Getting Started - Our 4 Step Guide to Making your Project a Reality
August 1, 2009
There is no doubt that having an extension or alteration carried out to your property can be a daunting prospect. We at Orchard Planning Solutions recognise that for many, this may be the first time that you have ever contemplated undertaking any kind of improvement project. In a series of articles, we will be raising awareness of the pitfalls to avoid, the regulations required and the best ways (in our opinion) to manage the project.
Setting Out Your Objectives
Before starting on any kind of building work, you need to know exactly what your objectives are, the resources you have available to you and how you are going to achieve those objectives. You also need to consider whether or not your ideas are practical and achievable within your timescales. Do remember that the planning of any improvement work, whether large or small scale, takes time and patience.
Setting Out Your Budget
Once you are satisfied that your ideas are realistic, you need to decide on your budget and check you have the financial resources to carry them out. It is important to recognise that any decisions that you make in the planning stage of any work can have cost implications later on. These needn't be to your disadvantage.
Setting out the Technical Aspects
If you have little or no knowledge about the technical aspects related to your project or the logistical problems that building work involves, we recommend that you seek specialist advice by visiting:- Who Can Help.
While builders and contractors will have had the experience in carrying out the work, it is important that you satisfy yourself in the first place as to whether structural calculations and drawing are required.
Whilst the appointment of specialist will come at as an expense, as experience has often shown it is money well spent in the long term. In addition, the specialists will know what will be required in order to obtain planning permission and building regulation approval.
Minimise the Initial Cost
Help yourself save money by putting together as much information as possible. This will cut down on the amount of time the specialists would normally spend in extracting ideas from you, and this is where speaking to other people who have had similar work undertaken may help.
For example as the old adage goes; “a picture paints a thousand words”. Basic sketches can help avoid misunderstandings and will help to avoid redrawing plans and incurring costs for abortive work. You may for example like an idea you have seen in a magazine or have photographs; please use them to inform the conceptual meeting you have with your specialist.
In our next article in this series, we will be looking at how to contact contractors and obtaining and agreeing quotes.
To find a company who may assist you further, simply click on the free links located on the right hand side of the page.
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