Is a fixer-upper for you?

FOR THE majority of individuals, buying a home is undoubtedly the biggest and most exciting purchase they have ever made. Ideally, when looking to purchase, people are searching for houses that are either newly built or in great condition. But unfortunately, purchasing a move-in-ready house with a great resale value may not be possible for all of us due to financial restraints.

Fixer-uppers and unfinished buildings might not be what we are searching for, but they are great opportunities for people on a restricted budget who want to buy a house. Having the size house that you want in the location you desire is enough to compromise on a finished home that is more expensive. And while this may not be for everyone, it is a great option for those looking to save money.

But just as buying a completed home is a major decision that shouldn’t be made hastily, buying a fixer-upper is an even bigger commitment that calls for expert guidance, ideally from a reputable quantity surveyor.

The quantity surveyor (QS), also known as a construction cost consultant, is the construction team’s financial manager. They advise building owners on the likely costs of proposed construction projects under consideration and how they can be made more costeffective while still achieving the desired results.

Ideally, the quantity surveyor is brought in at the start of the project. However, he or she may be hired at any time during the course of a project to provide specific services as needed.

For people interested in obtaining a fixer-upper or an unfinished structure, a quantity surveyor would provide advice on the total costs associated with completing the home and can assist with estimating the value of the house once it is finished.

One organisation that continues to recognise and promote the part that quantity surveyors have played in the growth of Jamaica’s built environment is the Jamaican Institute of Quantity Surveying (JIQS).

The JIQS aims to promote the profession of quantity surveying, uphold the highest standards of professional ethics and conduct, promote standardisation in methods and procedures, and increase public trust and knowledge of quantity surveyors and their work.

Their primary responsibilities include training and certification, professional conduct oversight, career advancement, and active involvement in the expansion of the building industry.

That being said, if you are looking to buy a house, broadening your search to include fixer-uppers and unfinished structures may be in your best interests. Seek the advice of a professional quantity surveyor who is a JIQS member and embark on the long-awaited journey to homeownership. More information can be accessed on JIQS’ website at www.jiqs.com.