Best Shopping Day

The best project management books for managing small construction projects as a homeowner.​​​​​​​​​
This is one for those of you how enjoy picking up a book a learn the old fashion way (and best way in my opinion).

1. "Getting the Builders In" by Leonard Sales: Offers practical insights and tips for homeowners on hiring and managing builders for construction projects, covering key aspects of project management and contractor relationships.

2. "The Site Manager Bible" by Len Sales: Serves as a comprehensive reference guide for site managers overseeing construction projects, providing valuable advice on project planning, supervision, and coordination to ensure successful project ex*****on.

3. "Building Your Own Home" by David Snell: A comprehensive guide for homeowners embarking on the journey of building their own home, covering every aspect of the construction process from planning and design to project management and budgeting.

4. "Self-Build Manual" by Ian Rock: Provides step-by-step guidance and practical advice for individuals undertaking self-build projects, offering insights into project planning, construction techniques, regulatory requirements, and budget management.

5. "Manage a Homebuild and Renovation Project" by Leonard Sales: Offers homeowners practical strategies and techniques for effectively managing home building and renovation projects, including budgeting, scheduling, contractor management, and problem-solving.

6. "Home Extension Manual: The Step-by-Step Guide to Planning, Building and Managing a Project" by Ian Rock: A comprehensive manual that guides homeowners through the process of planning, designing, and managing home extension projects, covering key considerations such as legal requirements, budgeting, and contractor selection.

Follow for more project management advice.

Dear Katy and Steve,​​​​​​​​​
It depends. I am sorry, but it not a straight forward answer. You mentioned that it will be only for ‘few weeks’, but how many weeks exactly? Have your contractor provided a programme? Depending on the duration of the works, you may be able to evaluate whether this is something that you can tolerate of whether you need to find a temporary nest.

The works involve a larger bifold door, unless the door has been ordered already, these type of doors tend to have a lead time exceeding five week (if it is a standard size), otherwise, you could potentially expect up anything from eight to twelve weeks. The builder won’t be able to complete their works until the new doors are installed. This is something to keep in mind.

Also, please keep in mind that even if the works are downstairs, it will get dusty everywhere. You will find dust in places that will make no sense regardless of how much you try to keep things clean. It will be dusty, noisy, uncomfortable and it could potentially slow down the builder. I surely hope you and your are not planning to work from home.

If there is possibility to stay somewhere else, then I would suggest that you do so, is the best solution all around.

If you decide to stay, then ask the following questions to your builder: How long exactly will the work take? Will they need to disconnect the services during the works? What are the working hours? Whist the kitchen is unavailable can they provide a temporary sink in another space?

You may not need a hob and you’re planning to get delicious takeaways or Waitrose’s ready meals, but you may need to clean the dishes and cutlery. You only appreciate how much you use the kitchen sink the moment you do not have one available.

If you are worried about the cost of having to pay for accommodations for the entire duration of the works then I would suggest, that you plan to have a few days away and few days at home.

Best,
Alma

When vetting potential builders for your project, it's essential to ask the right questions to ensure you make an informed decision. Here are five key questions to ask potential builders before hiring someone:​​​​​​​​​
1. Can you provide examples of your past projects for us to review?
Asking for examples of past projects allows you to assess the builder's experience and expertise in handling projects similar to yours. Reviewing their portfolio can help you gauge the quality of their workmanship, attention to detail, and ability to deliver results that align with your expectations.

2. Could you share details about your licensing, insurance, and bonding to ensure compliance?
Verify that the builder holds the necessary licenses and insurance coverage required to operate legally in your area. A licensed builder demonstrates compliance with industry regulations and standards, while adequate insurance coverage protects you and your property in the event of accidents, damages, or disputes during the construction process.

3. What are the expected project timelines and deadlines for our construction project?
Understanding the builder's approach to project management and scheduling is crucial for ensuring timely completion of your project. Ask about their process for setting and adhering to project timelines, handling delays or unforeseen challenges, and maintaining open communication with clients throughout the construction process.

4. Can you outline your payment schedule and pricing structure for the proposed project?
Clarify the builder's payment schedule, including upfront costs, milestone payments, and final payment terms. Ensure transparency regarding pricing, including materials, labour, and any additional expenses that may arise during the project. Beware of builders who require substantial upfront payments or provide vague estimates without detailed breakdowns.

5. How do you typically handle changes or revisions to the project scope during construction?
Inquire about the builder's process for addressing changes, revisions, or unexpected challenges that may arise during the construction process. Understand how changes to the project scope are communicated, evaluated for feasibility, and incorporated into the existing timeline and budget. Clear communication and flexibility are essential for navigating changes effectively and maintaining project alignment.

When asking potential builders to price for your job, provide the following information:​​​​​​​​​
1. Detailed Project Specifications: Clearly outline the scope of work, including architectural plans, design preferences, materials specifications, and any special requirements or considerations.

2. Site Information: Provide details about the location of the project site, accessibility, existing structures, utilities, and any site-specific challenges or constraints that builders should be aware of.

3. Desired Timeline: Communicate your preferred start date, project duration, and any critical milestones or deadlines that need to be met.

4. Building Contract Guidelines: Share your contract expectations to help builders to understand your contract requirements and tailor their proposals accordingly and ensure alignment with your parameters.

5. Pre-Qualification Statement: Provide a pre-qualification statement outlining the criteria that builders must meet to be considered for the project. This statement may include requirements related to licensing, insurance, experience, references, and certifications. Clearly articulate the qualifications and standards that potential builders must meet to ensure they align with your project's needs and expectations..

6. Contact Information: Provide accurate contact details and designate a primary point of contact for builders to reach out to with questions, clarifications or to arrange to visit your property.

Download our choose the right builder bundle to access done for your emails to send to potential builders, resources where to find reliable builders, a step by step workbook to guide you through the entire process. See link on bio.

Dear John and Cristina,​​​​​​​​​
Sign a contract, please. Always.

You might think that is not a big deal, maybe you know the lads that will be doing the works.

The person that came to your home to discuss the work and drank your coffee or tea may seem nice. Most likely he or she is actually very pleasant, but when things go wrong, you may see another side of that person.

Think about it, they may genuinely made a mistake when pricing for your job, perhaps they underestimated the soil removal that was required after excavating your footings. Now they have pay for additional grab lorries from their own pocket. Surely it is not your problem, but since there is no a contract, they may come to you and tell you that they need to charge you extra.

You reluctantly accept the first time, but the same things happens again a second and even a third time. Then they start invoicing you weekly which you were not expecting and it was never clarified at the start of the works.

These are the type of situations that a contract may not prevent entirely, but it will give protect your investment, your peace of mind, and the space that now it a dream but hold the future that you and your family long have awaited to have.

Contracts hold builders (and you) accountable and provide indications about what to do when things go wrong. There are standard building contracts in the market with fair and well-thought-out clauses that make the process of putting one in place considerably faster.

Now, if your builder is suggesting you sign their bespoke contract, give it a thorough read and seek professional advice, if there’s even a whiff of confusion.

Wishing you the finest of luck with your project.

Best,
Alma

Four places to find a reliable builder:​​​​​​​​​
1. Professional Memberships: Look for builders who are members of reputable organisations like the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and The Guild of Master Craftsmen. These memberships ensure that builders meet high standards of quality and professionalism.

2. Recommendation Sites: Check out online platforms like Checkatrade, Trustpilot, and Angie's List. These sites provide reviews and ratings from past clients, helping you find builders with a proven track record of reliability.

3. Social Media: Explore social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Many builders showcase their work and interact with clients on these platforms. By researching builders on social media, you can get a sense of their craftsmanship and reputation.

4. Word of Mouth: Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and professionals involved in your project, such as architects or interior designers. Their firsthand experiences and connections can lead you to reliable builders.

Download our "Choose the Right Builder" bundle for ready-to-use emails, resources on finding reliable builders, and a step-by-step workbook to guide you through the process. Link in profile page.