Are home projects as easy as ABC? Here’s your A-Z

Thinking about embarking on a project? Here’s everything you should know before you begin.

A new beginning: Starting a building project feels exciting. You’re creating a new section of your home, designed uniquely for you, which is pretty special. Builders: The people who are going to take on your work need thoroughly researching. Ask around and find out if friends and family would recommend builders they used – it’s surprising how many won’t.

Contract: Once you’ve made a deal with a builder and the work’s secured, insist on a contract. This should tell you exactly what will be done and by when. Dirt: Be prepared! There will be dust everywhere. Extras: Beware – everything will have been priced up for you, but as the build progresses, there will be lots of additional opportunities for you to go over your budget.

Frayed nerves: Going through a build is incredibly stressful, and you might well need to take on the role of project manager. Be prepared to speak up if you’re not happy with something.

Getting cash out: If you’re trying to haggle and the only way to make things more affordable is to supply a lump sum of cash, then bear in mind that banks can be cautious when giving out large sums.

Holidays: A holiday feels so good in the midst of a build, but be warned – there might be a little less activity going on when you’re not around.

Itemisation: When the builder gives you your contract, go through it with a fine-tooth comb to check if anything’s missing.

Jargon: There will be lots of things you won’t know the names of. When builders, plumbers or electricians litter their updates with words you don’t understand, ask what they mean.

Keys: Your builders are likely to need their own set of keys, so be prepared to get a set cut, and to trust the builders in your home.

Lost items: Anything you leave on site is likely to end up in a skip if it’s not needed, and things like light fittings or thermostats – that are fixed to a wall being knocked down or worked on – can easily get mislaid. Mess: Strap yourself in for a messy few months. You’ll have stuff on top of stuff, on top of stuff…

Never-ending: The builders might tell you eight weeks, you’ll estimate 12, but when they’re still at it during week 14, you might feel like you want to explode. Building work takes an awfully long time.

Open plan: This is the look so many of us are trying to achieve. Just beware, there are fewer places to hide mess so think about storage too.

Portable toilet: They’re not pretty but if having a portable toilet stops dusty builders traipsing up the stairs to use your bathroom, you want to have one installed.

Queen-size tantrums and emotions: Nothing can really prepare you for the stress that building work puts on your life. If you have other stressful elements to worry about too, prepare yourself for a tough few months.

Real-life blur: Planning ahead can often become difficult. Once you’re a good six weeks into a build, you may find you have to take each day as it comes.

Skips: When you’re having building work done, a skip is one of the first arrivals. Prepare yourself for scavengers: scrap metal dealers or neighbours may come and rummage at all hours.

Timings: We all know a builder’s schedule is unlikely to go completely to plan. Be prepared for timings to be, let’s say, flexible.

Under the ground: You might have to wave goodbye to bits of your garden or a beloved rose bush when it’s dug up to provide the soak away. The tunnels and pipes are often necessary for plumbing work.

Various people: Building firms use different people for different types of work, so you could see a lot of different faces over the course of the work. It’s a good idea to try and get to know them all.

Wall cracks: When you knock down walls and do extensions, you put the rest of the house under severe pressure. Supports will be put in place to ensure it’s safe but you will discover lots of brand new cracks, around windows, across corners and over ceilings.

X-rated language: It’s not sweary builders you need to worry about, but your own language! Stay calm by organising time away from the house, relaxing exercise classes like yoga or meditation, and mindfulness apps.

Yes please: Remember everything you say yes to could cost you money. Some builders are more upfront about it than others.

Zoo-like behaviour: Most reputable firms will use good staff, but there’s always the odd one – possibly the labourer doing all the horrible jobs – who might not be quite as tidy and polite as you might like.