For a renovation and extension project, you’ll need to set up a schedule. The bigger the project, the more time you’ll need to spend doing it. Any DIY element is likely to add time, but savings can be made in a market where labour prices are particularly high.
Remember that in both NI and ROI the building regulations state that if you change a certain amount of the building fabric, you need to upgrade the energy efficiency of your entire house. Energy upgrade grants are well worth investigating in ROI if that’s the case as the grants will apply to all existing parts of the house (but not on the new build portions – so a new roof won’t get to avail of grants for example).
Still in ROI there are grants for derelict properties; liaising with the relevant parties for any of the grants you take out, or for your mortgage, will need to form part of your schedule as it’s likely you’ll need to have the stages signed off on by your engineer or architectural designer.
You’ll also need to get your site organised, meaning you will need to have a place to store materials when they come in, have a toilet and a kettle for people who will be working on your house, you’ll need to sort out the waste – skips and the like may be an issue if you’re in a city location. You’ll have to keep on top of the site being tidy and take time to maintain good relations with your neighbours.
Any work will kick up dust so have a plan in place to zone the house, especially if you will be living there; alternative kitchen and laundry facilities may need to be organised.
Getting the trades lined up, and in the loop of your progress so they come when you need them, is essential. Your electrician, plumber, tiler, whoever is going to be on site will need to know when you need them and for how long. Plan it out and keep on the phone for updates. Also make it clear who is responsible for what before work starts – what do they need to have ready when they start and how will they leave the site.
Oftentimes they will argue that a job is another trade’s responsibility; make sure that other trade will indeed do it. Any jobs that are left in between will be your responsibility if not organised in advance.
