The renovation game: an A to Z

THINKING about embarking on a renovation project? Here’s everything you need to know first.

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: Research your builders thoroughly. They’ll all have different work ethics, set-ups and costs.

Contract: Insist on this. It will tell you what will be done, week by week.

Dirt: Strap in for a few months of filth. There will be dust everywhere.

Extras: As work progresses, be aware there will be lots of additional opportunities for you to haemorrhage cash.

Frayed nerves: You might well need to take on the role of project manager – difficult if you’re trying to work and sort out your family at the same time.

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, you might be tempted (though we couldn’t possibly recommend it).

Holidays: Builders often work on several jobs at the same time, so if you’re away in sunny climes, and someone else is around and shouting louder, people may get moved off your project on to theirs.

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: Be prepared to get a set cut, and to trust builders in your home.

Lost stuff: Anything you leave on site is likely to end up in a skip.

Mess: Strap yourself in for a messy few months. You’ll have stuff on top of stuff, on top of stuff. It’s a nightmare.

Never-ending: The builders might tell you eight weeks, but when they’re still at it three months later, you might feel like you want to explode.

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

Portaloo: May be worth installing to stop dusty builders traipsing up your stairs to use your bathroom.

Queen-size tantrums: Nothing can really prepare you for the stress building work puts on your life. You’ll be snappy, ratty and emotional.

Real-life blur: Just take each and every day as it comes. Planning ahead can no longer happen.

Skips: Prepare yourself for scavengers. Scrap metal dealers will come and rummage at all hours.

Timings: We all know a builder’s schedule is unlikely to go completely to plan. It’s slow work – but worth the wait.

Under the ground: You might lose your beloved rose bush. Tunnels and pipes are necessary for plumbing work.

Various people: Building firms use different people for different types of work, so you could see a lot of unknown faces over the course of the work.

Wall cracks: You will discover lots of brand new cracks, around windows, across corners and over ceilings. Once the work is all done you can think about filling them in and re-decorating.

X-rated language: Another side effect of stress, it’s likely your swear count will rise dramatically. Organise time away from the house, try yoga or meditation, and use mindfulness apps.

Yes please: Remember everything you say “yes” to could cost you money.

Zoo-like behaviour: The labourer doing all the horrible jobs might not be quite as tidy as you might like. Be sure to give them mugs you’re happy to throw away for their cuppas, prepare for mud getting everywhere and cover up stair carpets and hallways with sticky, plastic coverings. You’ll

appreciate it come the end of the build.