Creating your own unique space that fits your family’s individual needs and lifestyle is an exciting prospect. More than ever, we want to create homes that are tailor-made to suit our needs.
To manage a project of this scale takes a considerable amount of planning and organisation to ensure that it runs smoothly and within budget. Here are four tips on how to manage a successful self-build.
Get organised
As with any project you have to manage, you will need to be incredibly organised. There will be lots of moving parts, and you could easily become overwhelmed. At the outset, choose the right organisational system that fits your style of management.
Keep track of everything. Schedule and plan your deadlines carefully. Have alerts and deadline tracking set up from the beginning.
Secure Finance
There are several ways to finance your renovation or build. For example, you can either sell your existing home or secure a mortgage.
Consider using a free mortgage broker service such as Trussle for advice and support when choosing the right mortgage for your project. Not only can they guide you in selecting the right mortgage, but they can also provide extra assurance that you have allowed for the right costs and set the correct budget for the project needs. Using a mortgage adviser is an excellent way of taking a little stress out of your build.
The right advice from a mortgage broker can help you secure the funds you need to build your dream home and start you off on the right track. It’s vital to factor in a contingency for unexpected issues or fees.
Have a realistic timeline
When setting a timeline, what we want and what is realistic are often two very different things. Avoid frustration and disappointments by setting a realistic and workable timeline for the beginning. Planning strict deadlines and sticking to them as closely as possible is crucial.
Discuss with your contractor and tradespeople to establish an estimate on how long each step of your build will take. There will always be unexpected setbacks and problems with a project of this nature, so make sure to leave plenty of room for error. Try to anticipate potential setbacks ahead of time.
Hiring a contractor
Choosing the right contractor is crucial. Take your time searching and interviewing potential contractors. Don’t just hire someone you already know or the cheapest option. Look for a reliable contractor with a proven record and good reputation.
Interviewing is also important because it will give you a good idea of whether or not you can have a good working relationship. You will work closely together for many months, so good rapport and communication are essential. Remember, you are investing your money and time, so be picky when it comes to choosing a contractor.
Before you embark on your self-build project, do plenty of research and understand what it means to take on a project of this scale. Remember also to enjoy the process and what you will learn along the way.
