How to Manage Your Own Build: A Comprehensive Overview 

Understanding your property needs

Determining goals for the renovation / build

Consider lifestyle changes or future-proofing (e.g. accessibility, resale value)

Defining must-haves versus optional elements

Developing a vision for the project

Balancing design aesthetics, practicality, flow, and light

Exploring creative ideas, such as space optimisation and unique features

Maximising property value and future-proofing

Adding features that maximise the property’s value (e.g., energy efficiency, design that stands the test of time)

Ensuring future compliance with possible changes in legislation (e.g. new energy efficiency requirements)

Preparing the property for future use, extensions, or conversion options

Architectural plans

Engaging an architect or design professional

Understanding the architectural planning process and how to communicate effectively with architects

Reviewing initial drafts and ensuring alignment with your needs

Planning permission & building regulations

Understanding planning permission versus permitted development rights

The planning process (submitting your documentation, dealing with planning consultants, navigating conservation or listed building issues)

Overview of building regulations and how they impact design, safety, and compliance

Liaising with neighbours and residents’ associations

Budget formation

Determining an overall budget

Hidden charges, contingencies, and budgeting

Professional fees (e.g. architects, consultants, surveyors)

Detailed specification preparation

Creating a detailed room-by-room specification

Ensuring all elements are included to avoid ambiguity

How specifications help avoid later "extras" and costly surprises

Obtaining and comparing contractor quotations

Preparing a tender pack to obtain contractor quotations

Approaching multiple builders and seeking like-for-like quotes

Comparing quotes accurately, ensuring all components are covered, and understanding discrepancies

Vetting and selecting contractors

Researching backgrounds and references

Understanding the importance of checking accreditations, certifications, and previous work

Avoiding fraudulent builders and common red flags

Contractor interviews

Conducting interviews to assess builders' understanding of the project

Evaluating communication skills and compatibility

Understanding the terms, scope, and timeframes the builder is offering

Contract creation

Drafting a formal agreement with the contractor

Key clauses to include scope of work, timelines, payment schedule, penalties, and dispute resolution

Different contract types and understanding pros and cons

Managing utilities

New supplies, reconnecting services, ensuring efficiency

Compliance, insurance, certification and council tax

Ensuring building regulations compliance through proper inspections

Discussing insurance coverage (e.g. empty property insurance, construction insurance, public liability, contractors’ insurance)

Understanding the need for council tax management during renovation (vacant property exemptions, etc.)

Obtaining necessary certification (e.g., gas safety, electrical, glazing, fire safety)

Site preparation and starting the work

Preparing the site before work begins (hoarding, security, alarms, CCTV)

Disconnecting supplies

Communication strategies with neighbours about the upcoming project

Setting up an effective start meeting with the builder

Payment schedule & management

Payment scheduling to ensure work is paid for after completion of milestones

Ensuring no overpayment upfront

The importance of a retention payment

Building regulations & inspections

Overview of building regulations and their role in ensuring quality

Important inspection stages

Who arranges inspections

The implications of missed inspections and the necessity of keeping track

Dealing with disputes

The types of disputes that can arise with contractors or neighbours

How to approach and manage disputes without escalating them

Mediation and negotiation techniques

Party Wall Act compliance

Determining whether the Party Wall Act applies to the project

How to serve notices, handle disputes, and appoint surveyors

Communicating effectively with neighbours to keep them informed and involved

Project monitoring and quality control

Understanding the limitations of building regulations inspections

Scheduling site visits and progress meetings

Engaging third-party professionals to monitor quality

Ensuring all work aligns with the agreed specification

Final completion and handover

Understanding the “snagging” process and identifying defects

Finalising completion of work and ensuring all snags are addressed

Negotiating retentions, the importance of professional final inspections, and withholding the final payment until work meets quality standards

Certification

Ensuring all certifications are obtained before completion: electrical, gas, glazing, fire safety

Understanding the significance of these certifications in securing insurance and facilitating future property sales / refinance

Follow-up sessions

Providing an overview of the project so far and discussing the follow-up consultations

Conclusion

Ensuring you have a clear plan of action following each stage

Answering questions and addressing any problems as they arise throughout the build

It’s helpful to think about your goals for the project, any concerns you have, and also any specific questions you would like to address. 

If you already have architectural plans or ideas, please share those preferably before the consultation.  Be certain to send us your full site address and details of what you want to achieve before the call.  We will review the plans (if any) and view the site externally (either virtually or in-person) before the consultation so that you can derive the maximum benefit from the call.

The initial consultation lasts 90 minutes, where we cover all the important aspects of your build. After that, you can reach out to us for up to three 30-minute follow-up sessions before or during the project to discuss progress, ask questions, or seek additional advice on any of the aspects that we deal with.  All of this is included in the fixed fee.  If you then need further assistance, we can arrange additional chargeable sessions.

It’s helpful to think about your goals for the project, any concerns you have, and also any specific questions you would like to address. 

If you already have architectural plans or ideas, please share those preferably before the consultation.  Be certain to send us your full site address and details of what you want to achieve before the call.  We will review the plans (if any) and view the site externally (either virtually or in person) before the consultation so that you can derive the maximum benefit from the call?

Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to confidently manage your own build. We will cover everything from planning and budgeting to compliance and contractor management, so you’ll have a strong foundation to guide your project.  You will then also have the option to book further time if the need arises.

In addition to the initial consultation, you can contact us for up to three 30-minute follow-up sessions (without additional charge) to address any issues or questions that come up. If further assistance is needed beyond that, additional chargeable follow-up sessions may be arranged.

Yes, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting a contractor, guide you on how to prepare a detailed specification and discuss whether or not you will need a contract that protects your interests.  You will also have access to our database of vetted contractors.

Absolutely. We cover planning permission, permitted development, party walls, and how to handle unsuccessful applications. We’ll also explain when it might be useful to involve a planning consultant.

Yes, we will guide you on creating a payment schedule, understanding retentions, and handling VAT considerations. We’ll ensure you are well-informed on how to manage financial aspects throughout your project.  VAT is normally charged at 20% on construction services but in certain cases this rate can be reduced or eliminated.  Getting this right at the outset is essential.

During the initial consultation we will provide detailed guidance on how to avoid disputes arising in the first place.  If, however, problems do occur, we provide advice on how to address them quickly and maintain good relationships throughout the project.

We guide you on how to manage the final stages of your build, ensuring all certifications are in place, including safety certificates, structural sign-offs, and warranties. This ensures everything is compliant and completed to a high standard.