A home extension can add a lot of value to your property. That said, they can also be expensive to build. Of course, it’s a bad time to waste any money these days. Therefore, it’s in your best interests to bring costs down with this project however possible.
Fortunately, there are many avenues to explore here. Read on if you’d like some tips that may help you save money on a home extension.
Source Several Quotes
You need quotes, not estimates. Quotes are concrete and irrefutable, while estimates are subject to change at any time. One quote isn’t enough, either. You need a range of them to determine market prices and discover the best deal for your budget. Find local builders near you online with MyBuilder, where you can secure a range of free quotes. They each come from vetted and well-reviewed professionals after you post your job. There are no obligations here, either, so don’t worry about racking up costs that way.
Of course, you shouldn’t pull quotes from anywhere and everyone. After all, in other settings and contexts, cheap quotes can correlate to shoddy work. If you’re getting quotes from screened services, there’s no cause for suspicion, and you can be confident of a great deal that saves you money on your extension.
Gauge Project Management Quality
Every part of the process needs to flow to be as cost-efficient as possible. The project managers of your extension project must be highly diligent. If the extension is projected managed well, one tradesperson will come out, and another will come in. There’ll be a fluid transition between phases, eliminating the risk of long waiting periods that can cause damage. For example, if the roofing isn’t completed over the winter season, further complications can occur that cost money to repair. Exposed pipes and electrics can cause a host of problems too.
There are also shortages of builders in the UK as well, which means disruption could be more likely if you’re not particularly careful about who you work with. Every part of the process needs to flow to be as cost-efficient as possible, so gauge the quality of project management skills of those you’re working with. Read reviews and gather personal recommendations with a project management focus.
Know Your Limits
You can do some things yourself when building a home extension. That said, it’s important to be aware of your limitations. You’re welcome to paint your extension yourself and engage with other basic labour jobs. Decorating, laying the carpet yourself, and adding furnishings can also be overseen by you. Applying the finishing touches can help you save money.
That said, there are some things the builders simply must do. In addition to construction work, they should source materials themselves and lay the foundations. They often have trader discounts with suppliers, which is essential as building materials continue to rise nationwide. Interfering overmuch can distract builders, create errors, and ultimately extend the project and its costs, so know where to be involved and when to back down.
If you built an extension that overreaches and doesn’t meet your core needs, overspending could occur, and do-overs may be necessary. Plan and budget well, discuss your designs with the professionals and enact a clear vision.
Author: Ryan Byrne
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