3 minute read
House Works
from Hitchin June 2021
by Villager Mag
If you’ve decided to make home improvements rather than move, remodelling your property could be in your 2021 plans. Whether it’s an extension or knocking down a wall to make a barrier-free space, you’ll likely need more than DIY skills to bring your dreams to life. As a rule, you should plan twice, execute once, and for that you’ll need to call the professionals.
Interior Designer
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An interior designer will help you plan your living space to suit your lifestyle, even coming up with ideas that you’d never considered. This will save you time and money when you engage other professionals as you’ll have a much clearer idea of what you want and why.
Architect
An architect will focus mostly on the artistry and design of your proposed changes and will bring your ideas to life with architectural drawings. They will know the construction industry’s working methods and standards, and can guide you through the complex procedures of planning, building regulations and contractual arrangements.
Architect/Planning Agent
The architect will handle the planning permission process for you, either dealing with it themselves or through a separate agent. Some changes to your property can be done without planning permission (known as ‘Permitted Development’) but for most larger alterations you will need to submit a planning application to your local authority. The architect/planning agent will be your liaison with the council’s planners, and will assist you in preparing the application, providing the council with relevant information, responding to raised concerns and negotiating changes.
Structural Engineer
An architect focuses more on the artistry and design of the building, while a structural engineer focuses more on the technical and structural side. An engineer makes sure that the building is functional and safe, and particularly if you need bigger modifications, this technical element is essential.
Builder
All the services involved in preparing for the work will cost, but the actual build itself is likely to use the bulk of your budget. Sometimes the designer or architect will be able to give you
a recommendation but whoever you use, ensure you follow due diligence. The quality of the work is important but, amongst other checks you make, you will want to know that your builder is reliable and open to discussing your ideas. Note that is your responsibility to request an itemised schedule of works and have a clear process on how variations from that schedule will be dealt with, including payments.
Project Manager
Project management is not as simple as ordering materials and engaging the trades yourself. There are many Health & Safety and Construction Design & Management principles that need to be adhered to. Your builder will usually offer to project manage or you can engage a separate person.
Keep a record
Finally, make sure you have contracts in place as this protects all parties. Remember that as the homeowner you are legally responsible for ensuring that all structural or alteration work complies with building standards and, when you eventually sell your property, your buyer’s solicitor will want to see that paperwork. Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
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