Budgeting
Our first introduction to our clients usually come about through one of two routes. Either they have a plot and have commissioned us to undertake the design and/or planning drawings, or they have a design in mind and need to know how much it will cost. As a bespoke company we have never built the same house twice and therefore each project needs to be costed individually.
The frame
The cost of the frame alone depends on the complexity of design and structural completeness. For example, frames with trusses made of arch collar braces or hammer beams are more expensive than a simple tie beam truss. Additionally, it is possible to save money by having a normal softwood floor within the frame rather that the jointed oak beams. In general, we would expect the cost of the frame to be 18% to 33% of the total build. Our estimating department are able to produce frame ‘take-offs’ to a high level of accuracy. From received drawings we will produce schematic drawings of each frame together with a timber list of all members. We believe this transparent approach allows our clients a unique and complete understanding of what they are being quoting for.
The full build
With regard to costing for a full-build, experience has shown that this averages at approx. £150.00 per square foot although there is a range above and below this figure. Everything depends upon the specification and quality of the fittings and it is possible to push this figure even higher. Where the clients undertake to manage the project themselves, it is possible that savings up to 20% can be achieved dependent upon the level of involvement, although this will require an investment in time and organisation.
Construction Options
In addition to the frame design, fabrication & erection, where there is additional constructional carpentry work to be done this may form part of our contract package and could include such elements as the primary constructional roof (common rafters), external joinery, or perhaps softwood studding if required. In most cases this will take you to a dry shell stage where you or your builder can then begin fitting out in the dry.
Oakwrights rarely undertake full build operations except in very special circumstances. We believe that to do so would not allow the flexibility that a fully bespoke house requires and perhaps most importantly, would be unduly expensive for the client. How then should you proceed to full build?
There are 3 main options: -
1. Be your own project manager. This requires a considerable investment in time and energy but the savings can be significant. This usually means quantifying and ordering the materials and managing the other trades. You will need to decide whether you feel competent to take on this role and whether your time is more valuable than the possible savings.
2. You could employ a professional project manager. He will order the materials, ensure they arrive on site at the appropriate time, and hire the relevant trades at the appropriate moment. Although he will charge a fee, usually based on the value of the contract, he could save time and money by ensuring that the project runs smoothly.
3. The third and preferred option for the majority of our clients is to employ a local general builder based on a personal recommendation. Not only will he have access to all the trades required to fit out your home, he will in all likelihood essentially project manage without charging the rates a large organisation with its commensurate overheads would charge.
How to proceed
If you already have design ideas and would like a costing please post your information to our estimating department. We aim to return a price within 15 working days. If you would like to discuss your project with a member of the Oakwrights team, feel free to ring our office or e-mail us at enquiries@oakwrights.co.uk. If you already have a plot we can arrange a meeting with a member of our staff either at your plot or our offices in Hereford.
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