WE LEARNED...

BE PREPARED to fine tune the details of your build and cut back on unnecessary expenditure to stay within your budget.

DRAW UP A STRONG CONTRACT with the builders, with as much detail as possible and a priced bill of quantities with the builders, so that any issues that arise are covered and the contractors are obliged to fund the cost of their mistakes.

PLANT TREES IN ADVANCE of (or at the same time as) the build. That way, they start to mature as soon as possible.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY whether it’s liaising with neighbours over your plans or reaching compromises with the planning authority over build finishes.