Your family is growing. You need more space but don’t want to move.
You decide to extend your home. A new kitchen would be nice. Maybe a wrap-around extension with bi-fold doors and a new patio. The bathroom is looking a bit tired too. Might as well fit those new windows and re-decorate whilst you’re at it. Before you know it you’ve got an amazing set of architect plans and your original, modest building project and budget has doubled in size to something that’s beginning to look a bit scary.
When you’re looking to cut costs it’s hard to see how employing the services of a construction project manager can help. Surely it’s just another additional cost. Obviously it’s just a waste of money. I can manage my building project myself – right?
No, (probably) wrong.
But to help you make up your mind, here are a few things you need to ask yourself:-
- Time – do I have the time to pull together the design details, put the work out to tender, select and then deal with contractors and check the quality of the work onsite? Can I be onsite promptly with little notice for an urgent query?
- Knowledge – if something goes wrong do I know the best way to resolve it? Can I talk knowledgably with the contractor and make sure my best interests (rather than his) come first?
- Stress – what happens if there’s an issue with the finish or the builder starts to disappear before he finishes the job. Do you have the confidence and tenacity to sort it all out? Can you and your family deal with the additional stress?
- Budget – most of us have a fairly strict budget we need to work to; can you afford to overspend? If you need to get a quote do you know the fair price for the job? Do you have the time to chase quotes and keep track of your spend to budget?
If the answer to any of those questions is no then you’d be better to consider getting the expert support of a professional construction project manager.
On large projects often the money spent is recouped by better procurement, reduced overspends on wasted materials, faulty workmanship, or other costs associated with project over-run problems such as storage unit rental etc.
Not to mention the valuable peace of mind it gives you and your family.
The Charlie Laing construction project management and QS team exist so that your building project doesn’t take over your life or your bank account. We prevent work running overtime and ensure the job is properly planned, quoted and that you are protected through a formal building contract.
Are project managers a waste of money? Definitely not.
If you’re thinking of building an extension and you’d like to hear more about how the Charlie Laing Project management team can help you, then why not give us a call on 01923 896550 or email us at mail@charlielaing.com.
