September 2026. By Jack Butler-Kettle, Quantity Surveyor & Claims Consultant.
Before a self build becomes live
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