Home extensions

[ZARDOZ]

Where are you based and any specific recommendations?

I am in the North West, builders are getting more expensive here too. However I've used mybuilder.com recently with a good success rate. One for some roofing work and another for electrical. The electrician did a superb job at a great price and even brushed up after himself!

You post the job and then you get some bids. There's feedback for all builders on the site.

Another one is ratedpeople.com, but I haven't found that one as good.

Most quoted were within 50 miles but I've had quotes from Cornwall for a more specialist job I posted!

[wurzel]

We currently want to do some extensive renovations/extensions.
The problem is that all the good builders are busy for months in advance.
Immigrants taking jobs?
I don't see it, at least down south - there are so many infrastructure/building projects going on that there's a shortage of all tradespeople.

I've got my architect to manage the tendering process for me & once I've got someone in I'll oversee it myself on a daily basis & she'll do the odd site visit to make sure everything is proceeding according to plan.

[Halo Jones]

I've got my architect to manage the tendering process for me & once I've got someone in I'll oversee it myself on a daily basis & she'll do the odd site visit to make sure everything is proceeding according to plan.

There is so much wrong with this statement…..

Architects are designers: they are not builders & they are not cost controllers.

As for overseeing it yourself: no offence but how much do you know about construction?

[wurzel]

There is so much wrong with this statement…..

From her terms of reference:

Stage 5 (RIBA Stages C)

Outline Design

(RIBA Stage H) - Tender Period

Following RIBA design services schedules for this stage of work the fee will include:

Manage tender process and respond to contractor queries. Allowance for site visits with

contractors included, but may be omitted if you are able to be present and provide access;

Contribute to appraisal of returned tenders.

Seems reasonable enough to me

As for overseeing it yourself: no offence but how much do you know about construction?

A bit, believe it or not - used to work in estate management before I got into this. Besides, I'm not overseeing it in that sense of the word. My architect will turn up a couple of times a month just to make sure everything is progressing according to her plans.

It's a £60k project - I don't know anyone round here who has bothered getting in a PM for such a small job.

[Uncle Albert]

Do you know any firm who could project manage extensive renovations with a turn-key solution (e.g. demolishing supporting walls, complete gutting and renovation of kitchen and dining space, brand new windows, garden landscaping etc) ? In the Surrey area?

This lot did our two story extension a few years back. Whitenold Construction Ltd. | Builders Epsom They are based in Epsom but travelled further out for us.

We had a design drawn up by a structural engineer and they then followed that without any need for a architect. I think it might be a step too far to get them to do landscaping too though.

[sasguru]

This lot did our two story extension a few years back. Whitenold Construction Ltd. | Builders Epsom They are based in Epsom but travelled further out for us.

We had a design drawn up by a structural engineer and they then followed that without any need for a architect. I think it might be a step too far to get them to do landscaping too though.

Ta very much Uncle Alb, will be on to them asap.

[Halo Jones]

The RIBA plan of works is a work of fiction (well that’s my view) there are few architects who understand their responsibilities under the contract let alone the professional guidance.

But saying that it is possible that I am used to large commercial Architects & those who deal with small house works on a regular basis may actually have a clue.

Just make sure that whatever order / contract you place lists the responsibilities e.g. who arranges building control visits so that all know up front what they are expected to do

[Ruprect]

Good tips (mostly) thanks all.

A couple of others I've heard:
Put absolutely everything you wan down on paper before the build starts - easier to take out than add in
Get the plans drawn up with a bit of 'give' in them - a bit bigger/more ostentatious than you actually want. This is so the planners can think that they've reigned you in a bit when you draw back the plan (to what you actually want)

[Wanderer]

Salesman does a very brief outline of a quote and waves away your concerns as don't worry about that, everything is included, nothing is a problem. When it comes down to doing the job, everything is a problem and nothing is included. Make sure you specify everything you want in advance. Sizes of windows, glass, insulation, doors, fixtures and fittings, construction and finishing material etc otherwise they will try and screw you on the cost.

Make sure the payment terms, completion goals for staged payments and target completion date are crystal clear.

Are they going to give you a warranty on the work? If so, who underwrites it? Some fly by night company (guarantee not worth tulip if they cease trading) or a proper insurer?

Go with a builder that someone has used and can personally recommend.

[css_jay99]

I am currently thinking of extending to the side and rear of my property.

Please can I have an idea of how much it costs to get an architect in for working out the design.

Thanks