Starting a construction project is messy, hard work, and stressful. Whether it’s a small home extension or a kitchen renovation, many things need to be considered before the project takes place. If you don’t plan the project in detail, it could hurt your finances or end up being a project that wasn’t worth undertaking at all. For example, you may want to think about getting Current transformer from smart process, or you could think about how you’re going to pave your drive. There are many aspects of starting a construction project. Let’s have a look at some of the things you must consider before you get the project underway.
1. Do You Have Permission?
Without stating the obvious, some construction projects will require permission from local councils. Many interior projects are good to go straight from the get-go, but when it comes to building on the exterior, most of the time, permission is required. Contact your local planning office to see what sort of permission (if any) you’ll need to get started. Sometimes, even loft conversion projects will need permission and will need to follow certain regulations to ensure it’s an area of the house that’s safely hospitable.
2. Plan the Costs & Get Involved
Depending on the complexity of the project will determine whether you do it yourself or you get some contractors in. If it’s an extension, you’ll want to consider the costs of bricklayers, labourers, plumbers, electricians and the like. If it’s a kitchen renovation, even doing it yourself is going to have some costs involved in terms of plumbing and electrics. Either way, there’s always something you can do yourself to bring the costs down. Ensure you have enough money saved up to get the project finished in one hit.
3. Where’s the Mess Going?
Regardless of the size of the project, there will always be offcuts of material or other mess that needs to be gotten rid of. This is when skip hire comes in handy. Instead of numerous trips to your local waste management centres, a skip will save you a lot of time and money. Not only will it save contractors from getting rid of the mess themselves (which is always an extra cost) but it also means they have an easier and quicker way of getting rid of it (which means fewer expenses in terms of wages).
4. Consider Overbudgets
Often, construction projects (regardless of their size) can go over budget from time to time. This is usually of no fault of anyone’s, but simply a problem that’s been bumped into along the way, which has held the project back slightly longer than anticipated. When you’re planning the project, be sure to overbudget for everything, just in case the project comes to a halt at some stage.
5. Are You Buying the Materials?
If you’re undertaking the project yourself, buying materials is mandatory. However, if you’re hiring contractors, they’ll usually offer to purchase the materials. If you’re looking to save money, consider buying the materials yourself, as most contractors will add at least 20% on top of prices. Therefore, it’s well worth spending the time and money going to your local builder’s merchants to get the stock the contractors need.
6. Project Management
If you’re hiring contractors, decide who is going to oversee the project while you’re at work. The last thing you want is to pay contractors a day rate and nothing gets done but a lot of thumb twiddling and tea drinking. If it’s a small project, you’ll not have to worry so much, but if it’s an extension you’ll want to ensure it’s done as quickly as possible. Get a friend or family member to help out while you’re at work, so they can keep on top of managing the project.
A construction project must always be well considered before you start hacking away. Huge costs are always involved, regardless of the size of the project, so it’s crucial you think of everything from the bottom up to ensure it’s a success and as cost-effective as possible.
