A significant cost to consider with a renovation or extension project is how you are going to get people, machinery and miscellaneous stuff in and out of the house.
If, for instance, you’re in the middle of a terraced house, access will only be through the front door and, if you’re lucky to have one, the front garden. Your builder will charge you for the time and difficulty associated with getting staff and materials in and out.
If it’s a DIY job, don’t underestimate how gruelling carting everything in and out on a wheelbarrow is. Navigating narrow openings like a front door is time consuming. Some machinery or products may not even fit, meaning you’ll have to spend more for ones that do.
For example, if stair access is too narrow, bulky items likes sanitaryware may need to be passed through a window, and in that case you’ll need equipment that can crane these elements into place. Not to mention take out the window and put it back in.
In the case of an extension, poor access may lead to the need for piled foundations, which cost significantly more than traditional raft or strip foundations. Plus, the piling rig will need sufficient hard-standing to operate safely.
Issues with waste management could arise as a result too; if a skip has to go on the sidewalk or encroach on a neighbour’s property, it could lead to disputes. Find out what consent you’ll need and, regardless of how considerate you consider yourself to be, chat to your neighbours early about what your plans are.
If you’re renovating a house in the open countryside, access can be an issue too, from the state of the road getting in – you’ll need good solid ground for trucks and hired equipment to get in and out; minimum 3m wide lane or driveway and enough space to offload and turn around the site. Also think of overhead wires.
Your solicitor should also check for rights of way issues and any restrictive covenants.
