When embarking on a construction project, whether it's a new build or a Home Extension, a site visit by a licensed builder holds immense value. This crucial step allows the builder to assess various factors that can significantly impact the cost and delivery of your project. From analysing access for trades to identifying potential structural issues, a thorough site visit powers an accurate quote and risk assessment, and ensures a smoother construction process. We explore the importance of a site visit by a licensed builder and highlight the value the visit can offer in pinpointing issues that affect both the price and ease of your build.
Assessing Access for Trades and Storage of Materials
Our builder evaluates the accessibility for tradespeople and determines the most efficient methods for transporting materials to your construction site. They take into account factors such as driveway access, nearby road conditions, and any potential obstacles that may hinder the movement of construction materials.
Additionally, builders assess the availability of storage space to safely store frames, timber, and other necessary materials. By considering these aspects, builders can develop effective logistics plans that optimise the workflow, reduce delays and ensure the smooth operation of your project.
Planning for Existing Services
Our licensed builders carefully inspect the site to identify any existing services, such as plumbing, electrical, or gas lines, that may impede the construction process. They assess the impact of these services on the proposed build and will assess any necessary arrangements for relocation or integration.
Furthermore, builders also inspect the site for any damages to existing services, concrete driveways, or brickwork. Detecting such damages is essential for determining potential repair or replacement costs, as well as avoiding complications during construction. By addressing these issues upfront we can more accurately estimate the required resources and minimise the risk of unexpected expenses.
Evaluating Structural Integrity
Our builder will conduct a preliminary assessment of the structural integrity of your property, a thorough evaluation may require an engineer's report. They look for signs of major cracking, damage to internal walls, and other structural concerns that may impact the construction process. Builders also measure spot levels of the property, which involves assessing the topography and identifying any significant earthwork requirements. This information helps determine the extent of excavation needed and allows for a more accurate estimation of costs and timelines.
Prepare for Asbestos and Subfloor Conditions
Licensed builders are experienced in identifying potential asbestos-containing materials within existing structures. They take appropriate precautions and factor in the need for (legally required) safe removal or management of asbestos during the construction process. Additionally, builders assess the condition of subfloor bearers and joists, particularly for renovations or extensions. They examine the existing piers' stability and determine if any modifications or reinforcements are necessary to support the new structure.
A Builder Visit Checklist
Depending on your desired build (for example Knock Down or Home Extension), your builders checklist may cover the following items and more)
- Access for trades
- Storage of materials
- Existing Services that may impede extension
- Damage to existing services
- Damage to concreate driveways & brickwork
- Preliminary assessment of structural integrity
- Major cracking brickwork internal walls
- Ground floor assessment, no go zones, stairway location, cordon off rooms during works
- Roof cavity –see if services need to be removed or relocated (air con etc.)
- Truss or conventionally pitched roof – will dictate method of construction
- Load bearing walls
- Spot levels of property, assess rough calculation of earth to be removed
- Assumptions of asbestos
- Sub floor bearers and joists – look at conditions of existing piers
- Make assessment if existing piers will support new structure
- Scaffold locations
- Assessment of temporary power
- Assess access for heavy machinery, cranes, portaloos
- Scope extent of demolition – measure of impact on inhabitants – vacate or live in property
- Talk to owners to assess information about living arrangements - small kids etc
The value of a site visit from a licensed builder cannot be overstated when it comes to accurately quoting a construction project. Through their expertise, a builder will thoroughly assess crucial aspects, ranging from access and storage of materials, to evaluating structural integrity and identifying potential concerns. By pinpointing these issues early on, Cubitt’s can provide a more accurate quote, develop effective construction plans, and mitigate potential risks and delays. Ultimately, investing in a site visit with our licensed builder sets a solid foundation for a successful and hassle-free construction process.
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