Find the right approach for your project.
First things first what are the most common methods to get from the idea in your head to the space you want built. Once you have an idea, (and a source of funds) then you need to think about how that vision gets from you to the finished product.
There are generally 2 ways of for a project to be delivered. Firstly there is a Design and Build method and secondly the traditional method. Both have advantages and disadvantages. A number of builders will only do one method or the other but here at Hartwood we are pleased to offer both methods and indeed we even sneak in a third method which may suit some people. More of that later but first let’s have a look at the two methods.
Design And Build
So, you have the idea, you can see the dream in your mind, you have the resources to make this a reality, but you have no idea where to start and frankly a professional team to help you through the process would really help. Design and Build may be just what you need. Whilst many people think it is a case of getting an architect and sorting some plans, organise a builder and off you go there can sometimes be a whole lot more involved. You may need a planning consultant, (for a big project), you will most probably need an engineer of some sort, you might need a garden designer, a long with your architect and builder. With design and build this is all taken care of for you. A design and build business will have consultants who often work together and can be brought together for your project, thus making for a streamline project with good communication and using a team that has experience no doubt there will be time efficiencies. At this stage you will also get to know the build team and form a strong relationship with them, before they bring a spade to start digging your land or a sledge hammer to knock down a wall. (Now that is a benefit). Furthermore with a design and build team may mean that during the planning stage of your project the build team can get geared up to start the build which can be time efficient.
I know what you are thinking, this sounds an expensive way to build, well in fact often it can be the most effective and efficient. Why? Well under this method you have the builder as part of your team from the beginning and they will constantly be in conversation with you and your architect so that whilst you dream is forthcoming, you builder can keep an eye on the plan and help you tweak ideas whilst having an overview of likely costs. There are times when people have tremendous plans produced for buildings and sadly they stay on the page and are never built as once the project goes out to tender there is a realization that the project would blow the budget
So the upside for design and build is; having all your consultants under one roof, having easy channels of communication, keeping an eye on likely spend form the beginning and having a strong relationship with your builder from the beginning.
All this sounds so appealing so what are the downsides? Well you may have less choice for an architect, which is especially important if your project is very design led. You may also have the time and desire to be involved in every single detail and manage a team of consultants yourself. Lastly and crucially this method does link you to one build contractor and so you need to make sure at the beginning you are comfortable with them.
Traditional Methods.
If you are still hanging in on this item then well done for getting here!
If you are to build your space traditionally you would normally get someone, usually an architect, to draw up the plans and get your plans through the planning process if required. After this you would then send you plans to various different build contractors to price during a tender process. The tender to a builder is usually very detailed and is great for big projects.
As mentioned this will mean a bit more heavy lifting (pardon the pun) from you. You will have total control over all the consultants and you will need to do some research to get the team on board you wish for the planning stage. There may be more time commitment from you on the project as you will effectively become the manager of the team. For some this is daunting, for others this is an exciting adventure.
And the pitfalls? In essence these have already been touched upon. During the planning phase you may be less clear on costs and you will have a lot of work to do.
But what is the news?
Well, this is where it gets exciting. We are building contractors and developers so we will help in either scenario, and we will chuck in another scenario for free!
We have the infrastructure to help you with a design and build but we are not dictated by that so if you are looking for us to tender for your work we will be happy to do so.
Furthermore we appreciate that some clients will use us for the design element of their project but then wish to talk to other builders about the actual construction. We are pretty sure that at this stage in your relationship with us you will not want to go elsewhere but you never know and this can be discussed at the outset of the design process.
What should you do from here? Well at least have a cup of tea because this was a long read but after that give us a call. We are always happy to chat and thereafter if you like we can come and see you for free consultation or you can come to have a chat at our office and meet the team. No pressure though, we know you may be at the early stages of your building discovery.