ON THE TOOLS: PART 3 Cost-effective ways to approach the design process
Sometimes you might feel your architect or structural engineer is getting a little… overenthusiastic. Andy Stevens advises on how to make the best use of their skills, while avoiding expensive extravagances
ANDY STEVENS is a multiple award-winning builder who runs his own building company and consultancy, Eclipse Property Consultants (www.eclipsepropertyconsultants.co.uk)
I have lost count the number of clients that have come to me with a set of drawings or designs for building work on their home that they simply don’t like. I firmly believe this has to change. As I discussed last month, it’s your build, so you need to be in control. That may sound obvious, but some clients can feel pressurised to accept proposals that aren’t in line with what they actually want.
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Push back if you’re not happy
Designers will come to you with some great ideas: ways to build an environmentally friendly home, new technology and surprising alternative design options. Use their experience and take their advice, but be firm about what you want. You might be delighted with the results, but if you’re not happy with the initial offering, don’t be afraid to push back.