Planning a project ? Here's 7 top tips before you start...
7 THINGS TO DO BEFORE STARTING A HOME EXTENSION OR PROJECT
When embarking on the home extension journey it is essential that you consider the following:
1.
Prepare a DETAIL plan, design and specification; you may need to get an Architectural Technologist, Architect or Building Surveyor to assist.
2.
Ensure you have sufficient funds to complete your project; you may need to get a professionally prepared cost plan.
3.
Produce a set of contract documents including a bill of quantities and a contract; you may need to get a quantity surveyor on board.
4.
Pick at least three contractors in order to get a variety of quotes. If you have had a bill of quantities produced the quotes will be easier to analyse.
5.
Once the contractors have given you the quotes, go through them and check that everything has been included; if you have appointed a quantity surveyor they will do this for you. Remember that the lowest quote is not always the best quote.
6.
Short-list a minimum of two contractors, get references from them and go to see past jobs they have completed which are similar to your project.
7.
Ensure you put a payment schedule together; this should be based on the anticipated programme. You should try to pay contractors fortnightly based on the work that they have completed.