Building a Home Renovating Design Dilemma

contractors and architect

5 years ago

Hi all,

I currently have an architects plan for a new rear extension. The architect has put it to tender with two builders. The first figure came in at €80,000. This outlined every single cost in a detailed report. Unfortunately it’s way above the budget i specified to the architect (€60,000).

The second builder has come back with €60,000. I asked the architect for a price breakdown as before but his response was:

“The contractor has agreed to do the revised works as per my tender drawings. He maintains that this is still very tight from his perspective. The figure therefore is a lump sum to cover all works.”

My concern is that

a) The job will go over budget

b) the job won’t be completed to good quality.

My question is how can I be guaranteed any of the above? I asked for a reference but I feel like the architect might just want this project closed and finished as we started discussions about this last year. Any advice or opinion is much appreciated.

Comment

Related Discussions
We all use Houzz - What other tools do you use?
Q
Comments (12)
I've had a look at free offerings for floor planning software. It depends on the level you want to go to. Sweethome3D http://www.sweethome3d.com/ is truly free because it's open source (no fees if you want to draw more than one plan etc). I've found I can get reasonably detailed with it from layout perspective but I doubt it would be good enough for a drawings for a building permit (although I'm not certain of this). As a graphic designer you'll have an affinity for graphics software. If you want to be able to draw more detailed drawings Id take the time to learn Sketchup. I know some architects use this as their software of choice. I'm definitely with you @Jason Carter - the only way to really control your budget is to plan ahead and choose and price everything that you can think of before you break ground. Otherwise you're in a situation where you have to make quick compromises during the build which leads to mistakes etc. In my work we use requirements tracking tools. I think it would be really helpful to communicate to the contractors exactly what is going to go on in the room - why the extra outlets are there and in the position they're in. That way they have a deeper understanding of why the specs are the way they are and they don't make decisions that detract from the design - they might even come up with suggestions that support the ideas behind the designs.
...See More
Any suggestions for our ground floor layout?
Q
Comments (14)
Jen, are you sure everything is in proportion? I'm asking, because that store seems to be just a bit wider than a door (so about 1 m) which is fine, but doesn't give much space to manoeuvre inside it. Also, a bit too many doors in a small space, but I'm afraid I can't offer you a remedy for that. You have two wide, massive windows and a door in between, I think that will give plenty of light. Personally, I'd just add skylights or a glass roof. Or a long strip of glass all along What you don't seem to have is ventilation windows. Trust me, you're going to want one in the utility, or at least a good fan. Transom style windows could work too if you can open them. I really wish you'd see an architect... there are lots of different, small things that a professional can spot from miles away that you wouldn't even consider. As I said, I regret we didn't; our house is great, but it could've been even better!
...See More
Sun room
Q
Comments (2)
I agree...there are several sun room companies that provide you with everything you need as well as the required paperwork (some counties require a permit above a certain size)...no architect needed. Make sure you do your homework though before you decide on your dream sun room...good luck!
...See More
Win a design consultation at The permanent tsb Ideal Home Show!
Q
Comments (74)
Hello Houzz Ireland, We are currently renovating a 1960's build - so as you know, there is a lot of decisions to be made!! So it would be nice to get some gems of advice from the experts to help us through this daunting task. Areas where we would really like some inspiration for - small bathroom downstairs. I would really like to do something fun with this room and although small, I think it could work really well with some funky wallpaper or possibly tiles?! I'm just not sure what to do with it. Also - pulling a whole house together?! Where do we start? We have the bigger pieces of furniture but how do I know what nest of tables goes best with a suite? Or what accessories will bring a room together? I'm due a second baby in 2 weeks time so any help at this stage would be so amazing - to guide me on the right interior design path for our new house. Thanks, Laurie
...See More

contractors and architect

Comment

Related Discussions

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US