Hi I'm fairly new but have been lurking for a long while...
Has anybody gone OB for an addition? I'm planning to extend an existing residence and like everyone else, considering ways to save money without cutting corners. So I have a couple of questions but firstly my options with my preference for option 3 as we have previously found a kit home company that are easy to deal with.
Option 1 go with a builder - preferred but cost inhibits potential work
Option 2 OB with a builder to consult
Option 3 OB with a kit company who coordinate materials purchase and delivery - just like a kit home. Hopefully comes with instructions etc
Option 4 Total OB which TBH scares me with a project of this nature.
Where structural changes were required how did you go? I realise engineer would need to become involved but is it a simple matter of having engineer sign off on proposed works, and again signing off on finished works? Does engineer tell me what works need to be undertaken and how to go about it or do I have to figure it out myself? How does OB coordinate engineer involvement? How does OB implement engineer recommendations without causing damage to the existing structure? Clearly I may be overthinking all of this aspect but there is a real risk here so I would like to manage that in the best way I can.
How do you estimate the cost of works if you don't have any idea? I have a budget, I have a plan. What I lack is the process in between. Builders won't provide quotes, only ballpark figures and vague ideas. Do builders become more committed once you have the drawings finished? I'm paying for drawings to be done but if I can't afford the work then I'm screwed, but I can reconfigure the drawings to a cheaper idea. Do you start at the very top of your wish list and work your way down in terms of modifications to plans?
I have so many questions but will stop here for now.