Top tips for self-build projects budgeting
Thinking of taking the plunge and building your own home? Here are some top tips to consider, budget being a huge factor, we can advise on how to plan it properly.
1. Get an accurate costing and leave items in if you think it has been overestimated. This gives you a greater contingency than the standard 15–20 per cent you will add on anyway.
2. Use your quantity surveyor's expertise to help you make sure you get the best deals. Their costings should work as a benchmark when receiving quotes.
3. If you are project managing or on site a lot, you can risk paying your subcontractors on day rates. You will be there to manage deliveries and tidy the site at the end of the day, rather than expecting them to do it.
4. Buy in bulk.
5. Rope in friends and family to help with non-skilled work such as moving materials round the site and tidying up (it's a nice gesture to slip them a bit of cash in return).
6. Get multiple quotes for materials. Loyalty to your regular supplier is a nice idea, but if they can't give you the best deal, look around.
7. Recycle, sell or trade surplus and waste materials from any demolition work.
8. It can sometimes be cheaper to buy and sell on, than hire – even portacabins or portaloos can be bought and sold.
If all of this sounds too complicated and time consuming, then let us take the strain and be your Project Manager for the whole project! It is what we are here for.
Call us on 01423 360622 or make an enquiry to meet our Managing Director, Mark at info@cw-properties.co.uk
