Considering a build project
6th May 2008
This is not an easy time to be thinking about moving house. Static or falling prices and a dramatically changed fiscal environment will make many more inclined to ‘dig in’ and stay put until things improve.
Instead of moving, some of us may be able to alter or extend our current home thereby generating the additional space we need and adding value to the property.
Of course, this option is not entirely pain free in terms of cost and disruption and the decision to build should be carefully considered.
Professional advice at this early stage, particularly that of an architect, should really bring added value. The design stage should be an exciting, constructive, collaborative process to find a solution that exceeds the initial expectations of all concerned.
The architect’s role is two fold: listen and suggest.
They should be able absorb the client’s expressed wishes and interpret them into built form, often adding or subtly changing the proposal to produce a solution better than the sum of its parts.
The ‘listen’ part is something many architects overlook, preferring instead to advance their own ideas on what they think is best, sometimes at the expense of the client’s original thoughts.
The key thing is not to rush the process. The main reason for building projects running over time and budget is because of later changes to design or specification.
The best way to minimise this is to spend time at the start really thinking about why you are building and what you want to achieve.
The more certainty at the beginning, the less likely you are to change your mind part way through, with all the time and cost consequences that can bring.
The decision to build will also trigger applications for Planning and Building Control consents and possibly Listed Building and Conservation Area consents.
Applying for planning permission is becoming more complicated. As of April 6 this year, the proliferation of supplementary information and reports required simply to have an application registered as valid can be daunting.
This, combined with recent legal judgements that mean even fairly minor variations to building proposals after planning consent is granted might require a whole new application, makes a strong case for getting advice and input from the outset.
You made need input from other professionals.
A structural engineer can provide Building Control with calculations for structural elements, while a quantity surveyor can advise on the probable cost of the project at an early stage, prepare schedules and documentation to be used in the contract between you and the builder, monitor and advise on expenditure during the contract and take the lead in resolution of the contractor’s final account.
BHP Develop has in-house professionals, including architects and planners, under one roof, as well as independent financial advisors who can help with raising funding for your project.
* David Mack is an architect with BHP Develop on (01325) 466794.
Author: David Mack, Architect (DavidM@bhpdevelop.co.uk)
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