Frequently asked questions

Do we need permission or approval before we start?

It depends on what you’re planning, but many home improvements need something before building starts. The big ones to check are:

- Planning permission (for bigger changes, like major alterations or extensions)

- Building Regulations approval (for work that has to meet specific safety/standards rules, often including structural, electrical, plumbing/heating, and energy-efficiency related work)

If you’re not sure, ask us and we’ll explain what applies to your project.

Do you manage the paperwork and sign-off at the end?

If your job needs approvals/inspections, we’ll keep the process on track and make sure the necessary information and certificates are available when the work is complete—so there aren’t any awkward surprises later.

Will you help with building regulations / building control?

Yes—this is a common question, because Building Regulations and “planning permission” are different systems. Where Building Regulations approval is needed, we’ll coordinate what’s required (including the inspections/stages), so you know what’s happening and when.

How do I know you’re the right builder for the job?

We’ll be happy to share:

- examples of similar work

- references (where possible)

- details of who’s doing the work day-to-day

We believe clear communication up front helps prevent problems later.

What insurance and guarantees do you have?

We’ll talk you through the cover that matters, and we’ll make sure you understand what you’re protected by. Many homeowners want assurance around:

- public liability insurance

- warranties/guarantees for workmanship (and, where relevant, insurance-backed options)

If you want “what happens if something goes wrong?”, we’ll show you clearly.

Can I get a written quote (not just a rough estimate)?

Yes. A written quote is the “fixed price promise” (as opposed to a loose estimate). We’ll also make sure the scope is clear so you can compare quotes properly.

How do you handle changes and extra costs?

If anything needs to change from the original scope, we’ll agree it with you first and explain how it affects time and cost. The goal is simple: no surprises, no guesswork.

What payment schedule should I expect?

A sensible approach is:

- a small deposit (if needed)

- then payments linked to progress / agreed stages

We’ll agree the payment plan in advance and put it in writing as part of the quote/contract so expectations are crystal clear.

Do you use a written contract?

Yes. You should have a written contract/terms before work begins, so everyone knows what’s included, what isn’t, what happens if problems come up, and how payments are handled.

How do you keep the site clean and safe?

We’ll treat your home like it’s our own jobsite: clear routes, sensible protection for finishes, and practical site management so the work stays moving and disruptions are kept under control.

Do you confirm how long will the job take?

We’ll give you a realistic timeline (and explain what can affect it, like lead-in materials, approvals/inspections, and normal site progress). If dates shift, we’ll keep you updated early rather than letting it drift

Who will be my main contact during the build?

You’ll know who to contact for day-to-day questions, updates, and decisions. We’ll also share how we’ll communicate through the project, so you’re not chasing people at the last minute.

What should be included in the contract/quote?

We recommend your paperwork covers things like:

- a clear description of the work

- materials and standards (where relevant)

- the price and payment stages

- the timeframe / schedule

- what happens if there are problems

We’ll make sure the important bits are in plain English, not buried in legal fog.

What if you’re no longer trading?

That’s a fair question—many homeowners worry about what happens if a contractor stops trading. That’s where insurance-backed guarantees can be useful because they’re designed to help cover the cost of rectifying defects even if the original business isn’t around.

What if something goes wrong or there’s a problem?

The best time to sort problems is quickly. As soon as something isn’t right:

- we’ll work with you to agree what needs to be put right

- we’ll put the agreed fix in writing

- we’ll aim to get it resolved within a reasonable timeframe (and keep inconvenience as low as possible)

We also recommend keeping paperwork/photos/notes to help if anything needs to be escalated.

Will you tell me when there are inspections needed?

If your project needs building control inspections, we’ll plan around the required stages and make sure nothing gets covered up before it’s been checked—so you avoid delays.

What if the work isn’t finished properly or isn’t as agreed?

If the work wasn’t done with reasonable care and skill, or it didn’t match what you agreed, you should be able to ask for it to be put right (or, depending on the situation, for money back). We’d rather address issues early than let them become bigger.

What should I do before you start?

A good “before we start” moment is having a clear, agreed scope and schedule, knowing how approvals/inspections are handled, and confirming contact details. The aim is to reduce stress by making sure everyone knows what’s happening and when.