Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

Renovating Old House - first steps in assessing costs?

Options
2»

Comments

  • Options
    #32
    robd
    Registered Users Posts: 951 ✭✭✭robd


    maggymay66 wrote: »
    We are in a similar situation where we are about to view an old cottage in need of total overhaul. Wondering how things turned out for you and what advice you took - Builder, QS or Structural Engineer? Were the quotes accurate or way off the mark? Huge undertaking, but husband works in construction industry (not a builder unfortunately!) so maybe slightly easier to manage!!??

    Looked into buying something similar. Pulled out in the end as couldn't get it for price where we thought worked when renovation costs were added in.

    Architect was estimating at €120 p/ft2 (€1200 p/sqm) + 13.5% VAT + professional fees of about 12k. Was pretty shocked at price so got builder to quote. Came in at €98 p/ft2 (€980 p/sqm) + 13.5% VAT + professional fees.

    Sellers still don't realise how much an extensive refurb actually costs. Also you need cash for the refurb as banks aren't lending for this. Labour costs have gone down but building regulations (and common sense) require much higher levels of insulation which reduces savings.

    Think it's actually better value to buy a fully done up place at the moment. In fact there was a house down road from one we looked to buy, fully done up for less than purchase cost + refurb costs. I was pretty shocked by this given number of buyers with cash to to refurbs should be low. But there you go.


  • Options
    #33
    engineermike
    Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 280 ✭✭engineermike


    Hi,
    I would advise in the first instance that a structural engineering survey - (pre-purchase survey) prior to buying the property would be outlining issues with the existing structure - A survey can be carried out with a view to your requirements for the property (attic conversion, extension etc.).
    Secondly:
    This would give a working document that can then be passed to your chosen contractors - for PC sum estimation. (Prime Cost sum ).
    No Contractors should be charging for quotes or advice these days, its a component of working up to winning a contract - particularly in the residential sector.

    With a working knowledge of what is proposed your engineer can give a fee proposal for the design, monitoring & certification of final structure.

    Your survey report can also serve as a discussion document if you have an architectural provision for the renovation and / or addition.
    A property - fixer upper or otherwise is no different to any other product on the market - If you 'Tailor' something, a premium may be involved.

    A QS would normally be brought in when idea's have been sounded out and plan / spec. are available - and savings are then made in conjunction with build timeline - quantity, but a budget overrun should always be factored in.

    Personally I believe the extra cost to buying an 'off the shelf' similar property can be recouped in -Energy design and use, well managed space & light to suit your family and the inherent value in years to come -through having created a unique space & energy efficient building.
    Mike F :)


Advertisement