It’s common for homeowners to oversee their home construction projects, especially if they want to keep tight control over outgoings and quality of work. But while taking an interest is good, the majority do not have the knowledge or experience to project manage the build.
You must ensure you’re fully prepared if you’re a homeowner overseeing a home construction.
11 tips to help you manage your home construction project.
If you’re raring to go, take a breath and a few moments to read our guide of eleven crucial things you need to do before you start:
1. Make a plan.
Before you do anything, you need to research:
- Planning permission
- Building regulations
- The design you want
- Structural systems
- Materials
- Builders
- Architects
- Tradespeople
- Costs
Don’t skip any of the research. You should spend as long on this as it does to start and complete the build.
2. Create a budget.
You avoid massively overspending by creating and sticking to a budget (with leeway for unplanned work). It’s almost impossible to come in under budget on a house build, but researching beforehand means you’ll have a ballpark of likely costs.
3. Get a building permit.
Before construction commences, get the necessary permits and documents in place. And make sure they’re always on-site if builders or local authorities need them.
4. Check workers’ references.
Nothing costs money and time like a poor or incompetent builder or tradesperson. So, before you sign them up for your project, check their references.
5. Take compliance seriously.
You won’t be able to start your build without planning permission, so get it before you start. And stick to all the rules and conditions. Otherwise, you could end up in BIG trouble – including knocking the completed build down.
6. Take out insurance.
To protect yourself from risk, purchase a Self-Build Insurance Policy, as well as a structural warranty, which will cover the first ten years of your new build’s life
7. Create a safe, enjoyable work environment.
Make sure there are loos, warm places to take breaks – and lots of tea, coffee and biscuits. Keeping your contractors on-side will boost productivity.
8. Pay invoices on time.
You will likely have to pay invoices in stages, settle them on time to ensure no delays.
9. Don’t annoy your neighbours.
Keep neighbouring houses informed of your building schedule, including excess noise or weekend and out-of-hours work. Annoying soon-to-be neighbours can result in complaints which can slow down or stop work.
Plus, you’ll have to live next to them down the line.
10. Accept delays and problems
There are always setbacks in any construction project. Don’t berate your workers or stress yourself when this happens. Delays and problems occur even when a vastly experienced project manager is in charge.
11. Get an experienced project manager.
If the build gets on top of you, bite the bullet and bring in an experienced project manager. Meanwhile, you can sit back and relax, knowing the rest of the build is in safe hands.
Need a project manager for your home construction project?
Then why not speak to us?
At Charles Clarke, we have a proven track record of fully project-managing work on all types of property, from commercial buildings and offices to bungalows and some of the finest country residences in the UK.
If you need a professional to project manage your build, take a look at our portfolio and get in touch today.
