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When Will I Know Exactly What My New Home Will Cost?

As a construction project progresses through the architectural design process, the definition of the budget increases at key stages. At the earliest design stage, the budget begins as an architect’s estimate based on their experience working with similar projects. When design drawings are produced, they can be referred to a quantity surveyor for a cost plan to guide decisions in a more detailed way. Several builders may provide quotations for the work, which must be checked and may be subject to additional negotiation.

Attic Conversions- What You Really Need to Know

Attic conversions have always been a popular option for low cost storage space or another bedroom. The standard of construction was historically poor. Converting at attic to proper standards is not difficult, but it but it's no longer a "low cost" option. Beware of companies offering to convert your attic cheaply. They could create expensive and potentially dangerous defects.

Can I Extend and Renovate my “Fixer Upper” for €100,000? A First Time Buyer’s Renovation Budget Explained

In 2013, €100,000 was like a king’s ransom to most businesses in the Irish construction industry. Now clients approach us...

Why are Architectural Fees for “Tiny” Projects Prohibitively High?

We recently received a Quotation Request Form from a new client, relating to a really small front porch for their...

8 Reasons why you can no longer build a house without professional services.

8 Reasons why you can no longer build a house without professional services.

A new client recently asked if it was possible just to hire an architect for design and planning permission stages,...

10 Easy Steps for a Fantastic Home Renovation Experience

It’s possible that these simple measures could add 15%- 20% to the construction budget, but they have the potential to...

Multi- Family Home Extension- A New Approach to Traditional Rural Housing

Rural families in Ireland have a strong tradition of building houses on family land. This goes to the core of...

Construction FAQ: How long does it take to develop planning permission into construction drawings?

This is a response to a recent query on our website; it’s something all clients ask us so we decided...

Hurricane Damage Scene

How Do I Check my Insurance Needs Before starting Building Work on My Home?

This is a common question, and it applies to all projects, after a builder has been selected, while the building...

Achieve Luxury at the Right Price- Architects’ Buying Tips for Your New Kitchen

Achieve Luxury at the Right Price- Architects’ Buying Tips for Your New Kitchen

In the last number of months we have seen enormous differences in the quality, price-transparency and service offered by kitchen...

Man and woman shaking hands

Project Manager- Your Design Team FAQ

“Project Manager” is a widely used term; it is also widely mis- understood in the context of the building industry....

Assigned Certifier Services Re-imagined to Add Value

Assigned Certifier Services Re-imagined to Add Value

Worried about Building Control? The government created the complex new building control system in response to Priory Hall, but DKAD...

Image of digger breaking ground in garden of protected structure

What Unforeseen Factors Can Increase my Home Renovation Budget?

          Many clients fear the risk of unplanned cost increases. Investigation at design stage, and careful...

What Does Standard Construction Look LIke?

What Does Standard Construction Look LIke?

“Standard Construction” In Ireland and the UK, standard residential construction is commonly understood to refer to the level of specification...

What is a Bill of Quantities?

A bill of quantities (BoQ) is essentially a very long, carefully prepared shopping list for the parts and labour needed....

What Does “Reinstatement Value” Mean?

This is a term coined by the insurance industry to define the amount of money they may pay out if...

What is a Quantity Surveyor and Do I Need One?

What is a Quantity Surveyor and Do I Need One?

These cost control tasks can be done by the architect OR with the assistance of a quantity surveyor: Cost control...

What is a Tender Process?

What is a Tender Process?

Key Steps in A Tender Process: A technical design is prepared by the architects and engineers. The quantity surveyor (if...

Creation of the Bill of Quantities

Creation of the Bill of Quantities

When a scheme design has been completed, a quantity surveyor may be employed by the client to advise on the...

What is A Schedule of Rates?

What is A Schedule of Rates?

A schedule of rates is a breakdown of the parts of a building by category, which is prepared by builders...

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