THE NEW WAY TO DESIGN YOUR HOME

I'm about to ask builders for quotes and never have had to before. I have heard that some builders don't get back to people with a quote which will be quite frustrating for me. I would like the idea of a consultation with a builder to work out where money best spent eg brands of windows and knowing a consultation/quote would be back with in two weeks and pay a charge to be taken off final invoice of chosen contractor. I've been looking up costing for lots of things eg ceiling hood- that'll be a no, velux swap single for double -yes. Trying to prioritise where I want to spend money and have work done. Hopefully my plans aren't pie in the sky, don't end up a pig in a poke and more a pot of gold at end of the rainbow !! Any other tips onwh gratefully received.

Although the article recommends a single contractor to manage a project, there are advantages in managing it yourself. I am doing a major refurbishment plus extension to my house in West Sussex. I chose an architect who drew up the plans and who now acts as a consultant. I chose a good local builder who works with one assistant. He is totally hands on, intelligent and thoughtful. I manage the plasterers, window and crittall door installers,electrician, kitchen and bathroom fitters, decorators, plumber, carpenter etc, etc. It's time consuming but I get control over every aspect of the design and I can discuss with each trade what would be best for me. Quite often, it varies from the original drawing, for example, it became apparent that bathroom wouldn't work for me so it was modified. I then get it priced up. I have flexibility to change the design as I go along without massive cost implications. The builder gives his views and helps with the sequencing. But I have not found it unduly difficult and provided you are reasonably well organised, the advantages of speaking directly with the experts about the detail seems to me a lot easier than trying to work everything out in advance and have one huge spec. It may be a bit slower but time to reflect as you go along is very valuable.