Here are my top tips 6 – 10 – developing the project
6. Do not be put off from talking to building professionals, such as designers, architects or project managers. In the long term it will pay to talk to and then engage the services of one of the above. Your project professional will be able to manage part, or the whole project process for you and save you a lot of headaches and money!
Once you have a shortlist of potential designers or Project managers, ask to see their previous work or take soundings from people they have worked with.
7. Yes there will be a cost for these services but unless you are experienced in managing the process of a build, without help your project could cost you more in overruns than money you thought you would save by doing it yourself.
You can always negotiate a fee and service and use the professional of your choice in smaller ‘bite sized chunks’.
8. Use your wish list, home assessment and the information you’ve gathered so far to brief your designer. This provides a starting point for discussion and ensures that your designer is clear on your priorities.
Sometimes it’s helpful to show your designer magazine photos of homes that you like 9and don’t like!) to give them an idea of the style and feel you want.
Your designer will be able to help you through the planning and building approvals process and prepare all the documents required, including drawings and specification.
9. Design your project to work with your local climate-not against it-it si a cost effective way to stay comfortable and save on energy bills. This is where a good designer can really help. Your climate will influence what kind of construction materials you should use, as well as other aspects like floor plan design and how much glass, shading and insulation you need.
Save money and get that light and airy feel indoors by designing to make the most of daylight.This can be done by facing living rooms towards the midday sun where possible and by using light-coloured paints and finishes inside the house.
10. Many renovators are now choosing to ‘future proof’ their homes through environmentally friendly design and product choices. There is a huge range of innovative products available, from insulated wall panels made from recycled ingredients, to natural paints, to cement that is much less energy-intensive to manufacture. These products look no different to ‘standard’ products, and many are cost competitive.
