The Rising Cost of Structure

For those planning to renovate their houses and other property assets, navigating the current landscape of rising construction costs due to factors such as Brexit, labour shortages, and the COVID-19 pandemic, can be challenging.

This blog has been produced by Re-Structured, in conjunction with Blue Engineering, and Kieran Wardle Architects, aiming to provide renovation project tips, valuable insights and strategies specifically tailored to property owners who are looking to renovate in the face of these rising costs.

Challenges in the Construction Industry; Construction costs have ballooned in recent years, surpassing the rate of inflation. Brexit and labour shortages have intensified competition among builders, leading to higher pricing for construction projects. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened supply chain disruptions, causing unexpected procurement issues. However, supply issues have largely subsided, allowing for more certainty in design and specification choices. The current challenge lies in dealing with escalating material costs.

As a property owner planning a renovation project, it can be disconcerting when the quotes received from builders exceed your initial budget. However, there are ways to manage this situation effectively. It is crucial to approach your project with careful consideration and realistic expectations.

Working with your design team; Your design team play a crucial role in helping navigate this process. They are there to help review the quotes in detail and work closely with you to align the project scope with your budget. Adjustments and amendments may be necessary to ensure that the project remains financially viable. Collaboration with architects and structural engineers alike can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions during this stage. Working with a team that can update the scope and still achieve a favourable outcome are the team you want to have by your side.

When faced with higher-than-planned structure costs, there are several strategies you can employ to optimise renovation projects:

Start with clarity; Collaborate with a team that takes the time to understand your project, including its current state, structure, and desired end result.

"Undertaking a site visit when starting a project is a really important factor in designing structure as it allows you to gather information and learn the intricacies of a property. This often allows you to make more informed decisions. It’s also key to gathering a detailed understanding and recognising the condition of the existing structure and how the building is working.”

- Michael Carr, Senior Engineer, Blue Engineering

Value Transformation; Investing in your current home can be a wise decision in the current economic climate. By undertaking renovations, you add value to your property while creating a space that aligns with your unique lifestyle and preferences.

Consider a scenario where the initial budget for a renovation project is set at £200,000. However, when tendering for a building, you receive quotes ranging from £175,000 to over £350,000.

Exploring opportunities with emerging builders, who are building their portfolios, can be a cost-effective alternative, as they are often eager to showcase their capabilities at more competitive prices. Before appointing anyone ensure you do your research, look at reviews, and consider team specialisations. All of this plays a part in the decision-making process.

To ensure transparency and accurate tender comparisons, it is vital to provide builders with comprehensive project information, anticipate any questions before they arise, such as the number of light switches, dimmable options, USB ports, and wall thickness. Providing this information upfront while tendering will facilitate consistent quotes.

Clear drawings and specifications not only make it easy upfront to tender your project to builders, but they also ensure a smooth construction process.

"As an architect, I advise clients starting new projects to embrace clarity within the current context. To ensure sustainability and maximise budgets, my recommendation is to minimise demolition as much as possible. Consider this: if you have £100,000 and reside in a Victorian House, spending a third of your budget on demolishing and rebuilding doesn't make sense. Instead, let's work with the existing structure, limiting changes and focusing our energy and budget on transformative spaces that revolutionise the way your home is used. This principle has always been important to me, particularly now in the face of rising costs."

- Kieran Wardle, Director, Kieran Wardle Architects

Re-Structured assists clients in saving thousands of pounds through the complimentary structural assessment of project drawings, leading to structural redesign resulting in significant cost reductions across steelwork, concrete, and timber. Creating strong value engineering for renovation projects through balancing aesthetics and structural integrity, to maximise space in home alterations.

In one case steelwork was reduced by 45%. After the assessment, Re-Structured recommended engaging Blue Engineering to undertake the redesign of the steelwork while incorporating additional design changes requested by the architect.

With the expertise of Blue Engineering, the steelwork and timberwork were successfully re-specified, yielding an impressive reduction in materials.

Notably, the stability frame supporting the rear façade experienced a notable decrease of 2.5 tonnes in steel, leading to an estimated cost saving of approximately £12,500 in this one change alone.

“Savings like this are seen all the time in projects we review, these calculated changes in creating a more precise design have a substantial impact on homeowners resulting in real cost savings. This can often mean the difference between buying that nicer piece of furniture they have had their eye on, or bifold doors instead of traditional. And it all starts with a free assessment”

- James Nevin, Founder, Re-Structured & Blue Engineering

As a property owner, when embarking on a renovation project it is essential to be aware of the costs involved, and be diligent when appointing the team you want to work with. By employing strategic approaches and working closely with industry professionals, you can navigate these challenges effectively.

Remember to set realistic expectations, align the project scope with your budget, and consider transformative renovations that enhance both the value and enjoyment of your home. Despite the rising costs, with informed decision-making and careful planning, homeowners can successfully realise their renovation dreams while staying within their financial means.

Reach out to res@re-structured.com for your free project assessment, it could save you £1,000s.