Refurbishment Project

Bugnug

Hi,

We are planning on buying a three bed period house in need of refurbishment close to the city. I am hoping to project manage the job myself. Can anybody offer any advice about good websites, books etc about how to manage the project and the steps to take? Has anybody undertaken this sucessflly and could offer some advice?

Thanks.

chrisacm

Hi, You really need to make sure you have the time and the right contacts. I have worked on several projects where the client has project managed and things went terrible however I have also worked with a crew of lads who are excellent and very easy to talk to and organise scheduals with. Just remember cheapest is never best...

MasterBlaster01

Hi,

I am about to do the same, total renovation - the works plus extension. What is the percentage cost greater of getting a builder to do the work versus getting prices on the individual jobs and project managing it? Is this an impossible task if you cannot regularly be on site and also know your stuff? I would also be interested in good websites, books etc to see if this is possible.

Thanks
MB

RKQ

MasterBlaster01 wrote: »

Is this an impossible task if you cannot regularly be on site and also know your stuff? I would also be interested in good websites, books etc to see if this is possible.

Its not impossible but it can be hard work. Direct labour is cheaper than using a Building Contractor but you must become the Building Contractor - organise all Trades, organise materials on site, scaffold, skips, snaggs etc etc. You'll also have to do the works no trades will do - prep work or patching up / making good etc. Who will "hack" off the old plaster, remove or demolish as necessary or clean up your site?

IMO its not so much a case of saving thousands, its more a case of earning this saving. You really do work for it. It can be very rewarding if you enjoy the work.

If you are not a good organiser, don't like constantly chasing people and can't be regularly on site then retain a professional. A badly organised self build can drag on and cost almost as much as with a Building Contractor.

There are lots of useful Self Build websites, just google it. There are monthly mags at your local newsagents. The Homebond Building Manual is a must have for anyone building a new house.

eoghan.geraghty

I second RKQ's advice, I've come across a few people who tried project managing but didn't realise the full time and energy cost, delays and stress ensued.
As chrisacm says however if you get all the tradesmen cooperating and you keep on top of your end, ie, cleaning and prepping work areas, skips, managing a schedule and keeping each trade to it then it can be rewarding and cost saving.
Good luck with it.

Mellor

Be careful when considering savings.

You might save 20k, but the 8 months out of work mean you lost 40k etc

MasterBlaster01

Thanks guys. I won't be taking on the management after this advice. Have not got the time or the knowledge, I work 9-5 mon-fri.
If I want particualar aspects of the work completed by particular individuals, is it normal to ask the builder/contractor to include my individuals as part of his plans.
I have a very good friend who own a plumbing and heating company that I want to do all the plumbing, heating and solar upgrading.
Also after reading and researching the insulation posts I see there is a whole lot of detail required to ensure it is completed effectively and I would probably want to reseach an insulation specialist who knowes his stuff to perform this piece.
The builder would then run the project and build the 400 sq ft extension and the rest of the activities.
Is this a standard request for a builder, and one they would agree to normally.
How do you feel they would incorporate this into their pricing?

Thanks
MB