Example building project plan & am I mad to be considering project managing it myself???

[Karbea]

Hello,

I used to be an IT project manager and I am considering project managing our extension. We've planning permission, and we've had quotes from builders to do the whole thing, but I'm tempted to project manage myself as smaller projects. Does anyone know if there is an example plan online that I can use as a guide to see if I'm bonkers.
Also if anyone has any experience of this that would be great too.

I don't know of a plan but I have project managed so I can give you some tips.
First of all The Builder, Mmmm be prepared to hate them. When you ask for a quote make sure it is detailed and carefully keep a copy ( don't lose it FFS) Make a list of what you want them to do for what money. They will add things on and charge you if it is not on the original quote. Ask them for a time scale when they can finish the job. Ask them if the price of a skip is included in the price. Ask to see former work that they have done. Ask them for Telephone numbers of former clients and phone them and speak to them.

Don't pay up front for anything if you can avoid it. Any builder who asks for money before they begin working, I would forget about. Don't be too friendly at first. You might find all of them and their mates in your kitchen, feet up eating your biscuits. Be cold and professional from the start. If they think you are a soft touch, you will be. You may have to sack them !
Examine what they do carefully. Footings should be a regulation size. I once had a doorway made that was not wide enough FFS. If you need planning permission you will have a Building Inspector round anyway.
Xx Best of luck

I think you can do it yourself if you can accept that it will take much longer that way and you'll spend a lot of time on the phone chasing tradesmen who are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I don't think you'll find a plan online though. You need to thoroughly understand the project, what needs to happen, in what order and then make your own plan. It's not rocket science but needs a certain amount of understanding and a great deal of patience.

The RIBA Plan of Work is the industry's most commonly accepted method of organizing building projects. For smaller projects many of the stages are often combined and it is a very useful check list as well.

For certainty on many of contractual matters I would use one of the standard forms of contract such as the JCT's Homeowner Contract (never try to write your own contract unless you are a lawyer experienced in commercial law).

I would also endorse the previous comment about your council's Building Regs inspector. Make use of his expertise when he visits site to check on the work, most inspectors are very knowledgeable and willing to help.