01
Start with how you want to live.
Think about what your home no longer does well. Perhaps you have outgrown the kitchen, need a quieter place to work or want to put repairs right before changing the finishes. Describe the outcome first: more usable space, a better layout or rooms that feel ready for everyday life. This gives the project a purpose before you choose materials. Separate the essentials from things you would like if the scope allows.
- ✓The rooms or problems you want to address
- ✓How your household uses the space
- ✓Your priorities and things you want to keep
02
Bring the starting point into focus.
Gather information you already have: photos, rough sketches, existing drawings and any relevant advice or approval documents. A simple description is enough for an initial enquiry; you do not need a finished design. Photograph only areas you can access safely. For roofing or loft concerns, explain what you know without climbing onto a roof or entering an unsafe space. Send information relevant to the property and leave identity documents or payment details out.
- ✓Your town or postcode
- ✓Safe photos of the existing rooms or exterior
- ✓Any drawings or project information already available
03
Consider the whole scope.
A bigger room may also involve roofing, plastering, flooring, doors, windows or changes to adjoining spaces. Think about these together so the proposed work reflects the finished result you want. Tell us about any kitchen or bathroom refurbishment that forms part of the same plan. We provide building, roofing and finishing services, with in-house drawing support and contacts for electricians and other trades. Confirm which work is included and who is responsible for each part.
- ✓Building work and connected finishes
- ✓Changes to existing rooms and access
- ✓Specialist trades and their agreed responsibilities
04
Establish the design and requirements.
Early ideas need to become a proposal that can be considered for the actual property. Our in-house drawings and diagrams can help you explore the arrangement. The appropriate technical design, assessments and approvals must then be confirmed for the proposed work. Planning permission and building-control requirements should be checked for the individual property; do not treat a general example or website photograph as confirmation. Use the resources below to start the conversation with the relevant authority.
- ✓Which drawings and technical input are needed
- ✓The applicable planning and building-control requirements
- ✓What is confirmed and what still needs resolving
05
Talk through costs and timing.
Discuss the proposed scope, specification and access before assuming a price or completion date. Explain any important household dates and when you would ideally like to progress the project, so expectations can be discussed. Ask what the proposed quotation covers, which choices remain open and how changes would be agreed. A clear written scope helps everyone understand the work being considered. This guide does not set a standard cost, duration or contract for your project.
- ✓What is included in the proposed work
- ✓Open decisions that may affect the scope
- ✓Timing priorities and how changes will be discussed
06
Prepare for the work at home.
Before work starts, agree access, which rooms or routes will be affected and any arrangements your household needs. Think about furniture, belongings, deliveries and keeping children or pets away from the working area. Confirm who you should contact with questions and how progress will be discussed. These practical arrangements depend on the work and property; agree them with the people carrying it out. Keeping the brief, drawings and agreed decisions together makes later conversations easier.
- ✓Access and household arrangements
- ✓Furniture, belongings and affected rooms
- ✓Your point of contact and agreed next steps
