Get your head right for the builder: Part Two

When thinking renovation and the builders, most of us focus on the look we want, then cost. Is what we want possible to do? Can we afford it?

Once we know it’s possible, it’s time to move on to the questions that come before that all important estimate. Preparing to speak with builders is the first move towards a successful project.

First: read the previous blog with the first 5 of my 10 questions to consider.

6. How do you want to manage additional work that crops up?

Every build turns up unexpected problems. When you’re digging down, stripping back or going up you have no idea what you’ll come across. This is true in all houses – sadly even work on new builds can throw up surprises.

First task: build in a financial continency i.e. add extra to what you expect to spend to cover the unexpected. If by some miracle you’re the one that doesn’t need it, you can get that fabulous sofa you’ve been hankering after.

Decide how you want the builder to tell you – do you want them:

• just to get on with whatever needs to be done.
• Provide you with a full explanation.
• Give you a full explanation plus a breakdown of costs?

7. How do you want to pay?

Very important decision! If there are going to be problems with a builder, chances are money will be involved somewhere.

• Are you willing to pay cash? If so, be prepared to have a stash somewhere safe for when it’s needed.
• Do you prefer to pay by bank transfer when asked?
• Do you want staged payments at agreed points in the project?

Payment methods can be linked to size of company you decide to go with. Small builders may want cash so they can pay for skips, order bricks, pay labourers without being out of pocket themselves. Larger companies are more likely to go for staged payment and bank transfer so they can show all their workings.

8. What is your timeline?

Are you aiming for a particular end point or are you prepared to go for as long as it takes? There are ways for a builder to move faster if required, but it might cost you more. So if you’re in a hurry, be ready to pay.

Clarify what your ultimate timings are so you can let the builder is clear from the outset. Decide whether you want a penalty clause in the agreement to add an incentive. Remind periodically along the way that you have a deadline.

If you are ready to do what it takes, still ask for a time estimate – and check in on how that’s going occasionally – so you can pace yourself through the process.

9. What is your resolution style?

It’s unusual for a build to proceed without any tension (maybe yours will be the one) so best to be prepared. The last thing you want is for there to be a big dislocation between yourself and the builder, because that will really hold you up.

• Do you like to please people? If so, then what help will you need if there is a disagreement? Line up a friend to help you think through what to do/say so you end up with the result you want.
• Do you move easily to anger and blame? Decide how to work off the first flush of anger before any conversation takes place. Once you’re calm, decide the best way to proceed. If you need someone with you to help maintain calm, then sort that out in advance.
• If you’re usually good at sorting out problems, use your skills liberally. However be prepared. This is a stressful situation so you may find you’re not your usual calm self.

10. Do you want your home to be energy efficient?

My husband was amazed I left this until last! If you’ve read some of my other blogs, you might wonder too! I still live in hope that there will be builders out there who automatically think about sustainability, but sadly I think I’m whistling in the wind!

The majority of builders work to building regulations, which are fine but if you want significant energy saving there is a lot more to be done. Not many builders really understand the process, so you’ll have to bring your knowledge into the equation.

• Are you willing to learn the basics of retrofit, what is needed to reduce energy bills and how to make home more comfortable? If so, begin by reading Beginner’s Guide to Eco Renovation.
• Can you make time to be a more active member of the team? You don’t have to attend every day, just be willing to talk through the different steps as they approach.
• Do you want to use sustainable materials, reducing the carbon footprint of the build? If so, this will need a bit more preparation since sustainable insulation etc usually needs to be ordered in advance. A lot of builders will tell you that standard materials are fine to make their life easier, so you may need to insist on what you want.
• Are you prepared to ask for work to be done again if it is not up to scratch?

Benefits of energy efficient, sustainable retrofit

To help with that final decision, remember that we are saving 75% of our energy usage after sticking to our guns on a sustainable retrofit. We also moved our Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) from a D to a B and the house is worth at least 90K more than the equivalent in the same area. So there is nothing to lose and everything to gain – both personally, for the climate and the future of all our grandkids!