How to make your project a cost-effective, stress-free success
WORDS JAYNE DOWLE
Michael Collins Architects added a new kitchen-diner and a studio in the loft.
(michaelcollins architects.com)
Planning a refurbishment well in advance of the actual construction work is the best way to have everything go without a hitch – as far as is practically possible. A major project may take up to a year or more, and it’s worth taking as much time as necessary at the planning stage to avoid the need for big decisions later in the process, which will almost certainly extend the completion date and incur extra costs. ‘You must be disciplined,’ says architect Michael Collins (michaelcollinsarchitects.com). ‘Sorting out your priorities into must-haves and nice-to-haves is a good way to steer the design through to delivery and ensure you keep to a budget.’
Find your inspiration
Be clear about what you want from the renovation, whether to gain extra space or to reconfigure what you have to make better use of the footprint. Is improving the building’s thermal efficiency a priority, and will that include new glazing? Do you need better services such as electrical wiring or a water pressure boost and new outlets? Which new and/or bigger rooms do you want? Could the layout work better?
Look for examples of schemes similar to what you’re aiming for and research the architects and build firms behind them. ‘Home interest magazines, websites and social media platforms such as Pinterest (pinterest. co.uk) are showcases for new projects,’ says architect Ben Edgeley at Conform (conformarchitects.com). ‘Keep a record of what you like and, crucially, why.’
Invest your money wisely
Once you know exactly what you want from the scheme and have set a budget, one way to ensure everything you spend represents the best value for money is to agree a strategy with your architect, designer, project manager or builder. Put yourself in charge
