The Importance of a Designer/Project Manager

The Importance of a Designer/Project Manager

(These are the thoughts of CapitIL Real Estate Agency Sales Director Ben Levene.)

When purchasing an off-plan property, it's crucial to consider factors beyond location and price.

One vital aspect to consider is hiring a designer or project manager from the start of the due diligence process until the completion of the project.

I, as a real estate professional, strongly advise my clients to hire a designer or project manager when purchasing an off-plan property.

These experts can assist in navigating the intricate process, and provide valuable input and direction to optimize your investment.

The Role of Your Designer/Project Manager

Before signing any contracts, seek out recommendations from trusted sources such as friends, family, and your broker for hiring a designer or project manager from the onset of the process.

The designer will be able to provide suggestions for potential layout modifications and insights on the apartment based on the specifications, which will provide the buyer with a clearer understanding of what the final outcome will be at the completion of the construction.

The designer will also provide an understanding of the specifications of the apartment. Based on their suggestions, it may be possible to secure some minor upgrades before finalizing the contract.

It is worth inquiring about additional perks or upgrades, and even though developers may not always agree to them, it's good to have knowledge of potential issues and what may need to be done by the buyer after receiving the apartment from the developer.

If you rely solely on the builder's discretion and only inspect the completed building after construction, it will be difficult to dispute any issues with the final product. Additionally, after signing the contract, you will not be able to receive any additional perks or upgrades that were not agreed upon before signing.

By hiring a designer, you will not have to communicate with the developer or various suppliers, and they will ensure that all desired finishes are completed upon receiving the apartment.

The project manager will advocate for you and push the developer to deliver what you want, without their persistence, it's likely that you may not receive the desired outcome. While hiring a designer is not a guarantee, it significantly improves the chances of receiving a high-quality finished apartment.

Upsides to Hiring a Designer/Project Manager

Hiring a designer is a wise decision for a number of reasons: it will save you time and effort, significantly increase the likelihood of being satisfied with the final product, and protect your investment.

When investing a significant amount of money, such as 1-10 million USD, spending a bit extra to ensure you are getting what you paid for is worth it.

The designer will also work with suppliers, which may result in better service and even discounts on items such as tile, carpentry, flooring, etc. 

It's important to note that not all designers are a good fit for everyone, this is a highly personal decision. Gather references for multiple designers and interview each one to find the best match.

While hiring a designer is not a guarantee, it should significantly increase the chances of a positive outcome.

When selecting a designer, it is important to ensure they offer the following services:

• The capability to modify plans prior to construction, covering aspects such as layout, lighting, electrical, plumbing, and other related plans.

• Regular inspections to identify and address any potential issues early on, which forms basic project management.

• Willingness to communicate and coordinate with all suppliers.

It's also worth noting that while a dedicated project manager on-site can be beneficial, developers may not permit it, and it can be costly.

Conclusion

In summary, when purchasing an off-plan property, engaging a designer or project manager is a wise decision to guide you through the process, visualize the final outcome, make well-informed choices, and safeguard your investment.

Investing the additional funds to aim for the best possible outcome is a worthwhile consideration.

Contact CapitIL Real Estate Agency.

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