Managing a home renovation project is not easy. The process involves many moving parts, and it’s easy to underestimate how long each stage of the design and construction process will take.
To run a successful project, you will need to strike the right balance between time, cost and site quality, and manage variables such as consultant and builder availability, statutory consents (the time it takes to gain council and legal approvals) and the supply of labour and materials.
Below are ten time-saving tips to ensure your renovation schedule stays on track.
Carefully plan your project before you start. The time you invest at the beginning will pay dividends later.
Research potential architects and builders you’d like to work with. Explore architectural websites like Designs in Detail for inspiration and guidance on costs and timescales. Prepare a simple briefing document to help you set out your aspirations and requirements.
Investing in the services of a good architect will ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible, saving you time and stress in the long run.
Architects are experts in all aspects of building design and construction. As well as offering creative design skills, they can prepare technical drawings and specifications, coordinate specialist information provided by other consultants and administer the building contract, so the site works are built correctly, on time and on budget.
If time is of the essence, don’t over complicate the design. A simple rectilinear extension will take a lot less time to manage and build.
For most types of home extension, a good architect will be able to use their experience to advise on what is possible in planning terms.
Unlike planning applications, which must be decided within a set period, pre-application advice is not bound by any statutory time limits. Councils try to return advice within 8 weeks, but it can take a lot longer.
Many home extensions can be built under permitted development, which means you may not have to factor a planning period into your programme.
If planning permission or Prior Approval is required before your building works can start on site, appoint an architect to submit the application on your behalf to make sure the process runs smoothly.
Finding a good, experienced builder is crucial to delivering a successful project. Good builders are in high demand and the sooner you understand your options, the better. You may have to wait up to a year until their next available slot.
Contact building companies as soon as you have a general design firmed up – usually at planning submission stage. While you will not have enough information at planning stage to get a super accurate estimate (this happens at technical design stage), you will be able to start negotiations and understand outline build costs.
Take time to research materials, products, fixtures and fittings, and select those that can be delivered within your desired timeframe. For example, avoid choosing supply items that are manufactured on long lead-in times if you have limited time to complete the project.
To reduce time pressures on site, source materials and labour that are local and in plentiful supply, whenever possible.
Getting your neighbours on board can save you a lot of time and expense, especially if you need to set up a party wall agreement with them before starting work on site. If your neighbours are supportive of your plans, a simple party wall agreement can be concluded within a matter of days. If they dissent to the works, it can take several weeks, at considerable expense, to resolve.
It pays to begin discussions as soon as possible so you can gauge their reaction and manage the design and project programme accordingly.
Using a standard form of building contract can save you a lot of time and expense during the building phase of your project. As well as setting out the timeframe for the works, it will clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the main parties involved. This helps reduce uncertainty and the risk of delays.
Moving out while work takes place will speedup the site phase.
If you stay at home, the builder will need to section off parts of the property to contain site operations (temporary partitions and kitchens) and organise trades to minimise disruption to you. If the site is offered under vacant possession, they can set up the site and organise the works in the most efficient way.
Staying at home usually works out cheaper, but it comes at the expense of the programme.
How long does it take to build an extension?
A simple, single-storey extension will take about three to four months to build. Larger more complex extensions, such as a two-storey addition, is likely to take more than six months to build.
How quickly can I build a loft conversion?
A simple rear dormer loft conversion will take about six weeks to build.
Do I need to move out while building an extension?
If the building work is confined to a single part of your property, it is possible to live on site while the works take place. If your extension is part of a whole house refurbishment, you should consider arranging temporary accommodation.
If living on site, you will need to factor in additional site set-up costs – temporary kitchen, partitions/screens etc – and possibly a longer works programme.
Credit - Main image - Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
About the author: Aron Coates is an architect with over two decades of experience, encompassing projects ranging from the restoration of historic buildings to the design of contemporary homes.
The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and educational purposes only. At Designs in Detail, we advise you appoint a skilled residential architect to provide specific expert advice for your project.
