What is a building consultant?
A building consultant is a professional person who helps with both general and specific tasks, to ensure a desirable outcome for the management of a building. This could start at the pre-planning stages before a building is even constructed. They help to minimise risk and manage liability, Finding the right building consultancy to work with will ensure that your build is always in safe hands.
Why would I need to employ a building consultant to help me manage my building project?
Not everyone needs to employ a building consultant for their building project, but if you feel you need some help, support or advice to ensure your building project runs smoothly, or if you are spending tens of thousands of pounds on what may be a once in a life time venture, especially a home improvement, then a building consultant is definitely worth considering.
What are the benefits of employing a building consultant?
Building consultant can make the whole building process much easier and less stressful. Knowing you have an experienced person working on your side is a big relief. The consultant will make you aware of what to expect, eliminate rogue builders, reduce the cost, help with asking the right questions, and ensure the build stays on target.
Can I still employ you if I have already engaged an architect or designer?
Yes, we not only help our existing clients with building consultancy, but new clients who need some extra support that their architect or designer may not be able to offer.
What should I do next if I am considering hiring you as my building consultant?
Call or email us to discuss any concerns or questions that you may have. We can then assess the stage of your project, and discuss a proposal to suit your needs and requirements.
If I employ you to be my building consultant, what happens next?
We will take details of your home improvement and ask for a copy of your proposed drawings. We will check and confirm that your drawings are all in order, then your personal dedicated building surveyor will visit your property for a design consultation, and will get the ball rolling.
Can you recommend more than three builders?
Yes! We can recommend as many builders as you need. We understand that you need to feel comfortable with your building contractor, so it may take more than three.
Do you hold on to any of our money and pay the builders on our behalf?
No, we do not hold onto any of your money. It is your money.
Do you vet builder’s insurance documents?
Yes, we always check the building contractor’s insurance details.
How many times will your building surveyors visit the site?
One of our building surveyors will visit within the first week after your building work starts, and then every week. A visit will also occur when required, or at your request. You can have as many site visits as you wish.
Can I take out an insurance policy to cover my building project in case something goes wrong?
Yes of course, but it is very costly. On your typical single rear extension or loft conversion, the cost will be around 10% of the build cost, or about £10k. Nobody does this as it is too tricky and expensive. If in doubt, ask your own insurance company.
Can I use my own building contractors to carry out my build works?
Yes, we are more than happy to work with any professional building company, provided they pass our vetting stage.
If we choose our own builder, do you still vet them?
Yes, we carry out vetting checks as we do for all of our builders.
Do you assess every builder’s quote we receive?
Yes, we review every builder’s quotation including the pre-construction information.
