WHAT BUYERS REALISE TOO LATE WHEN SIGNING FOR A PROPERTY OFF THE PLANS

Building a property is expensive, it is also for the builders who have experienced important price hikes in material purchases and transportation in the past years. Consequently, the “Cahier des charges” or Technical Specifications Book, may shrink slightly.

Check the Cahier des Charges before you sign so you know how much extra you will need to budget for. To help you, I highlight some cost saving areas:

COST SAVING AREAS WHEN BUILDING A PROPERTY

• Cold water only in the wash room - a classic ! - as there is only one incoming water pipe and a cheaper tap to install,

• Lack of sockets in every room - another classic ! - . In the living room you need to think about the number of sockets you need for screens, internet and gaming boxes.

• In the kitchen list all the appliances you will have - integrated and over the worktop to come to a minimum.

• In the bathroom think about the electric toothbrush, hairdryer, …

• Also envisage where you will charge your phones and computers.

• In the same fashion the number of light fitting points will be limited; usually the allowance is for a ceiling pendant in each room and only one in the living/dining. Add more points if you want wall lights for instance.

• Recessed spots are often an additional item, meaning you pay extra for drilling in the concrete slab.

• Wall recesses are often planned for installing ventilation units and heating manifolds but usually the door to close the equipment is not planned for.

• Material allowance is low meaning that when you go to the showroom to select materials, the choice for the given budget is very limited.

As a rule, anything not on the Cahier des Charges / Technical specifications is an additional cost … so do your maths to anticipate.

As a seasoned property advisor and interior designer, I have a deep understanding of what to look for when reading through the Cahier des Charges; I help you to do the maths !