How to Find a Good Builder | with Chris Dornan

Finding a good builder is critical to having a successful refurbishment or property development. Chris Dornan shares his advice on how to chose a good builder, and the development mistakes to avoid. Chris has been working for over 18 years in the building industry and is experienced in new builds, extensions, high-end refurbs, commercial refurbs and conversions

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SHOW NOTES

HOW TO FIND GOOD BUILDERS AND TRADESMEN

• Ask Architects in the area who are working on similar projects. Check what projects they’re posting on Facebook
• Recommendations from your property network
• BNI is based on word of mouth referrals, so these are usually a good source of tradespeople.
• Local councils usually have a trusted tradesmen website

HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS WITH YOUR BUILDER

• Always ensure you have a JCT contract with your main contractor
• Either you create the contract or hire a Project Manager create it and  supervise the development
• Aim to have one point of contact to manage the development

COMMON DEVELOPMENT MISCONCEPTIONS

• A lot of people want to know the average cost per square metre to use when analysing a property for development. It doesn’t exist
• Costs vary according to the area and the specific property

DEVELOPMENT MISTAKES TO AVOID

• Think about your end-user before you start a development project. What is the exit plan and what would they want? An HMO is going to look very different to a family home
• Analyse comparable properties in the area
• Check the floor plan or measure and make your own. Look at window positions so you can work out usable configurations
• Know your numbers — analyse the anticipated financials and ensure there is a contingency fund

SPLITTING ROOMS TO ADD VALUE

• Average cost £1,000
• Are there 2 windows to provide an easy division?
• Aim to have south-facing living rooms and kitchens
• Consider combining rooms to create an open plan kitchen living room

CONTACT OR FOLLOW CHRIS DORNAN

http://www.devenirplus.co.uk

http://adaeroproperty.com

Instagram:

@chrisdornan82

@adaeroproperty

BOOKS CHRIS RECOMMENDS

• The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be — Jack Canfield https://amzn.to/31XJ5Wp
• Rich Dad Poor Dad — Robert Kiyosaki https://amzn.to/320qCZo
• 6 Months to 6 Figures — Peter Voogd https://amzn.to/3iJhluy
• The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure — Grant Cardone https://amzn.to/2W0q1TU
• The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance — Steven Kotler https://amzn.to/2O8n7YI

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Best wishes, Sarah Choy & George Choy
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By George Choy & Sarah Choy | 17 July 2020