Define the scope before you invite prices
Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves: extra living space, improved kitchen flow, an additional bedroom, or external upgrades such as driveways and boundaries. List structural assumptions (e.g. “remove chimney breast in dining room”) separately from decoration — paint and flooring are easier to change later than steels and foundations.
A written scope helps builders in Romford align labour and materials; vague briefs produce wide quote spreads that are hard to compare.
Access, parking and deliveries
RM postcodes include terraced streets with limited parking as well as properties with drive access. Agree where skips or grab lorries can stand, whether permits are needed, and typical delivery windows. Narrow access can affect panel sizes for kitchens and glazing — flag this early so designs are buildable.
Party walls and neighbours
Work to shared boundaries, excavations near foundations, or structural connections to a terraced row may fall under the Party Wall Act. Your designer or builder should flag whether notices are required; starting work without the right process can delay the job and sour neighbour relations.
Building regulations and approvals
Even when planning permission is not needed (e.g. some extensions under permitted development), building regulations still apply to structure, insulation, drainage and electrics. Agree who submits the Building Control application and who coordinates inspections — usually your builder or project manager, but it should be explicit in writing.
Finishing trades and snagging
Major structural and first-fix phases are noisy; second fix and decoration need a controlled environment. Finishing trades, minor repairs and snagging often follow the main build — batching related tasks is usually more efficient than repeated small call-outs.