There’s plenty to consider before builders arrive to complete your home renovation project. From confirming that you have the right insurance to making sure you and your builder are on the same page about the vision for the project, getting the details right before any work commences is always the best idea.
We’ve put together a handy checklist of things for homeowners to consider, to make sure that all the little details are sorted ahead of time - helping to give you peace of mind.
1. Communicate clearly with the builders
Communicating effectively with your builders prior to construction is imperative, and helps clarify exactly what both sides can expect. Prior to the project, you and your builder will devise a contract; this will include your timeline and relevant access arrangement including if the builder will have a key or if someone will always be present whilst the works are going on. Having a transparent, agreed contract will help to prevent disputes with your builder. At the FMB, all of our members are able to offer you a free written contract so everything is exactly how you expect it to be. .
This is a great opportunity to designate a primary contact from both sides. This team member will be your main point of communication, addressing any concerns or questions you may have and providing regular updates. Also, decide who in your household should act as the primary contact. If you plan to allow builder access when you’re not at home, consider who can respond to phone calls or return home during working hours most easily.
2. Declutter and protect your belongings
The area or space where your project will be taking place needs to be as clear as possible, not only for everyone’s convenience, but also for health and safety.
Take advantage of the time and clear your spaces out before the project commences. The next step is to protect the surrounding areas from building works by using dust sheets for your furniture, floors and electronics. Ask your builder what they can offer to protect your home, as they will often have their own dust sheets and floor protectants.. If not, materials to protect your home such as dust sheets are inexpensive. You can also seal off unaffected areas with plastic sheeting to reduce dust spread, because you don’t want to have to hoover every few minutes!
Make sure you remove any fragile or irreplaceable items to a safe location, as accidents can happen. Preparing your property for builders is essential to ensure the construction or renovation process runs smoothly, safely, and with minimal disruption.
3. Insurance from both sides
Checking and being fluent in your home insurance policies is a great standing to have before the building works takes place. Review your cover to see if you have home insurance that covers renovations, particularly for risks like fire, theft or accidental damage. Some insurance policies will have exclusions for some types of work or materials, so it’s best to know where you stand in order to prepare.
You will also want to verify your builder’s insurance to make sure they have the correct cover, including public liability, employer’s liability and contractor's all-risk insurance. Ask for proof to validate the insurance they have for their company, all FMB members are able to offer you a warranty for their work.
4. Letting your neighbours know
Notifying your neighbours when work is to take place is common courtesy - after all, we all wish we could predict interruptions and loud noises. For a lot of large-scale work, your immediate neighbours may already know the basic plan through part of your planning permission process, but it is still polite to give them a broad plan as to what will be going on. This is especially true when it comes to things like noise, dust debris, and other disruptions.
5. Documenting the before and afters
Recording a before, during, and after is a great practice to have when your home is being renovated. Taking photos helps to record the condition of your property, just in case you find yourself in a position where you need to address any concern of damage later down the line.
Not only will having photos of the before, during, and after provide excellent documentation and proof should anything happen, but it also means you can look back and marvel at the transformation once works are complete.
6. Prepare your property with FMB
Preparing for something as exciting as home renovations shouldn’t be stressful. We have plenty of homeowner guides on our blog to help you get ready for the process and make the most of your home. Check out our guide to working with your builder for more advice for your renovation.
Don’t forget to try our Find A Builder tool, to connect to a tradesperson that can help with the job. All of our members are vetted and have had their work independently inspected on site.
Whether you need help deciding what extension is right for you or you’re after an updated bathroom, we have plenty of inspiration and tools to help.