I LEARNED...

RECLAIMING VAT for a conversion can be confusing. HMRC requires invoices and paperwork to be 100% correct. Figure this side of things out at the start and request VAT receipts from suppliers as you go, rather than trying to get corrections made months later.

EVERYONE WANTS to chase the best deal and it’s great to research specialist items and order them yourself. Always double check the reliability of suppliers through Companies House website. Be wary of using a firm where you can see the director has a history of establishing multiple business with a short lifespan – this goes for trades, too. Don’t be tempted into deals where you pay a large percentage upfront for goods or services to secure a fixed price.

INDEPENDENT BUILDING CONTROL specialists are a good option for conversions. Check they have experience working on similar projects. Meet them in advance to discuss your scheme and, if you don’t like their approach, keep searching until you find someone else. Having someone who works for you rather than the council is a huge advantage to reaching consensus on Building Regs compliance.

CONTRACTORS LOVE IT if you’re calm, consistent and don’t change your mind too much. They also like it when you’re honest and admit if you don’t have an answer, or if you’ve made a mistake. Be open to their suggestions and take heed of their advice, too.