Our expert builder Andy Stevens offers his words of wisdom on how to ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible
TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT
There are so many things you can put in place to have a successful project —most of which you need to do before the project starts. It’s never too early to get fully organised as the hard work you put in during those early stages should mean less stress later on. This whole topic serves as a major part of the talks I do at Homebuilding & Renovating Shows up and down the countr y each year, so I’m well versed to give you my top 10 tips.
1 DO YOUR RESEARCH
I can’t stress how important it is to carry out research on your builders and tradespeople before you employ them. With various social media platforms to find them on, there is no excuse. As trades, we use these platforms as a free way of promoting our business through videos, photos and lives. You can access all of this in the comfort of your own home, building a relationship with us trades before you even meet us. It’s not just the quality of work that’s important, either. Is the site kept tidy? Are the trades on time and polite with their clients? You can check all of this and more on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok etc.
2 Prepare paperwork
It still staggers me how many homeowners start their projects without the necessar y paper work in place. Remember, this is to protect both sides should there be a breakdown in the relationship during the build. For any significant building works, these are the minimum requirements you need in your paper work, in addition to full architect drawings and structural calculations:
●Two contracts, signed by both parties, one to be kept by each side
●Payment schedule
●Schedule of works
●CDM (construction, design and management)
●Health and safety report
●Relevant insurance documents
●Warranties.
3 REFRESHMENTS
I cannot express how far a cuppa goes when we’re working— it’s what keeps us going during the day! When we’re outside in the cold digging footings, on a roof etc, being offered a nice cuppa by a client makes such a difference. It doesn’t seem much, but I’ve been staggered over the years when I’ve been on a job for months and never been offered a drink. It’s also a great way for you as the homeowner and me as the contractor to have a walk round and a catch up and we can answer any questions you may have.
4 DON’T STOP COMMUNICATING
The main reason relationships break down on a job is often because communication between homeowner and contractor is poor, or even non-existent. Like any vocation in life, success is governed by communication and relationships. We trades love a chat, so
