New Build vs Renovation
A new build offers different opportunities and challenges compared with a home renovation. Here are a few advantages, disadvantages, and things to consider in between when approaching new builds.
The advantages of a renovation
While the clearest advantage of a new build is freedom, it also means you may be starting completely from scratch, which can include planning permission and other legal barriers. You will be choosing everything from your location to your layout and building materials. When you are doing a home renovation, many of the planning matters are often already dealt with, and so you can focus on how you’d like your home to feel, from the space down to the fixtures and fittings, all to suit your needs and your tastes. Depending on the type of renovation you have in mind, you may be able to upgrade insulation with or add an extension with modern materials, with the right materials you can also enjoy lower running costs. And while the initial costs are significant, at least you can expect not to spend on redecorating or repairs for a few years.
The disadvantages of a new build
As with any construction (or home renovation) project, one of the greatest risks is who you hire to do the job. Unfortunately for consumers in Ireland, the supply does not meet demand. Because of huge demand, contractors do not have to provide exceptional quality or service. They simply have to show up. It’s essential to do your due diligence. Check forums, online reviews, and Facebook. Try to find contractors who have a proven track record. Be wary of relying solely on word-of-mouth referrals. One person might have had a great experience with a contractor on a kitchen redesign, but that doesn’t mean they’re able to meet your requirements for your project.
When you have a developer in mind for a new build or renovation, it’s no harm in visiting their previous builds so you can at least get some idea of the quality. You can’t rely solely on what a developer says they’re able to do (or even when they recommend another developer). Go to the people on the receiving end. They are the ones who can answer your questions.
Speak to former customers
At Sigma, we have built a growing base of happy clients around Cork.
Some happy clients have been kind enough to leave a builders review —
“Overall I found Sigma Homes very very good to deal with, they have been very approachable, they are a nice bunch of lads and we will actually miss them. We will miss working with them.”
Kieran Donnelly
You know you’re doing something right working on-site in someone’s home when they actually say they’ll miss having you around! Of course, we can’t promise zero friction. But it’s what we aim for. We’re in a situation in Ireland where it’s easy for contractors to offer average quality and poor service simply because of massive demand and poor expectations. We don’t think that’s fair — and there’s no pride in that. That’s why we decided to take things in a different direction and every day we can finish up for the day feeling proud of the work we’re doing for our clients.
If you’d like to discuss a renovation, or any other project, feel free to give us a call on 021 2348 095
Why Hire An Architect?
“Why hire an architect” is often a question that arises at those early stages of a renovation or new build. Perhaps you’ve got the basics of the plan. You can see what you need, and you already have some great ideas for the finishes. You have all these ideas laid out, and on paper, it looks clear as day. You want to keep the costs down, and you’re looking for ways to do that. This is one of the critical points in a project where if you’re not careful, things can go awry. We spent years identifying what is wrong (and occasionally right) with the building industry and coming up with solutions. Here are a few thoughts to help you decide what’s best for your project.
“Why hire an architect when we’ve made it this far ourselves”?
When you’re looking at a new build or renovation at the initial stages, it’s deceptively straightforward. Even for people who have been in the industry for years, it’s easy to view the plan as a checklist of items and think, “that just needs these traders, these suppliers, these fixtures — and I can organise them myself and find the cheapest options”.
But thinking about a project and being in the thick of managing a project are two different animals. Counterintuitively, the most expensive problems often arise because we are trying to reduce costs at the expense of quality and management. The problem arises because it’s easy to get a “Yes” from traders and suppliers in the planning stages. They want the work, and they’ll often say they have the skill to complete your project to standard, even if they’re not completely familiar with a technology, design or approach. Recommendations can sometimes be misleading. A trader may have delivered a great office extension for your parents, but does that mean they have the skill and knowledge for your project?
Why Hire an Architect? Because Trying To Cut Costs In A Complex Process Can Lead to Greater Expense — And Disappointment
Shopping around, you can find traders who will get each individual job done. But problems arise when you need traders on-site at a specific time. Each trader is their own business, and as you know, out of fear of losing out, they are often running more jobs at a time than they can handle — often with little care for how that affects their customer’s lives. A three-month project can quickly become an eight-month project when you’re unable to begin the next stage till a certain task is completed. Maybe you’re relying on the roofing and air-tightness to be resolved before you can consider electrics. Then you find out that the roofers missed something because they weren’t in communication with the air-tightness guys or didn’t know about the latest specifications, so now that’s delayed too, because they had another job lined up so it’ll be three weeks before they can come back to you. And now you’re stuck for another six weeks because the airtightness needs to be completed before you can even think about plastering. And the problems, delays, and stress, can cascade until a seemingly ‘simple’ four-month project becomes a nine-month tragedy of errors. This can be tough when you’re waiting on a new home, but when it’s a house extension and you find yourself living on a construction site, it can be a nightmare.
So, why hire an architect, or specifically a build manager?
Because they will be able to avoid many of the issues that arise in this scenario. A good architect and/or site manager will know and anticipate the issues before they arise. They may have their own contractors who they can recommend for the task at hand and will help keep things moving.
At Sigma Homes, we provide a one-stop solution for all of these issues, and more…
We have studied the problems of the building industry in search of innovative solutions. We’ve examined where the bottlenecks occur and how unplanned costs arise. Using modern approaches, standards and “design thinking” techniques, we have streamlined the entire process with a focus on you, our client’s needs. Whether you have a design already laid out or you need help from the very beginning, we will come to you as one team. We put you first. We aim to reduce your costs, reduce disruptions and keep timelines to the absolute minimum. We keep everything clearly defined and on paper from day one so that there are no unpleasant surprises. Our team can help you from the very beginning, to conceive or refine your plans and ensure they’re to spec, and our builders and traders will bring what you want to completion with minimal interruptions, to standard, using the best materials, modern styles and finishes. So that you enjoy exceptional service and exceptional results.
If you’d like more clarity on your own project, we’ll be happy to talk. Call us today on 021 2348095.
Choosing a Builder: 4 Important Tips to Consider
Choosing a builder can be tricky. We’ve all heard stories or had bad experiences with contractors. As builders in Cork working in the industry, we’ve had our fair share of encounters and experiences. We’ve seen time and time again how the wrong builder for the job can cost you time, money and peace of mind. Here are a few tips to consider when choosing a builder.
How to Choose a Builder: Seek Out Reviews
Whether referrals, recommendations, testimonials or reviews, make sure that the builder has some sort of evidence of previous work for you to go by. When you get an in-person recommendation for a family member or friend, be sure and compare the scope of your own project. Check the reviews for comparable projects so that you know you’re comparing like with like.
Choosing The Best Builder for the Project
Some builders can be excellent at a specific type of project, whether an extension or kitchen, but they may lack the skill or experience for larger builds, they
might not have the experience or finesse to get it done to your exact specifications. If you can, ask if you can inspect the builder’s finished projects and pay special attention to the finer details and finishes. The proof is in the pudding, but the devil is in the details.
Check The Builder’s Skills and Experience
We’ve heard some horror stories. carpenters selling themselves as building managers and costing time and money and creating unnecessary stress for clients. Always check that the builder is fully insured. When hiring a project manager, be sure they know their craft. A skilled and experienced project manager will be able to read plans and communicate clearly. Do they listen to your questions, ideas and suggestions? How open are they to your ideas?
Clarify All Aspects of the Contract
Ensure that everything is clear and written on paper before hiring. For example, if it’s a new build, who will do the finishes such as plumbing and electrical services, piping and cabling. Also consider plastering, cabinets, sinks, fixtures, tiling and appliances? What are the specific deliverables? Are they offering any guarantees? What is the agreed procedure for changes? It’s best to have everything clearly laid out so that both parties are on the same page.
We hope this was helpful. If you have any further questions or you’re just seeking clarity, feel free to give us a call today on 021-2348095. If you’re seeking a builder, please check out our testimonials page. We’re proud to be recognised as the 2018 Cork builder of the year.
Move Or Renovate? How to Decide
While buying a new home can be exciting, when possible, it’s often more cost-effective to do a full home renovation. Moving has hidden costs of time and money, and selling an existing home raises the issue of hefty fees and taxes. So is it wiser to move or renovate? It all depends on what makes the most sense for you and your needs. Here are a few pros and cons to help you decide which direction makes the most sense for you.
One of the biggest reasons to move rather than renovate an existing home is the fact that you can pick a new location. This can mean a smaller or larger home, or a different neighbourhood, close to schools or amenities — closer or further away from town, depending on your preference.
Move or Renovate? The Disadvantages of Moving
While you can usually find a home that ticks some of the boxes. You’re unlikely to have a layout that’s just right for you. If you do find a space that suits your needs, it’s rare to find one in an ideal area. Buying a home and moving is time-consuming and stressful. Between searching, viewing, applying for the mortgage, closing on the new home, trying to sell your existing home, etc., it can all end up being a huge hassle. To make it all worthwhile, there have to be really good reasons to leave your existing home and location.
The Advantage of Home Renovation with Sigma Homes
With Sigma Homes, you can plan a renovate to meet your exact specifications. Renovation lets you choose how everything is laid out to suit your needs and tastes. If you love your existing location, you don’t have to move. Home renovation lets you stay where you are while avoiding the costs of moving and selling your home.
A typical downside to home renovation is that it requires a period of time with mess and activity around the home. For example, a major kitchen renovation could leave you without a place to prepare food for days, or even weeks as tends to be the case when dealing with various contractors. Typically (though not with us), you have to deal with various contractors and no matter how much vetting and planning you do, you tend to run into hiccups which can cost time and additional expense not planned in your original budget. With Sigma Homes, we aim to take the stress out of renovation. We can manage the entire build, and our team of experts take care of everything ‘in house’. We are used to working together with the aim of getting the job done to the highest quality and with the least amount of disruption to you. By minimising costs and build time while increasing build quality, home renovation can be made relatively pain-free. Especially when compared with the time and expense of moving.
If you’re unsure whether to move or if a home renovation can offer you the changes you’re after, we would be happy to examine your existing home, listen to your ideas, then present to you a plan based on your existing structure. To find out more, please call us today on 021-2348095
5 Tips Before You Remodel Your Kitchen
The advantage of doing your kitchen remodelling with Sigma Homes is that we can help you reduce build cost and time while avoiding many of the common pitfalls. Still, if you decide to go it alone, here are a few important kitchen remodelling tips.
1. Don’t Underestimate Your Budget
Of all the kitchen remodelling tips, this is number one. It’s common for people to start a build or remodel with the best of intentions, but no matter how frugal you are, without experience managing a build, there are simply too many factors that can be overlooked or just go wrong. We’ve had clients come to us frustrated after spending way beyond their intended budget before realising they were better off seeking help. If you’re going it alone, it’s not uncommon to pay 40% more than you originally planned. Things do go wrong, there are things you will overlook, and when you’re doing it yourself you’re the one who foots the bill. (This is one of the issues you can avoid entirely by going with Sigma Homes).
2. Don’t Underestimate the Time Involved
When you factor in the design, the build, the inevitable issues that arise, not to mention the appliances, fixtures, managing different contractors, getting them back to fix a bad installation, etc., you are often talking about extended periods of time. Sourcing great, reliable contractors is a job in itself. When you are managing the kitchen remodel with separate contractors, it can be an ordeal getting them to show up in good time, and come back when they’re needed. We have worked with clients whose home became a building site as they waited for unreliable contractors to finish the job they had barely started.
3. Make Sure You Have a Solid Plan
Kitchen remodelling is a big investment in time and money. To get it done in good time, you’ll want to ensure that you have the various contractors in and out in the right order to minimise disruptions. In addition to the kitchen, you may find that there is disruption in other areas of your home too. Also, remember to have a plan for food preparation as there may be times when this is unavailable to you.
Once your contractors get to work, you don’t want to chop and change as you go. This can lead to serious delays and additional expense. It’s vital that you have a clear plan in advance so that you increase the speed of your build while minimising cost and disruption.
4. Don’t Overlook Your Infrastructure
When ordering new appliances and fixtures, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing and electrics. Consult with an electrician and a plumber to ensure that you have adequate access (and capacity) for your water, gas and electricity. This is especially important for older homes which may have outdated systems that are incapable of handling an increased load.
5. Call Us For Advice and More Kitchen Remodelling Tips
If you’re looking for guidance, feel free to call us. At Sigma Homes, we’ve seen the many issues that can plague kitchen renovation projects. We aim to solve these problems, giving our clients a superior quality build, on time and with zero stress. We will help you plan, producing an architecturally designed, high-quality renovation plan for your kitchen. Because we manage the entire project with our own contractors, we can ensure that everything is completed on time and on budget.
When you arrange a free consultation, we’ll call by, take a look at your kitchen space and offer you some kitchen remodelling tips. There’s no pressure and no obligation. Give us a call today on 021-2348095
6 Home Extension Tips
Are you planning a home extension? There are some tips to keep in mind if you’d rather handle it yourself. Below are some quick pointers to keep in mind before you start any house extensions in Cork. If you don’t get all your questions answered or you’re simply looking for professional advice, we’re very open to helping. We’ve decades of combined experience working with the best (and rescuing extensions made by the worst) in the industry.
1. Evaluate the Cost
Before starting out it’s important to be clear on your budget. You’ll need to assess the total potential costs, factoring in planning fees, design fees, insurance, material costs, labour and other factors. The following areas will influence the total cost.
2. Does your home extension need planning permission?
You must adhere to all building regulations, but not all home extensions need planning permission. Roughly speaking, any extension with less than 40sqm, and under 3-metres in height may be exempt from planning permission. If you have any doubt, ask for a Section 5 Declaration Form from Cork City Council, or a Certificate of Lawful Development to ensure that you don’t need planning permission.
3. Assess The Extension’s Design
The design needs to factor in the kind of sunlight exposure you want, elevation, and the existing structure. You must also consider the site and the existing house. You might need an architectural designer for the house design, and potentially a structural engineer to assess the correct construction materials. Additionally, you may want someone to assess the building energy rating.
4. Identify Finishes Before You Start
To Manage Your Budget, identify as many windows, doors, tiles and appliances as you can. Finding the right products for your space, within your budget, and crucially, with a good provider, can be a time-consuming and stressful ordeal. But it’s better to get started earlier. It might be hard shopping around now, but it’ll help you avoid the pain of selecting the wrong suppliers and having to contend with delays or re-orders for poorly installed or damaged fittings. The sooner you start shopping around the better. The best way to get an accurate price for your home extension is to have as many finishes listed as you can in advance. Otherwise, you’re at risk of ‘cost creep’.
5. Stay in Keeping with Fire & Building Control
If you secured planning permission you will need to go through the building control process by filing a commencement notice. Building Control requires that all structural work (including insulation) is filed for home extensions. The only exceptions are:
- Ground-level porches under 5sqm around an external door (even then, the porch’s glazing must comply with Part 5 of the Regulations).
- Conservatories under thirty square metres that are composed of mostly glass or transparent materials (50% of all walls and 75% of the roofing)
- Detached garages under thirty square metres composed of non-flammable materials.
6. Check that Your Insurance Is Still Valid
Ensure that your insurance isn’t going to expire during the building of the home extension. Also, check if you can get an insurance extension during construction. If you hire a contractor to manage the build, ensure that their insurance covers both public liability and employer’s liability.
7. Consider Getting An Expert To Handle All of This For You
If you’re undecided about whether to handle the build yourself, please give us a call on 021-2348095. We’re always happy to help. If you’d like to read more about how we can help you renovate your home.
Home Renovations Cork
Are you considering home renovations and living in the Cork area? As professionals (and customers), we have experienced first-hand the many issues that can plague construction and home renovation projects. We created Sigma Homes with a vision of solving these problems. Whether it’s the whole home or something like a kitchen renovation, our focus is always on giving our client what they want, on time, with superior quality and zero stress. We take your ideas and produce an architecturally designed, high-quality renovation to your house, delivered on time and within your defined budget.
Right from the first meeting, we aim to take all the stress and hassle out of home renovation. We can advise on ways to improve your home to enhance energy efficiency, maximise daylight and reinvent your living space. If you’d like to arrange an obligation-free meeting, we can call by, look at your space and see how we can best help you.
“It’s a delight to have it all taken care of for you, from start to finish”.
Pamela and Simon, Sigma Homes Clients
Home Renovations Without the Worry
While renovating your home, we can handle all of the required Building & Design work in-house. You still have full control, while letting us manage the construction reduces your costs and speeds up the building process.
We can manage your whole project from start to finish, including design drawings, 3D modelling, planning applications, tendering and specification, interior design and of course construction and supervision. Let us be the ones worrying about the contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc. We can also take care of the engineering supervision and mortgage sign off.
If you already have plans, we’re happy to tender for the project. We can often give advice and help make changes that can bring proposals within budget and regulations without losing the features you want. And if your extension requires planning — or you’re unsure if it requires planning — we can help with that too. One of our clients had this to say:
“Sigma Homes are as good as they say they are, and probably even better.. They suggested elements to the build that we wouldn’t have thought of ourselves. They are a great team. They’re very bright and enthusiastic, and take great pride in their work. We really felt safe with them from the word go… Any concerns we had were taken seriously and dealt with straight away, without any quibbles and without any delay. That really felt good. “
Helen Murray, Sigma Homes Client
For Queries Regarding Home Renovations in Cork
If you have any questions or if you would like us to call out, obligation-free, to go through your options, feel free to give us a call on 021 234 8095. Or you can email us at info@sigmahomes.ie.
