Even the best planned renovation will occasionally go off track. But why? In the majority of cases the causes of delay are well known ahead of time and can be prevented if they are identified before the work begins.
Order Materials Early
Order important materials before the start of building, and allow for adequate time for delivery. Check the delivery time for tiles, windows and kitchen units before you place the order, and ensure that the materials arrive before the trades begin work on site and not whilst they are in the middle of building.
Book Building Control in Advance
Gaps in the inspection schedule can delay subsequent stages of a build for days or weeks. Make sure you know when building regulations approval is required and book the necessary inspections around your build program.
Plan for Hidden Structural Finds
Unexpected structural problems are a common occurrence in building renovations. Be prepared to make a decision quickly when a problem is found. Agree with your builder beforehand how you will make these decisions to avoid work coming to a halt whilst everyone waits for someone else to make a decision.
Sort Permits Before You Need Them
Skip Licenses and Scaffolding Licenses on Public Highway require a permit from the local council and some council’s take up to 2 weeks to process the permit. This needs to be sorted prior to commencement of build.
Keep a Written Communication Log
Verbal agreements made between you and your trades can be easily forgotten or misquoted days down the line. Keeping a simple written communication log of all verbal agreements made between you and your builder can help avoid disputes further down the line when someone recalls something differently. A simple shared message thread or email chain where all changes, costs and completion dates are agreed and added to the log will help prevent problems from arising.
There is more on Home Renovations at https://precisionbuildersltd.co.uk/services/home-renovations/.
A little preparation at the start of your project will prevent much waiting around in the middle of it.
