WE LEARNED...

BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR PLANS, ask your local council what they would allow you to create and whether they have any feedback on what they’d like you to build. Then, outline what you have in mind for the scheme. It really speeds up the process.

ATTITUDE IS IMPORTANT. You need to work effectively with everyone on the site in order to get what you want. Going about communication in the right way helps the process run more smoothly. To minimise extras, make any changes early in the build.

CHOOSE YOUR TRADESMEN with great care. The secret is not to panic and engage in reasonable conversation. If they are on a fixed price, ply them with lots of tea, coffee and cakes! If you feel passionately about some aspect of the build, explain your reasons.

IF YOU’RE WORKING TO A TIGHT BUDGET, specify products and materials very carefully. There are some things you shouldn’t economise on but there are likely to be other areas where you can. It’s important to get the balance right.