Renovations Often Go Wrong
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Building or renovating your home can be overwhelming, and working with unlicensed, unregulated builders can be risky. Costs can spiral, timelines can extend, and the quality of work may fall short.
We show you how to take control of the process, make the right choices, and protect your investment.
We demonstrate the potential pitfalls and guide you to ensure your project is completed competently, cost-effectively, and on time.
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Expert Coaching to Help You Take Control of Your Project
We believe that the best outcomes happen when homeowners are empowered to manage their own projects with confidence. We coach you through every step.
- Learn strategies to manage your project effectively, whether it's a simple renovation or a large build.
- Avoid common pitfalls.
- Identify problems before they arise saving time, money, and stress.
- Keep the project on track.
- Call for assistance whenever you need us – whether it is a quick question or a more complex request.
We will provide you with the skills and tools necessary to make your project a success, while being your safety net when challenges arise.
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Most building projects do not fail because of poor workmanship alone. They fail because the groundwork has not been done properly before a builder is appointed. In our experience, many of the problems homeowners face such as cost overruns, delays, disputes, and in some cases serious structural issues can be traced back to decisions made at the very beginning. This checklist is designed to help you approach that stage in a structured and informed way, so that you can choose the right builder, compare quotations properly, and protect your position from the outset. 1. Define Your Project Properly (Before Speaking to Builders) Recommendation · Architectural drawings · Structural drawings · A clear scope of works · Clear budget and expectations Why Without clarity, builders will make assumptions which leads to inconsistent quotations and missing items. Example Different builders may assume different quality levels, resulting in prices that are not comparable. 2. Prepare a Detailed Specification (Critical Step) Recommendation · Materials · Finishes · Structural elements · Fixtures and fittings · Who supplies what Why A specification ensures quotes are comparable and prevents costly extras later. Example – Porcelain Tiles Tiles fixed without full adhesive coverage may fail over time, similar to poorly buttered toast. Example – Bathroom Walls Plasterboard, moisture resistant board, and HardieBacker all differ in cost and suitability. 3. Shortlist Builders Properly Recommendation · Select 3 to 5 builders · Check relevant experience · Ensure capacity Why Not all builders are suited to all project types. Example A refurbishment builder may struggle with structural extensions. 4. Carry Out Proper Due Diligence Recommendation Visit both recent and older projects (5–6 years old). Why Older projects show long-term performance and builder reliability. Recommendation Check company structure, directors, and assets. Why Financial strength affects accountability if issues arise. 5. Issue Identical Information to All Builders Recommendation Provide identical drawings and specifications. Why Ensures quotes are directly comparable. 6. Analyse and Compare Quotes Properly Recommendation Review inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions. Why Low quotes often hide missing items. 7. Interview the Builders Recommendation Ask about project management, team, and safety. Why You are selecting a process and team, not just a price. 8. Agree a Clear Payment Schedule Recommendation Link payments to progress. Why Reduces financial risk. 9. Formalise the Agreement Recommendation Use a written contract. Why Clarifies expectations and reduces disputes. 10. Put Basic Protections in Place Recommendation Confirm insurance and building control. Why Prevents issues during the build. Key Principle Clarity before construction leads to control during construction. Next Steps Contact us for a one page builder interview questionnaire. If you need support before commencing your build or choosing a builder, we are here to help.
A homeowner commenced building works on their property without arranging appropriate site insurance. This is not uncommon. There is often an assumption that either the contractor’s insurance will be sufficient, or that an existing household policy will continue to provide cover. In this case, neither applied. Partway through the project, it became clear that there was no valid insurance in place. At that stage, the position became significantly more difficult. Insurers were unwilling to provide cover retrospectively. From their perspective, the risk had already begun without protection, and they were being asked to step into an unknown position. The property was effectively uninsured during an active construction project. We were instructed to review the situation. A structured approach was taken, including: Clearly defining the scope and stage of the works Presenting the risk in a transparent and credible way Engaging directly with specialist insurers Following extensive discussions, we were able to: Secure appropriate site insurance cover Bring the project back within an insurable and protected framework This was not straightforward. It required persistence and a clear understanding of how insurers assess risk. On a construction project, the absence of insurance is not a minor oversight. It is a significant exposure. If you are planning a build, it is worth ensuring that the right cover is in place before work begins.
A homeowner commenced a significant renovation project with the intention of improving and extending their property. The project did not proceed as expected. There were delays with planning, and during the course of the works, structural issues emerged which required a reassessment of the build. Ultimately, a substantial part of the property had to be demolished mid-project. At this stage, the property was clearly uninhabitable. However, the local authority took a different view. They imposed double council tax on the basis that the property was empty, applying the standard premium used to discourage long-term vacant properties. Representations were made to explain the position. These were rejected. The authority maintained a rigid stance and would not accept that the condition of the property and the nature of the works justified relief. The charges continued to accrue. We were instructed to review the situation. A detailed and structured approach was taken, including assembling the appropriate evidence, reframing the basis of the claim, and engaging with the local authority in a more targeted way. The outcome was clear: Full council tax waiver achieved Over £10,000 recovered for the client Ongoing liability removed This is not an uncommon scenario. Local authorities will often apply standard rules without properly considering the specific circumstances of a construction project. Initial refusals are frequent, but they are not always correct. A properly prepared and presented case can materially change the outcome. Situations like this arise regularly on construction projects. Addressing them correctly can make a significant financial difference. Sunil K Radia The Building Guidance Partnership Telephone (020) 8076 3110 WhatsApp +44 7507 705376 www.theBGP.co.uk
