Date 16 October 2016
Page 2,3
Avoid the money pit
Extending or renovating a home can be an arduous labour of love, but get
the basics right and it will stand to you later on, writes Cara O’Doherty
I
f ever there was a movie that
depicted the horrors of renovating, the
1986 calamitous comedy The Money Pit
was it. In one particular scene lawyerturned-renovator Walter Fielding played by a very young and curly-haired
Tom Hanks - scrambles to rescue his
flailing girlfriend Anna Crowley (played
by Shelley Long) as she is being attacked
by a raccoon. But things don’t go to plan,
as the staircase collapses beneath Hanks,
and Long continues to struggle with the
face-attacking beast. And on the film
goes as the house collapses around the
hapless couple – there’s slime in the taps,
an electrical fire takes place in the
kitchen, a bath falls through the ceiling
and the chimney collapses.
Mercifully, not many people would
endure the harrowing experiences of The
Money Pit and not many would do it all
themselves. Renovating an old property
or building an extension on to a home,
however, can be a difficult process.
Timeframes overrun, budgets overshoot
and unexpected issues arise.
Setting realistic schedules, having a
contingency fund and doing plenty of
research before the build starts can save
headaches and heartache, according to
Gareth Brennan, architect with Brennan
garden space.
In cases where you need planning, it
can take around eight weeks for your
local authority to grant or reject it. Very
often it takes longer because more
information is needed or the decision is
appealed by neighbours. Sometimes
cases can go to An Bord Pleanala – and all
protected homes go straight to the board.
Your architect will talk you through
the various rules you must comply with
around the planning application – such
as public notices. To help in securing
planning permission make use of
planners who, Brennan says, are there to
provide information and guidance.
David Dwyer, an architect with awardwinning Box Urban, an architecture and
urban design practice says it is important
to have a preplanning consultation with
the local authority before making a
formal application. You’ll get an idea of
what they expect. It will save time – and
money – in the long run.
THE TEAM
When it comes to
choosing the right
team, remember to
choose an
architect “who
specialises in the
type of project you
are looking to
carry out, ideally
with experience of
working in the
area,” says Brennan.
“Most practices will have examples of
completed projects on their website. You
will develop a very close working
relationship with your architect over the
course of the project, so it is important to
select one that you feel you can
collaborate with over what can be a
considerable period of time.”
He recommends checking out riai.ie,
the website of The Royal Institute of
Architects of Ireland.
Dwyer says it is important to make
sure you pick someone whose work you
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Date 16 October 2016
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like. Visit their previous projects and
never go for the cheapest option.
Paul McFadden, a Dublin-based builder
with K&P McFadden, says architects
should have knowledge of the area and
local authority. It is vital that the client
has an architect and a contractor with
whom they feel comfortable.
“All three parties ultimately want the
same end result - the best possible
completed project.” He believes an
architect should advise but not impose
their views on the client.
Contractors are best found through
recommendations. Visiting their past
projects can give you a better idea of
what they are about.
Listen to your architect and ensure he
is listening to your needs, says Dwyer,
adding that you should ensure your
architect uses models
to describe the scheme.
Dwyer recommends
always looking ahead.
“Try and firm up on everything
before starting on site to ensure cost
certainty but allow a contingency for
unforeseen works.”
He advises letting the architect suggest
builders they have worked with and who
are used to implementing their designs.
Choosing the right builder should be
based on knowing their suitability and
taking referrals from trusted sources.
THE BUDGET
When it comes to the big B word: budget,
being realistic is key. Aside from the
house purchase itself, extending and
renovating your home is often the biggest
undertaking you will ever take.
“It is vital to establish a clear
relationship between the brief and the
funds. Tailor the brief to the finance
available. Engage a quantity surveyor.
Carry out surveys of the existing house in
advance of starting design work. This
should identify any issues which can
then be dealt with before construction
commences reducing the need for a large
contingency,” says Brennan.
Dwyer says the best way to ensure
good cost control is “not to change your
mind and to employ a quantity
surveyor”.
Quantity surveyors are
experts in both project
management and
construction costs.
According to the Society
of Chartered Surveyors
Ireland, they “estimate and
monitor construction costs,
from the feasibility stage of a
project through to the
completion of the construction
period”.
Shopping around pre-build is
essential to avoid high costs, according
to McFadden.
“There is no average price, have an
idea of what you need to spend so it
doesn’t come as a shock when the house
is torn apart. The basic construction
elements cannot be compromised. After
that savings on finishes are looked at.”
To avoid an overspend McFadden
recommends getting a full breakdown of
costs from your builder. “The more
transparent it is the easier it is for a client
to add or remove items from the job.”
But will this hard work lead to lots of
money for your home. Not necessarily,
says Brennan. “Build costs and property
values are not directly synced. The
return on the investment should be
viewed more in terms of the enjoyment
you gain from your newly-remodelled
home as opposed to a potential increase
in the monetary value of your home.”
THE DESIGN
The team chosen, the next step is the
design which should be carefully
considered. Brennan warns against
rushing this part of the process. It can,
he says, lead to regret later.
He stresses the importance of realistic
timescales for the project
“What should be a very exciting time
as your dream home nears completion
can become fraught if a definitive enddate is not established and worked
towards by all parties.”
Lighting is an issue many people face
when it comes to extending their home
but Brennan says light does not have to
mean direct sunlight. Indirect ambient
daylight, use of certain materials and
artificial light all have a role to play.
Dwyer says an extension should be
designed to take best advantage of
natural daylight and provide the spatial
requirements of the occupiers.
Brennan believes extensions should
“complement”, rather than “blend in
with” the existing structure.
If
’
d bl d b di d
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Date 16 October 2016
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If you’re young and abled bodied,
building a home that is wheelchair
accessible may be the last thing on your
mind, but if you build for the future and
allow for things like wheelchair access,
then you could save a lot of money and
pain down the road.
“My view is that the best way to
maximise on your investment is to build
good space that will enhance the quality
of your life,” says Dwyer.
Another thing to consider is the
building’s energy rating. It could reduce
your home’s running costs.
To ensure your investment is
worthwhile McFadden says insulation is
vital, and advises availing of insulation
grants. He also points out the benefits of
solar heating, if your budget allows.
When it comes to windows make sure
you order them early, some like Alu-clad
can take eight to 10 weeks to arrive
which can affect the timescale.
McFadden says the basics are most
important. “To an extent, everything else
is cosmetic and can be changed over
time. Get the basics right and it stands to
you for a lifetime.”
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Date 16 October 2016
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Gareth Brennan, architect with Brennan
Go retro with funky
and affordable pieces
Cool dude
When you’re furniture shopping choose minimalist
designs - simple pieces that won’t date. Think of clean
lines and classic retro. Just add a rug, throw and cushions.
Here is a selection of pieces to suit all budgets
Made.com’s
‘effortlessly
cool’ coffee
table is €109
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Date 16 October 2016
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Fifties style
Iconic collections
From DFS’s Iconic
range, this sofa is
cool and funky, from
€1,169 from dfs.ie
This 1950s George
Nelson sideboard is
€780 from
cadesign.ie
Cheap as chips
A fifties wooden
stool, in a range of
colours, €29.95 at
dotcomgiftshop.com
Furlong Architects and Urban Planners.
THE PLANNING
Brennan says much of the success of the
project will depend on the planning
stage. He stresses the importance of
being familiar with the development plan
and specific planning restrictions for the
locality, and advises people to be
conscious of protected structures.
When it comes to protected or listed
period properties there will be
constraints around what you can do to
the home. In some cases, you won’t be
able to interfere with the façade of the
house, and interiors must be carefully
conserved. It can be difficult to get
approval for an extension particularly if it
interferes with the fabric of the house.
It is important to research the planning
history of the property and environs to
establish potential planning issues, says
Brennan. Speaking to
neighbours can provide
Sit back and relax
The Strandmon wing
chair from Ikea is
reduced to €195
some insight into the
concerns they have and
possible future planning
objections.
Not all projects will
need planning. You
can build up to 40 sq
metres on the back of
your house without
seeking planning
permission, as long
as you leave 25 sq
metres open back
The best way to maximise on
your investment is to build a
good space that will enhance
the quality of your life
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Date 16 October 2016
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Date 16 October 2016
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Date 16 October 2016
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Box Urban redesigned
this 1960s house,
above and far right, to
up its environmental
performance
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