Thinking about renovating? A London builder offers some advice.

Pascal Huser, a former Vice President on Switzerland’s principal stock exchange is not your ordinary builder. With a team of over 50 skilled in-house tradesmen, his company Pascal Huser Build & Design specializes in renovating, extending and converting residential properties across the London boroughs of Fulham, Chelsea and Kensington.  With London property representing a significant investment for most families, Tanager Talks asked Pascal to outline the most important elements when considering a home renovation.

Unsurprisingly, Pascal stresses the importance of planning. Three of his key recommendations include: 1) Don’t jump in too quickly if you purchase a property, 2) take professional advice with local knowledge and 3) be realistic about costs.

In the London market now, basement excavations are the ‘big thing’ because following the popularity of loft, rear and side extensions, “there is no where else to go.” While a loft conversion or ground floor extension is relatively straightforward, basements are more complicated as an initial structural package needs to be submitted with the planning application.

But the economics of a basement excavation are compelling and with basement build costs running approximately £400/sq ft and the average sales price in southwest London running £1,000/1,200/ sq ft, it’s easy to see why extending one’s home adds a lot of value. For larger projects, Pascal gives suggestions about finding the right team of professional advisors who are familiar with the unique features of period properties and to keep costs and timings under control, Pascal points out the benefits of retaining a cost consultant, also known as a quantity surveyor (QS).

For more insight into what’s involved in refurbishing London properties, listen to the whole interview here:

For more information about Pascal Huser and Pascal Huser Build and Design, click here.