Learn from an expert: Discover proven strategies to lower construction expenses in our masterclass, taught by Quantity Surveyor and Build Cost Expert Tim Phillips.
**Expert Advice on Cost Management for Self-Build and Renovation Projects**
For anyone embarking on a self-build or renovation project, the task of managing costs can be daunting. However, enlisting the help of a quantity surveyor can significantly ease this burden, as demonstrated by Tim Phillips, Homebuilding's build cost expert, who boasts over 35 years of experience in the construction industry.
In a series of three episodes, Tim, along with building expert Michael Holmes, discusses the crucial role of a quantity surveyor in cost management. They delve into topics such as the tender process, value engineering, and strategies for maintaining budget control throughout the project's lifecycle.
During Episode 2, Tim explains the tender process and the essential information needed to gather for accurate and trustworthy quotes. Preparing comprehensive, clear, and accurate tender documents is key to this process. Detailed architectural and engineering plans, a thorough cost plan, documentation outlining project requirements, an itemized schedule of work and materials, and historical cost data are all crucial components.
Tim's expertise extends beyond the tender process. In Episode 3, he discusses value engineering to help bring down the cost of unaffordable quotes. He also provides advice on what to do if costs start to spiral, ensuring that project costs remain under control.
In addition to Tim's advice, the Homebuilding & Renovating Newsletter offers expert advice, how-to guides, design inspiration, and two free tickets to a Homebuilding & Renovating Show. Future episodes will feature landscape design tips from garden designers Lucy Willcox and Will Cooke, and advice on getting the most from your architect with Allan Corfield, RIBA chartered architect.
Michael Holmes, Homebuilding & Renovating's Director of Content, Vice Chair of the National Custom and Self Build Association, and author of Renovating for Profit, also contributes to the series. His extensive experience in the industry, coupled with his status as a presenter of multiple property TV shows, provides valuable insights into cost management and project execution.
By working with a quantity surveyor and preparing detailed, accurate tender documentation, self-builders and renovators can secure competitive, realistic quotes and ensure cost control throughout their projects.
- Tim Phillips, as Homebuilding's build cost expert, emphasizes the importance of a quantity surveyor in managing costs for self-build and renovation projects.
- In a tender process, accurate and trustworthy quotes are vital; this requires comprehensive, clear, and detailed tender documents, including architectural and engineering plans, cost plans, documentation outlining project requirements, and an itemized schedule of work and materials.
- Historical cost data is also crucial for understanding cost trends and making informed decisions during the tender process.
- Value engineering, discussed in Episode 3, can help reduce costs when quotations are unaffordable.
- As costs can sometimes spiral during projects, Tim offers advice on maintaining budget control, ensuring project costs remain under control.
- The Homebuilding & Renovating Newsletter offers expert advice, guides, design inspiration, and two free tickets to a Homebuilding & Renovating Show.
- With the help of technology such as data-and-cloud-computing, online education platforms like online-education can provide valuable learning resources for education-and-self-development in project execution and cost management.
