renovation

[CakeAndPastries]

HI, we are thinking of doing a renovation, but with the current environment, I'm a bit nervous. Do you think that consultant priest will fall in the coming months? It will make a difference to our budget if they do.
Architects, engineers, interior designers etc

What do you think? Should we start or wait? We're at the beginning so there is a lot that can be done before any physical work is needed.

I don’t think professional fees will fall in the short term. I’d just crack on.

Can be argued both ways. Prices could go up as there's a rush from pent-up demand and they need to recoup costs from when they were quiet. Could go down as they're quieter if people cut back on work. Noone knows which way it'll go! As the poster above says best to crack on.

Personally I think prices can only go up. With interest rates this low there's a lot of money around for people to borrow and do their houses up, and I think scarcity of materials while the supply chains recover will increase costs too. Material costs were already forecast to increase post-transition period.

Following mat leave (architectural training and 16+ years in project leadership and delivery in the commercial sector) I was setting up my own home renovation business before COVID-19 impact. Speaking to builder friend he said some site work has stopped but mostly in cases where the owner has stayed in the property during the works. As you won't be starting work on site for some time I would say use this time wisely to get prepared. Preparation and planning is the key to a successful project in my view. If you would like to chat and tell me a bit more about your project I could reach out to my contacts for further advice for you on the current outlook?

Architects fees will never go down. Same with all the associated engineers (structural, drainage) but the council fees will remain flat. You can probably attempt the 'interior design' yourself - look through google for images you like and create a 'collection' to share with your builder to recreate it.
First step is pencil and paper and sketching out what you think you might like. Then go to the chosen architect and, without showing your design, see what they come up with. Then spend time with some copies of the proposed layouts and pretend you're in each room - in your head 'see' how you will use the room, where you want everything from furniture to doorways and windows. Where does the light come in has a big effect...