How to Budget and Manage a Home Extension Project
The best way to ensure you have enough money to complete your home extension project is to set a budget. This will ensure that you do not cut corners that will impact the quality of the finished project. To help you set a budget, start by identifying what you really want to include in your home extension. Then, determine whether you can afford to spend a bit more on certain elements.
Often, a home extension project involves knocking down walls and building from scratch. It can help to reuse original materials as this will save you money and ensure that the new addition blends in with the existing home. For example, you could reuse old kitchen cupboards to create a utility room. Salvage yards are also a great source of second-hand materials that are much cheaper than new. You can also ask the builder to source second-hand items for you.
Before contacting architects or building contractors, you should know what your budget is and how much you can spend on it. Once you have set your budget, you should start getting quotes. For advice on Oak Extensions, consider contacting Timberpride
Choosing the right professional is vital. Some architects offer free initial consultations and can advise on cost, design, and construction. Those with an extensive portfolio can also provide expert advice on building regulations. Remember, the decision about the architect is an important one, so make sure you choose the right one for the right project.
In case you don’t have the time and energy to manage the build yourself, hiring a building contractor may be the best option. This will help you save money and keep to your budget. Using a building contractor will add up to 15 or 25 per cent to the overall cost, so you will need to budget for a professional.
As with any home improvement project, good budgeting is essential. Using an extension cost calculator can give you an idea of how much the work will cost. Then you need to have a project manager who will oversee the build and deal with the local authority’s building control officers. The project manager may also act as a contract administrator, but it may be best to appoint an independent professional to carry out this role.
Different home improvement projects require different specialists. In addition to choosing the right contractor, the homeowner also needs to determine the materials to be used for the work. Some projects require a structural engineer plan.
