Self Build BlogAnother option - local developer and project manager
As a third option for taking this project on, I met with a local developer and project manager.
A slightly different company from a builder, as they are able to offer a complete design-to-build service. But as the initial design stage has already been done, I met to discuss how to move forward one stage at a time.
Obviously there are so many unknowns when designing a house, that there is no accurate way to calculate how much it will cost to actually build it. So, with this mind, I need to know whether I’ll be able to afford to raise the funds required to build this house - otherwise there is no point in doing anything else.
Having spent some time with this company today, it is clear that a certain amount will have to be spent in order to get the answer to that question. In order to get a build quote from a builder, they will require a certain level of detail in the drawings and specs, that don’t exist yet. They will need detailed drawings for the foundations, house structure, finishes, and the other things involved such as the services (water, electric, gas, sewerage, telephone) and landscaping.
This is quite frustrating, as if the build doesn’t go ahead, then it will be waisted effort. But on the other hand, if it does go ahead, then all this stuff will have to be done anyway, so it’s all required in the long run.
Anyway, they are going to produce a quote for me, consisting of 2 phases. The 1st phase will be the minimum amount of work that will be required to get quotes from builders. The 2nd phase will be everything else, should the project move forward, which will need to be done before the build can commence.
