Embarking on a large-scale home renovation project can be an extremely exciting time, however, it’s not without its stresses. When you’re reconstructing entire areas of your home, disruption to your daily routine seems inevitable and often, compromises are necessary. Endless back and forth conversations with your chosen construction company can be draining and you may find you’re having sleepless nights worrying about whether or not your renovation is going to plan. However, arguably the biggest weight on our mind when it comes to building work is cost. It goes without saying that we all want to achieve the best results for the lowest price, but how is this done?
One thing to consider is that, although project managing yourself will save you money in theory, this may not be the right route to go down. Taking on odd jobs here and there can be beneficial, but when it comes to complex construction work, it’s usually best to leave it to the professionals. Botched work can cost a lot of money to put right and with this in mind, it may not be worth the risk.
A reputable construction firm will have the experience and expertise to make your renovation dreams a reality. It goes without saying that when choosing a team to work with, it’s important to shop around so that you can make an informed decision. Further to this, selecting a company that can assist you through all stages of your project will give you peace of mind that no stone will be left unturned. Here at the Paul Ennis Group, we have a highly qualified team of architects, project managers and directly employed operatives time served and qualified in all the trades required for your project. Whether you simply want some professional advice on how to tackle your renovation or you want to employ a full team of construction experts to do it, we can help.
Leaving your home in the hands of others can be extremely daunting, but the benefits can be life-changing. Our team will work closely with you to come up with a design you love and we have the tools, technology and knowledge to bring your vision to life. You may be wondering how all of this can be achieved without breaking the bank, and that’s where we come in. Although big construction ventures are rarely going to be cheap, we’ve identified many ways in which we can use efficient working methods to make it more affordable, without reducing the quality.
Designing your dream home
Before any construction work begins, it’s important to have a comprehensive, in-depth design with 3D plans to ensure your vision doesn’t get lost once building commences. As a homeowner, it’s probable that you’ll have a lot of ideas with regards to what you want out of your design. So, to make sure your requirements are met, it’s imperative to have a consultation with your construction team leader to make sure you’re both on the same page.
This is what our Architects do (we have designed and built over 300 domestic extensions in the last 10 years).
Free consultation
Liaising with designers and architects may be quite daunting if you’re still not 100% sold on the renovation, but if this is the case, don’t panic. Many building design and construction companies will agree to consult with you on your plans completely free of charge. This gives you the opportunity to take a step back and reflect on the meeting before making any rash decisions. This is one of the many instances in which you save money when working with a design and build company, as you are essentially getting expert advice for free! Such advice can be extremely valuable to you as a client and whether or not you choose to use the company’s services, this consultation is bound to be beneficial to you.
CAD software
When it comes to designing the interior of a building, the plans can be extremely complex. Computer-aided design (CAD) is software that is used in many different industries to improve the quality and depth of a particular design. CAD technicians in construction companies use the software to create plans for internal remodelling projects such as bathroom redesigns. It goes without saying that the more detailed a plan is, the less likely there are to be complications down the line. With this in mind, CAD software can save you money by ensuring that your renovation goes without a hitch. We use 3D CAD as standard.
Quotations and contracts for existing and new home construction
One of the most anxiety inducing aspects of home reconstruction prices is unforeseen costs. Whether you’re making plans to alter your existing home or build a new property from scratch, you do so with a strict budget in mind. You hear cautionary tales about people being quoted one price and charged another, but how can you prevent this from happening to you?
First and foremost, it’s imperative to be completely transparent about your budget right from the start to ensure that the price you’re quoted is realistic. It can be easy to get carried away when making plans to create your dream home, however, be sure to be sensible as it could save you a lot of hassle down the line. Further to this, once you’ve liaised with your construction team, ask for a full fixed price quotation so that you can make alterations to your budget accordingly. A fixed price quotation is not subject to bargaining and can therefore not be altered once agreed upon.
Having a detailed contract that covers every eventuality may seem unnecessary, but it will give you peace of mind that should anything go wrong, you’re covered by a legal document. Discuss the terms at length with your chosen firm and make sure you’re in 100% agreement before signing. Here at the Paul Ennis Group, we enter into Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) contracts with all our clients before any physical work begins. This organisation produces standard contracts for construction along with guidance notes and other relevant documentation. Having a JCT contract in place is highly advisable so that as a client, you can rest assured.
A fixed quotation and a comprehensive contract will significantly reduce the likelihood of any unforeseen costs and will ensure that no matter what the situation, you’ll be supported by a legally binding document. To find out more about how we calculate quotes here at the Paul Ennis Group, why not contact us and speak to a member of our team?
How Do I Select a Builder
There’s nothing better than a recommendation from a friend or family member who’s had building work done. (But that doesn’t quite work if they had work carried out that’s not similar to the work you are thinking of having done).
This is your project so make sure you get exactly what you want. Produce a written brief, so the architect can prepare detailed drawings where possible, and then use the drawings as part of your brief to the builder.
Decide what type of builder you want to use. A company that has a management and quality control system in place with directly employed employees. Or at the other end of the spectrum a one/two man company. Decide what level of contractor – Normally you would not use a smaller contractor for a job with a greater value than £20,000 as they don’t have the funds to run a larger job. You should ask for at least 3 builders at the same level to quote on your job and don’t just go with the cheapest. Look at the breakdown of costs, if some seem a lot cheaper than others then there may be issues further down the line. You should also check the qualifications of the directors / owners of the company. There is no legal requirement for someone that calls themselves a builder to have any qualifications – remember the builder will be working on your most valuable possession. The directors at Paul Ennis all have a degree in their discipline. Furthermore they are all members of their professional bodies and are chartered to practice.
Read the quotes carefully and check that they include everything you would like done including the specification of any fixtures and fittings.
Go and visit some of the builders’ previous jobs. Reputable contractors will be more than happy to show off their previous work and while you’re there you can get a personal reference from a satisfied customer.
Surveying
Rather than having rooms completely remodelled, you may simply be seeking to have some repair work done to restore your property to its former glory. If this is the case, having your home surveyed is a great way to identify exactly what needs to be done. A comprehensive analysis of your property will highlight any issues with structural integrity and a qualified professional will be very specific with regards to what the best course of action is. Having all the facts when it comes to the state of your property is crucial when it comes to negotiating prices for repair work and with this in mind, surveying is definitely a worthwhile investment.
Similarly, if you’re purchasing somewhere new, having the property surveyed will identify any defects straight away, enabling you to make an informed decision about whether you want to complete the purchase. A building with lots of structural flaws is likely to be less valuable, not to mention potentially dangerous. With this in mind, it may not be good value for money and could end up costing you more later on.
The Paul Ennis Group: are a qualified and passionate team of architects, surveyors and construction workers keen to tackle any home construction job in Liverpool and across the northwest
Here at the Paul Ennis Group, we are prepared to work tirelessly to make your home renovation a life-changing experience. We strive to offer a high-quality level of service at a reasonable price and we have the experience and the know-how to construct the home of your dreams.
For a more in-depth break down of our services, click here to visit our website and discover how the Paul Ennis Group could transform your home today.
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