Building an Extension – Professionals You Need – In 10 Easy Steps: Intro
Do you know the professionals you need when building an extension?
The intro
We have put together an introduction to the professionals you will require to take your building project from inception to completion, in particular concentrating on building an extension.
This is a detailed step by step guide to what is required to make sure you are on budget, the contractor is fully vetted & you have an industry standard contract in place.
So, let’s get started with the main players that will be needed to get your project up and running
- Design Review Step 2
- Cost Plan Step 3
- Meet The Budget Step 4
- Schedule of Works or Bill of Quantities? Step 5
- Building Contractor Selection Step 6
- Out to Tender Step 7
- Adjudicate the Tenders Step 8
- Tender Report Step 9
- Award the Contract Step 10
Architect
Your chosen architect will work with your existing building or building plot to incorporate your requirements for planning feasibility, buildability, building regulation compliance, space planning and budget for building an extension this is a slightly easier process than a new build
It is important to choose an architect that has experience in the type of project you are planning, there is no point getting Renzo Piano (architect of the Shard London & Centre Pompidou Paris) to design your new extension.
We advise to go as local as you can with an architect as they will have a more detailed knowledge of the local area, local construction methods and regular contact with the local authority planning department.
Structural engineer
In a lot of instances your architect will have several Structural engineers who they regularly work with and will coordinate this aspect for you by firstly obtaining a fee
The main structural elements of your build the Structural engineer will be involved in are
Structural steel supports
Design loading’s for your foundations
Foundation design from the design loading’s and ground conditions
Civil Engineer
As above your architect will have a working relationship with a civil engineer who they will obtain fee proposals for the requirements of your project
The civil engineer will advise and design your drainage
Landscaping, parking areas, footpaths etc
Quantity Surveyor
As soon as your architect and structural engineer have produced their design elements you will need to get the project reviewed and a cost plan produced by a quantity surveyor, this will be in an easy to read format outlining all the elements of your build.
This will then provide a headline budget, don’t worry if you do not know for instance what floor finishes or kitchen and bathroom fittings you are going to choose as this can be allowed for in the format of a cost per square metre to supply or with your kitchen for instance a provisional cost.
These will be the areas that the budget can then be refined to meet your budget expectations.
Project Manager
An independent project manager can really help with the coordination and programming of the trades that will be on site throughout your project, if the project is not of a massive scale this would normally be coordinated by your chosen builder.
It is important to be realistic of your available time if you plan on self-managing your project also the emotional attachment to the project can get in the way of progress and ultimately increase the overall cost of the project
To allocate sufficient time you will need to be on site for at least 2 days per week and 10-15 hours a week deciding material finishes and planning their delivery, can you spare this time on top of your day job?
If not, then you will need to employ a part time or full-time project manager.
We now have a basic understanding of the professional needed when building an extension
Let’s get started with step 2 – Design review