Self Build Consultancy/Project Management and Budgeting support to save you money on your build. I’m a serial self builder and renovator and the knowledge I have gained over the years can save you thousands of pounds and help ensure a smooth and enjoyable self build journey. Services I offer are:
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Project Management Support
This can be tailored to your exact needs.
I have 25+ years of managing large scale projects.
Staying one step ahead of the build is critical if you’re going to stick to your timelines and budget, and there will inevitably be twists and turns along the way. I can help you as little or as much as you want, but sometimes just to have someone alongside you to provide additional support can make a big difference.
Self building is definitely a journey. Mostly incredibly rewarding, but inevitably there are obstacles to overcome. I can be involved throughout if you want that additional support and confidence. Alternatively we can tailor packages during specific stages in the build to support you when you need it most, or agree a number of hours or days to utilise at your convenience.
One of the main attractions of self building is exactly that – doing it yourself. But we all need a helping hand occasionally. Maybe you just want the space of a new extension but none of the hassle that comes with dealing with a variety of contractors. That’s fine, lets have a chat.
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Project Planning and Risk Analysis
Perfect Planning Prevents Poor Performance! The 5 Ps may be somewhat of a cliche but, trust me, they are true. Planning early and in detail will save you time and money throughout the build.
You need your plan to be detailed but not rigid otherwise it will just be out of date in no time. A good project plan can give you massive confidence as you progress from start to finish. I have a template that works and focuses not so much on timelines but the dependencies between the various stages of the build. If you can stay one step ahead your build will progress smoothly and you'll keep your contractors happy.
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Estimating, Costing and Budgeting
Its no secret building costs have, if you’ll excuse the pun, gone through the roof over the last few years! Many architects are quoting in excess of £3,000 a square metre. Borrowing costs have jumped as well. But I guarantee you it is still possible to build at a reasonable price and get a return on your investment while still delivering a stunning finish. There are savings to be made if you know where to look and are prepared to get your hands dirty from time to time. Some of the options I can help you with in this area include:
Initial Detailed Overall Build Budget – you probably want to know how much your project is going to cost before you start so you know whether you can afford what you want to build or tweak the design to make some savings. I have a detailed proforma to give you a complete picture of all of your costs
Build Costs Comparison – building technology and methods are evolving all the time. There are more options now than ever, each with their own pros and cons. I have experience of several different construction methods and can provide a comparison of costs that could save you significant sums for exactly the same quality of build and u values.
Tendering Services – getting multiple quotes for each task or set of materials represents good practice and guarantees savings. But it takes time and can be arduous and frustrating constantly chasing down various trades. I can help you get the lowest quotes, and save you time to concentrate on the actual build.
