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Do Building Projects Ever Come in on Budget ?

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I love watching property programmes, watching New House,Ugly House and yet again the budget has significantly increased. It got me thinking do any building projects come in on budget. Costs always spiral in Grand Desig as well. Do you think this is just for TV to add some drama or is it the same in real life?

beccatavender
over a year ago
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tumblespots

In my experience the same happens in real life. Get your worse case scenario costs, add them up - then at least double it, possibly more. Time is another thing that can run away with you as it only takes one contractor to hold up the others, then all time scales need to looked at again as and when people can fit you in.

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TheChimp

Yep, you're right!

Nearly every time that I've watched one of those programmes, they always come in way over budget.

Also, the build will normally take significantly longer than planned.

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Auntielettie

In my experience if the builder says 8 months, double it for all the delays etc. If it's finished earlier then it's a bonus. Also because of the extra time it's taking you think "well we've got longer to pay for this so let's upgrade the ......." And the budget is blown

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gerrykelly25

The budgets they have on Grand Designs are eye watering! They sometimes can go half a million over budget!!

Did you watch any of The Great House Giveaway? I don’t think any of them managed to keep within budget and very few made any profit. I still enjoy watching them though!

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beccatavender

I loved that programme, it was very interesting how they got on together & how many people have up. Also it seemed to contradict Homes under the Hammer who always make "loads of money"🙂

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gerrykelly25

beccatavender I agree, I think it gives a much more realistic picture of what it would be like for normal people to renovate a house rather than developers.

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