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We are about to sign with a builder for major project - what do you wish someone had told you before you started yours?

30 replies

Wiifitmama · 10/01/2017 18:47

We are (finally!) about to sign with a builder to start a major project which involves two extensions and some major internal reworking of rooms and walls including moving a kitchen to a whole new room and creating a bedroom where there isn't one. Total cost around £100,000 not including the fortune we have already paid out on architect, and endless endless surveyors. (we are in London if that matters) This is not the first time we have done a major renovation but it is the first time for an extension and structural work. (we are moving out for the duration).

So, what do you wish people had told you before you undertook your project? What advice would have been helpful? I am a bit of a control freak and am dreading this to some degree. In my mind, builders never work quickly enough or do a good enough job (totally not true - I am aware of that!). What should I be doing now, or preparing in my mind, to make this all run more smoothly? Any advice gratefully received!

OP posts:
dingalong · 15/01/2017 12:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Mamia15 · 16/01/2017 09:41

As you won't have a project manager, you really need to make time to visit the site daily - it will save you time, stress and money in the long run.

Order your kitchen, windows, doors etc now.

mollie123 · 16/01/2017 09:49

do please be considerate of your neighbours - ill-will generated will last a long time - remember you will have to live next to them for the forseeable.
I have had horrendous time living near a major building project which 'they' never said a word to me about ! until it was more or less a fait accompli. Angry

Wiifitmama · 16/01/2017 20:49

I really can't visit the site daily - it is just not doable as I work. But I will go as often as I can.

Re: neighbours, the one connected to us by party wall has just started a massive (like 3 times the size of ours) renovation project. They are not living there while it is happening. Our project will be running while theirs is so we will not bother them at all. Our council has working hour rules and our builders will stick to them (as in the contract) so I anticipate all will be ok on that front. We live fairly centrally in London and there are always building works everywhere. If not our place, then across the road, etc.

I will ask the builders when we need to order stuff. I assume they know!

OP posts:
dingalong · 16/01/2017 22:44

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