Lucy: 'How long did your house actually sit on those props before proper support arrived?'
Richard: 'The house was on accro props for approximately four weeks whilst the correct steel support was being sourced.'
Lucy: 'What inspired you to have a go?'
Richard: 'We had previously taken on a flat in Kew, originally the first floor of a Edwardian end terrace house, and sought planning permission to build a living area with open air balcony into the loft area. But this proved to be one loft extension too many on the street according to the planners so we had to satisfy ourselves in making an open plan kitchen and living area and giving the place a complete modernisation. This gave us a 30k profit.'
Lucy: 'Would you do it again?'
Richard: 'We would not repeat the North Lodge project again, as living on site was too stressful and is definitely not recommended. We would repeat a large project again only if we could buy two properties, one to live in and one to do up. We now have a great contact base and it would be a shame to waste it.'
Lucy: 'What would you do differently were you to do the same project again?'
Richard: 'Get a contract with time penalty clauses for builders. Get a developer's mortgage based on the end value where money is released in stages rather than a regular mortgage based on the current value of the property. This frees up your capital.'
'Take more time in selecting the appropriate type of builders - the Polish building company that we used were very flexible, worked harder. Not live on site. Hands-on management is invaluable.'
Lucy: 'Was it helpful having Sarah and the crew there?'
Richard: 'Apart from the idea of splitting the property into two flats, Sarah and the crew were very helpful. Obviously there was disruption to the build when they were on site as the builders had to be quiet, it’s very difficult to build quietly. The suggestion of moving the front door was Sarah’s idea that we took on board and has proved a success.'
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