WE LEARNED...

TRY TO VISIT the site at least two or three times a week so you can keep an eye on the progress. We also retained our architect through to completion, which helped to ensure the initial design was delivered without compromising on the detail or quality.

CARRY OUT pre-planning discussions before applying for full planning consent. This will save you time and money. Then, once you have the plans approved, stick to them. Changes are expensive and will most likely cause the project to overrun.

USING THE SAME builders for the construction and fit-out gives you a single point of contact. There will be issues with the build, perhaps only small ones, and this route means you won’t face one firm blaming another when those things happen. It’s also worth checking their financial record, and that of the directors, through Companies House.