New build advice
Discussion
I have secured a plot and have started initial talks with a couple of architects, one firm I am talking to will manage the whole project, draw, plan, appoint builders, spec and finish, which appeals as I am no builder and the plot itself is a few hundred miles from where I live. Basically I am looking at a high end project, I've been quoted £200 psf for the whole deal, seems a lot to me but I am new to this.
I've done some cursory checks on one of the firms and their finances look weak, last filed accounts were end of 2013 and I am concerned that they will want funds in advance. Can anyone direct me as to where or who I can get advice to protect myself from any unscrupulous practice while making sure my pants aren't being pulled down.
I've done some cursory checks on one of the firms and their finances look weak, last filed accounts were end of 2013 and I am concerned that they will want funds in advance. Can anyone direct me as to where or who I can get advice to protect myself from any unscrupulous practice while making sure my pants aren't being pulled down.
If you live a few hundred miles from the site, then some sort of project manager is going to be essential.
Whilst you're right to do your research, if it's a small firm of architects, then their abbreviated accounts published on companies house may not provide a terribly good guide to their true financial strength or weakness.
I've used the same architect to manage a number of projects and both he and the builders were paid in staged payments as this ensured it was in their interests to work together. I wouldn't agree to pay 100% up front.
Without more detail, then it's impossible to know whether thats a fair price, but I'd certainly be looking for several quotes. Though remember that this is not something to buy on price alone as a really good project manager will not only ensure the build goes smoothly, but may also save you money on the overall cost.
Whilst you're right to do your research, if it's a small firm of architects, then their abbreviated accounts published on companies house may not provide a terribly good guide to their true financial strength or weakness.
I've used the same architect to manage a number of projects and both he and the builders were paid in staged payments as this ensured it was in their interests to work together. I wouldn't agree to pay 100% up front.
Without more detail, then it's impossible to know whether thats a fair price, but I'd certainly be looking for several quotes. Though remember that this is not something to buy on price alone as a really good project manager will not only ensure the build goes smoothly, but may also save you money on the overall cost.
Blue62 said:
I have secured a plot and have started initial talks with a couple of architects, one firm I am talking to will manage the whole project, draw, plan, appoint builders, spec and finish, which appeals as I am no builder and the plot itself is a few hundred miles from where I live. Basically I am looking at a high end project, I've been quoted £200 psf for the whole deal, seems a lot to me but I am new to this.
I've done some cursory checks on one of the firms and their finances look weak, last filed accounts were end of 2013 and I am concerned that they will want funds in advance. Can anyone direct me as to where or who I can get advice to protect myself from any unscrupulous practice while making sure my pants aren't being pulled down.
I think all companies would want funds in advance and you can also include a 5% retention, which ensures that the builders fix any post build niggles and there will be many of those! I've done some cursory checks on one of the firms and their finances look weak, last filed accounts were end of 2013 and I am concerned that they will want funds in advance. Can anyone direct me as to where or who I can get advice to protect myself from any unscrupulous practice while making sure my pants aren't being pulled down.
Horses for courses. Architect' degrees are a BA, their "gift" is in aesthetics; getting the looks, materials and finessing the design. Quantity Surveyors can tend to know the cost of everything and the value of nothing. But they do know how to make contractors jump through hoops.
For a domestic property, a small Architect firm with a good reputation for quality design is a good starting point. Check properties they have already done, see if you like what they do and how they translated their client's requirements. If they also have in-house project managers, then all the better.
Personally, I would appoint the Architect for the detailed design & specification and then tender the construction to reputable builders in the area, these should also be NHBC registered.
The trouble with £200/sq ft is that £180 could save you 10% , and being wrong in the other direction could blow a huge hole in your budget. The actual number will depend on your level of finish - marble is much more expensive than polished concrete etc. Doing the gardens, external walls and driveways all cost money, but can vary massively in specification.
For a domestic property, a small Architect firm with a good reputation for quality design is a good starting point. Check properties they have already done, see if you like what they do and how they translated their client's requirements. If they also have in-house project managers, then all the better.
Personally, I would appoint the Architect for the detailed design & specification and then tender the construction to reputable builders in the area, these should also be NHBC registered.
The trouble with £200/sq ft is that £180 could save you 10% , and being wrong in the other direction could blow a huge hole in your budget. The actual number will depend on your level of finish - marble is much more expensive than polished concrete etc. Doing the gardens, external walls and driveways all cost money, but can vary massively in specification.
Thanks John, I'm still at the early stages and want to meet a few local architects, this particular firm handle the whole project from start to finish, including appointing builders and project managing. From what I have seen so far their work is in line with what I want, but I will have to do a lot more checking yet. One big concern is how the funds/stage payments are handled and what assurances I would have, on a project of this size (4000q ft) I could get into serious trouble quite quickly.
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