Inexperience and basement conversion. Project manage ourselves or by architect?

[Redinthefacegirl]

This is very exciting (to me)!

We've had planning permission to convert a basement room into a 3rd bedroom in our ground floor and basement garden flat (victorian conversion). We've had the PP for 2 years but had to delay due to DS2s arrival.

Yesterday we got a homeowner loan approved for 60k! This is the upper estimate from the architect, the room is already partially converted and is currently used as a dressing room. It needs about a foot more excavation, a window and an internal wall move.

We have no building exp, DH and I are HCPs, we work opposite shifts (long days) and have 2 preschoolers. We had a really good relationship with the architects. Anyway, my question to you wise people is. Should we try to a) project manage it all ouselves b)get the architects to get us to tender and then project manage ourselves or c) ask the architects to project manage, this will cost but may save us money long term.

Any words of wisdom re basement conversions gratefully received.

I visited a family the other day who had gone for option b) and had 3 months delay with 30% costs above budget. As a surveyor, I've seen this happen too often with basements. They are by nature complex and an architect will keep an eagle eye out for common pitfalls that builders tend to overlook/cut out. I'm for c) all the way!

I run a community on Facebook for home renovators if you want some help from people who've experienced the different options you list: www.facebook.com/groups/homerenovationcommunity/

Thanks user9662. Intresting to hear from a surveyor. My gut says C but I'm worried I'm being a bit of a coward and taking the easy option.

Architect and/or project manager fees are usually covered by their tight control over the project and knowledge sourcing best people and materials for the job o er doing it yourself. I also wouldn’t touch a basement without expert advice.

*over

Oh God, go for option C!! We're acting as the builder and project manager on our own double storey extension/house renovation. We also have two young children and it's an absolute nightmare.