Before work starts: evidence and protection
Take dated photos and video of every room, including ceilings, corners and behind doors. Note existing cracks, damp staining and uneven floors — your builder will still survey, but your record helps if boundaries of work are disputed later.
Agree where materials will be stored, how waste will be removed, and whether you will live on site. Dust and vibration affect more than the room being worked on; sealing doorways and protecting stairs early reduces rework and decoration costs.
- Confirm which walls are load-bearing before you approve removals
- Locate stopcock, fuse board and meters; photograph their condition
- Retain copies of planning approval or lawful development certificates if relevant
During the build: change control
Variations are normal, but they should be agreed in writing with cost and time impact. “While you’re here” jobs sound small but often need extra first-fix work — batching them with a clear mini-scope avoids duplicated labour.
After completion: snagging and documentation
Walk through with your contractor using natural light and at night (for lighting checks). List snags in one place — paint, silicone, adjustment of doors and ironmongery, and any scratches on glass or worktops.
File gas-safe certificates, electrical completion certificates, warranties for boilers and appliances, and guarantees for windows or flat roofs where supplied. These matter for insurance, future sales and warranty claims.
- Update insurers when structural or kitchen/bathroom work completes
- Store “before” photos with “after” sets for each major area
- Agree a revisit date for seasonal snags (e.g. heating under load in winter)