Dream Home or Worst Nightmare?
Seven Smart Ways to Cut Building Costs and Avoid Cowboy Builders
(#5 is a game-changer – don’t miss it!)
Thinking About Extending Your Home?
- What’s keeping you up at night?
- Is it the worry of spiralling build costs?
- The fear of cowboy builders?
- Or the legal and logistical headaches of getting started?
- You're not alone. The horror stories are real; people do get stung. Two in five projects end in disaster or start in catastrophe, depending on how you start. Don't be in the two and be in the three.
- But why does this happen? Because they don’t follow the simple advice.
🛠️ Advice 1: Choose the Right Designer
A good designer brings your ideas to life without draining your bank account.
Poor design = costly changes during the build.
At Plans4Extensions, we create innovative, practical, and beautifully considered designs from the outset, ensuring your build runs smoothly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Correct planning at the design stage means everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet. It's cheaper to change on paper than to change when it's half-built.
🧾 Advice 2: Get Your Legals in Line
Planning permission, building regulations, party wall notices, don’t wait until the neighbours or enforcement officer show up.
We handle all of this for you, so no nasty surprises stall your project mid-build. Again, effective methodical planning.
💬 Advice 3: No Jargon, Simple!
Construction jargon? No thanks. You need someone who explains everything in plain English, before and during the build, so nothing gets missed.
Whether we manage your build or not, Plans4Extensions is always on hand to guide you.
🔍 Advice 4: Vet Your Contractors
If you're choosing your own builder, do your homework:
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Check portfolios
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Ask for references
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Speak to friends or family for recommendations.
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Insist on contracts.
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Agree on stage payments.
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Never pay lump sums upfront.
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If a contractor asks for large funds up front, they don't have the funds to undertake the project and walk away. Most builders should have a slush fund set aside for starting works until they complete the first stage.
Genuine qualified tradespeople who actually care about the quality of their work will be happy to share their previous work. We can help if you are unsure and can help with the vetting process.
📊 Advice 5: Agree On Contracts
If you're Having contracts in place and signed by the builder and you means you have a legal agreement that if the contractor doesn't deliver or doesn't meet the standards of work then there is recourse for recover of any monies for loss.
💷 Advice 6: Lock In a Fixed Price
No vague “fag packet” estimates.
Before any work starts, make sure you’ve agreed a fixed cost and a payment schedule.
Contracts/Contracts/Contracts = clarity.
And we offer contract drafting to protect your budget (and your sanity).
🏗️ Advice 7: Appoint a PM
Let the builders build. Let the professionals manage.
Most builders will claim they can project manage. Great but if there are problems, there are no independent persons to hold the builder to account.
That means less stress for you, and more control over your build.
🎁 Best Advice:
Talk to Plans4Extensions First
Everyone plays a role. At Plans4Extensions, we cover them all. Contact us for more information and a Free Consultation.
A Smooth, Hassle Free Experience
1
Design Process
This is where your project officially kicks off. We assess the scope and cost for professionally surveying, laser-measuring, and digitally mapping your existing property.
This forms the foundation for your new design, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a seamless planning journey.
Our 28-working-day Time Guarantee, ensures your first draft plans will land in your inbox on schedule, so you can move forward without delays.
2
Planning Stage
The next step is getting your plans approved by the local planning authority.
Because we have experience, we know what the local authority planning department is looking for in planning submissions.
We offer guaranteed planning approval on every project we take on.
3
Building Control Stage
When it comes to Building Control, we’ve got everything covered.
Our trusted Structural Engineers handle all the necessary calculations to ensure your new extension or conversion is structurally sound and built to last.
Once the reports are ready, we’ll produce all the required technical drawings and manage the Building Control submission on your behalf, taking the hassle off your plate and keeping your project moving smoothly.