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Keep Your Architect Honest

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Article on nightmare renovation by Jonathan Drane

I Had A Dream..!!?

For many people the dream of creating a beautiful new home renovation can turn into a nightmare!

This might be because an architect is not sticking to a brief, a builder is enthusiastically claiming variations, the design is not what you wanted, or the project is running over time or over budget!

Many will think that this is only happening to them. Well they would be greatly mistaken. The thing is, that renovation is by nature a risky process, and it is like walking through a strange land, even like a jungle!

In The Jungle

Like any jungle there are 'natives', and a key to realizing your dream home is to understand the way the natives operate. When you understand this, then you find that there are not only ways of doing things, but a clear pathway that will get you through to the other side!

Managing Expectations

Nightmare renovations start with one thing alone.. unrealistic expectations based on ignorance of the renovation process, and the nature of the jungle and its natives.

Adapt or Perish!

It is you who have to adapt to this not the natives. They can adapt to your world when you sell them what ever it is that you sell, or provide a service for.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Thought It Would Only Cost...?!

Blew your budget in the first few days!!?

Watch this video..

 

Fail to Plan?. Plan to Fail  

Prepare your own family masterplan

Watch this video..

 

I Had A Dream..!!?

Has your dream reno turned nightmare on you!!?

Watch this video..

 

 
 

Don't Overcapitalise

Use our 'Rich House, Poor House Method.

Watch this video..

 

The first step in adapting to the process, is to understand it fully, and then build a pathway through the jungle for your self.

Build A Pathway

You may be surprised to know that there is a simple path that you can follow which is based on a timeworn set of principles. This includes an understanding that despite appearances, there are only four 'roles' in the renovation process.. leader, designer, administrator and builder.

   

 

I Jumped In the Deep End  

And Found I Didn't Have any Floaties!

Watch this video..

 

 
 
   

Four Roles

When you establish your project team, it is essential to separate these four roles so that you get four independent views of the project. An  architect should give a design view, a quantity surveyor a cost view, a builder a construction view. Based on this separation you are also able to do what you are meant to do on the project, and that is be the leader.

Different Forks But One True Path

In your travels on the path, you will find those that offer a different path. Some may  involve the combination of 'design and administration' as a dual role, others may involve the combination of 'design and construction'. Others may involve the combination of all roles into a 'turnkey' approach.

Always remember that with the separation of these functions, the likelihood of your dream turning into a nightmare diminishes greatly.

Article by Jonathan Drane

First published March 2009 on www.jondrane.net this article is copyright all rights reserved .

 

If you are already in a bind with this, then here are some ideas*:

- Think about your expectations for the project, and where they came from!

-Re-define your project clearly through the use of a written brief.

- See if you have established separate parties undertaking the design, administration and building roles under separate contracts.

- Ask a quantity surveyor to undertake a cost review of the project, and tell your architect that you are doing this.

 

Learn More About This Topic

This topic is covered under the following on our web site:

-our e-guides called' Getting Started',  'The Concept Phase' and 'The Cost Plan',  see our Catalogue

- Our 'Cost Planning' and 'Design Brief' tool see Tool Kit

- our Starter's Webinar

 

 

 

Whose Project Is It Anyway?

Has your architect got you by the..!!?

Watch this video..

 

 
 
       
       
     

* The ideas we offer are for assistance, however enactment of them requires that you undertake your own review, seek separate advice or brief a lawyer if the situation is extreme. We take no responsibility for the effectiveness of the ideas, nor are they to be taken as direct advice, as we are not privy to the actual situation you are facing. Each situation requires its own special assessment by you and other required parties.

 
   

 

 

   

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