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How can a qualified architectural designer save you money?

3rd December 2024/0 Comments/in Articles /by Mark Baldwin

Saving your money is `in the design`. The way a project is built is key. Very similar completed buildings can cost the client a very different amount. The choice of contracts, systems, materials and design details ; all have a cost to you the client.

Every line on a drawing represents a cost. Every person on site represents a cost.

Fixtures and fittings can sometimes cost more than the building`s structure.

Firstly, considering the `contract`. It can be more efficient, for all, if you employ labour only ; and supply the materials. Labour on a building project sometimes accounts for a whopping 66% ( 2/3 ) of a project`s cost. This will also give you more control over materials and quality. A design and build contract can be effective, where the architectural designer and builder are working together.

With regards to systems – your foundation type may save time and money on site e.g. screw piles. The floor joists can be latticed or `metsec` joists in lieu of traditional timber. Beams can be laminated glulam timber. Walls can be timber frame or sips panels. Bathroom pods can be prefabricated construction off-site and craned in. Indeed, modular prefabricated complete houses are here now. Roof sheets can be laid quicker than individual tiles.

A log home can be energy-efficient and cost-effective. There are new products on the market such as standing seam roof sheets with integrated bonded solar panels, underfloor heating within the chipboard floorboarding, a sleek compact platform home lift, a lightweight structural system for loft conversions, natural wood windows with alumininium cladding, timber-aluminium lift sliding doors, ground source heat pump ( 0% vat ) and authentic upvc sash windows.

Materials can be at least 30% of build costs. Many similar or identical materials, and products, can differ vastly in price. I would normally specify a product or material, or an equivalent. An example of a cheaper equivalent are concrete blocks – these vary a great deal in cost from Merchant to Merchant. Another real-life example is ironmongery – I remember I took over a Project, the previous Architect specified ironmongery which was expensive and difficult to obtain ; we managed to source a better product for less.

Design details can affect time and money. If a detail is fiddly on site, it will cost more. There are certainly more than one way to design a detail. You are better to pick `off the peg` items especially where they are not seen, and choose a few `wow` features to spend your money on.

An architectural designer will consider functionality, but also the environment and energy efficiency. The use of space and use of materials are key. Low maintenance products and reduced running costs will save you money after build completion over time.

An architectural designer can in planning your project, specify the exact materials, saving material waste cost and labour savings.

Spaces can be visualised before they are built.

All leglislation and regulations can be complied with before work commences on site, saving potential fines and delays.

An architectural designer can provide cost-effective design solutions. Specifying the right product will save time and money. Through spending more time on the design, site time ( and associated costs ) will be reduced. Detailed drawings will save time and money on site, so no `extras` are forthcoming.

All design drawings and Specifications can be costed by an quantity surveyor/estimator, prior to construction.

Assistance can be provided during construction, to answer questions, solve problems and review/co-ordinate to avoid delays. It is important to be flexible once on site, because there are sometimes unforeseen eventualities with labour and materials.

Planning Permission can be gained efficiently and buildability issues can be ironed out before construction.

The management of the tender process is important, as is putting forward the best contractors for the project. The choice of building contract, and its clauses can make a difference. Money can be saved on site by avoiding changes and delays.

An architectural designer who is a professional has codes of conduct to follow ; and so no extra commissions are taken or added to the cost.

Open communication is key to achieving cost savings.

Choosing a designer to get good value for money is difficult. However, a good designer should save you, at least their fees.

Lastly, the resultant design will add value, greater than what it cost you, to your building. So you can enjoy your new bespoke building, often `rent-free`, because you can normally sell for more!.

Who should run your building project? – an Architect, Builder/Contractor, Surveyor ; or all 3?, a comparison.

5th November 2024/0 Comments/in Articles /by Mark Baldwin

Architect`s Fees can be expensive. They traditionally charge on a percentage basis.

Communication may not be effective, where a Client`s vision and Architect`s Design may differ.

An Architect may not be a good fit for a Client, who would prefer more control.

Architects` are traditionally trained and their working style may not be compatible with you the client.

Some Architects` are not practical in their designs. They may not have been trained technically in building construction. Architects` do not generally prioritise cost efficiency. Architects` are not always responsible for errors, omissions or construction defects.

What about employing a Builder or Contractor. Many Clients` say their builder did not do a good job, they did not do what was agreed, they did not do the work on time, they charged more than expected, something was not installed properly e.g. kitchen or boiler, they did something which was dangerous or unsafe.

All of these problems can be avoided: check if you need permissions or approvals, find a good builder or contractor, get quotes before diciding on who to use, check there is insurance in place, get a written contract, and be prepared to deal with problems.

One of the most common sources of dispute between builders and clients are payment issues. It is essential to establish clear payment terms upfront. Delays in completion is another source of dispute. It is essential to have a clear timeline and schedule in place before construction commences. The quality of work / workmanship is sometimes in dispute. The contract should include the standards to be met, and regular inspections are needed to meet expectations and address issues. Changes to the scope of work can lead to disputes. These should be agreed and reflected in the contract and other documents prior to implementation. Lastly, poor communication is a common cause of disputes. These can lead to delays, errors and other issues. It is essential that all parties understand how and when they can contact each other.

A surveyor should be qualified with RICS, unlike a double glazing salesman. There are many types of surveyor. Building surveyors carry out Homebuyer surveys ; others provide valuations, party wall awards and rent reviews. Be sure you the client employs a surveyor who specialises in the type of service you want. Ideally, your surveyor should be local to your area. Can they work swiftly, to keep up with a construction project?. Is your surveyor independent or are they employed by a large corporate firm?. I prioritise quality over quantity. I as an experienced local professsional normally have more time to assist and advise my clients`. I can check and comment on specific areas of concern e.g. advise on the potential for a loft or basement conversion or a home extension ; or indeed pay special attention to a particular damp or cracking issue. The price/valuation of a property is obviously important to the owner. I can advise on the market value with regards to any defects noted ; and a resultant value following incurring the cost of construction works: is it worth the money?. I quote fixed surveyors fees. Not all surveyors quote this way. Finally, if there is severe cracking or structural movement in your property, it may make sense to employ a structural engineer. I work with my structural engineer on a daily basis almost.

I am a Chartered Surveyor myself, I have worked for and with other surveyors` ; and in my opinion, a sole surveyor is not equipped to deal with all aspects of a building project.

Building projects can be a stressful and complicated process. It is sensible to have a professional to lead you through.

I understand the roles of all parties within a construction project, and know how to bring them together. I aim to minimise stress and ensure a successful outcome.

Maybe a combination of an Architectural, Surveyor and Professional Building Consultant is what you, the client, are looking for?.

Extending your house

17th May 2023/0 Comments/in Uncategorised /by Mark Baldwin

Extending your house is the best way to increase its value, but not every owner can do this cost-effectively.

While there are many Architectural Designers, some Plans are worthless. An Extension and/or Conversion can de-value the building. With my Architectural, Surveying and Building background, I have created a USP.

I have distilled down what you need to know to create property profit and avoid mistakes.