Unexpected project costs.

When planning your project you will have decided on a budget. However, no matter how much you prepare, there are likely to be hidden costs that appear along the way.

Below is a list of costs which you may not have considered.

Planning Permission Fees

For certain types of work formal planning permission from your local authority will be needed.

The typical fee for a planning application is around £258 for most types of planning permission and half of that for a certificate of lawful development. Your architectural designer will be able to advise you on what application you will need to put in.

For larger projects such as change of use the fees are higher and depend on the size of your project.

Structural Alterations

Structural works include, for example, knocking down supporting walls, or adding large external door apertures, etc. Here you will need the services of a structural engineer to provide the calculations and reports required by Building Control.

Building Control

It is a lawful requirement to have a Building Control Officer check over the work done by the builder. This is to advise you both on the current building regulations, fire provisions and health and safety and ensure they are adhered to all current requirements during the works and after completion. Building Control will provide a certificate on completeion of works to say it has passed building control.

Additional Jobs

There are often other additional jobs that need factoring into your renovation costs. These typically include:

Scaffolding hire

Skip hire

Electrical rewiring

Plumbing costs

Levelling old floors

Additional insulation costs

Garden Works

Some works will cause damage to your garden and areas will need protecting, particularly if drainage needs adding. Additionally you may wish to add lighting, power and additional water supplies and even landscape your garden so that you can make the most of your home. This all needs planning early to avoid expensive surprises during your project.

Contingency

It’s always a wise to keep part of your budget as a contingency plan, because there are always going to be areas which have been overlooked, no mater how much you have planned. Having a contingency fund of around 10% will help mitigate any issues which may arise.

If you found this article useful please check out the other articles on my blog and if you need any assistance with a planning application, etc, please get in touch.

Any feedback is always welcome.