WE LEARNED...

DURING THE PLANNING process, put yourself in the case officer’s seat.

Try and understand what the council has got to do within their remit, as all local authorities have certain strategies they’re working within. Talk to the planners and try to understand what it is that they want and will allow so that you can put something forward which meets their criteria.

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG on site, you’ve got to try and work your way through it by communicating with the trades you’ve hired. It doesn’t help to fall out with anyone. Of course, there were plenty of little things that annoyed me as the project progressed, but you have to move past these obstacles.

BE A SPONGE. You can never have too many conversations with people, both before and during the project. You can always learn more, whether it’s through friends or by chatting to professionals in the industry.

SUBSCRIBE TO MAGAZINES like Build It and read them thoroughly. I discovered some of my suppliers – Solarcrest MVHR and Hardieplank cladding – that way.