what do they say? you pay... whether it's in money or time, but you'll pay...and it's true (and sometimes in both!)

Step 1: move house (check)
Step 2: build driveway and put in stormwater drainage (cheque, cheque and cheque)

I mentioned earlier that we were having this next step project managed (our one variable cost) as we didn't feel experienced enough to carry it off but 2 things have changed our minds:
1) We moved the house. We project managed it all...and successfully.
2) The quote costs coming through from the project manager were astronomical.

We know that if we manage the process ourselves (get quotes / hire contractors / manage inspections / check work) it will take more time piece by piece, contractor by contractor, but cost a lot less. However, there is a lot to say for experience in this industry and our lack of experience has already been costly.

In the beginning we carefully budgeted what (we thought) was involved in this process prior to committing to the project. What we didn't budget for is how well council could spend our money on unforeseen conditions, clauses and local specifications. So here we are: between a rock and hard place, trying not to blow our budget on PVC pipes and concrete pits.

Hopefully, finding and hiring the right people for the jobs, getting lots of advice and keeping council happy will see us through...or are we still underestimating just how big this all is? I'll keep you posted.