Embarking on your first building project can be daunting. Where to start? How to manage the process? Let's walk through the process.
The first thing to consider is whether you need to engage an architect.
If your project is simply changing the use of your space or converting your loft, it's likely the work can be adequately managed by a competent builder.
But if your plans involve a substantial extension or a new build where the style of architecture is also an important consideration, then you'll need an architect to manage the planning and building control processes as well as the project design and build.
The next step is to choose a builder or installer and ensure they understand what you are trying to achieve without compromising the project vision, the building programme or your budget. The best form of recommendation is still word of mouth, so chat to your family, friends and neighbours about their building experiences and see if they can recommend architects or builders.
Once the architect or builder is engaged, they'll need a brief to fully understand your requirements. This can be developed in conjunction with your appointed architect or builder and can cover:
As the design process develops, there will be changes to the brief to firm up understanding and it will eventually provide a set of instructions to make clear to everyone involved what is required and form a useful check list to measure progress of the project against.
The brief can also be used to ensure that the builder’s interpretation of the architect’s drawings is accurate and that the project is constructed entirely to your expectations and satisfaction.
There are two things most likely to adversely affect a project. So make sure you allow for a generous contingency sum (15%) to cover unforeseen work, and agree a start date and an end date with the builder.
You may wish to have a bonus scheme written into the contract to reward the builder if they finishes the project early. It's also reasonable to have penalties written into the contract should the builder go over the agreed end date as a direct result of their own management of the build. Both of these inclusions provide incentive for the builder to complete the project on time.
It may be that you are quite handy with DIY and fancy managing the build process yourself. This is quite appropriate for the very smallest of projects, but the bigger a project gets, the more hassle and time will be needed in coordinating and managing the sub trades, utility companies and local authority requirements (planning and building control). By employing a general contractor, you not only remove the hassle and time associated with project managing, but you pass the risk onto the builder, which he will be much more used to dealing with.
Ultimately, being streetwise in managing a project will ensure that you get maximum value from your investment, with a finished project that you will be able to enjoy for many years to come.