How should I prepare before my builder starts work?
Clear the work area completely, protect the rest of your home from dust, and make sure all paperwork is signed before day one. Good preparation saves time, reduces stress, and helps avoid misunderstandings once the project is under way.
Clear the work area and arrange access
If the kitchen is being refitted, empty every cupboard, remove freestanding appliances, and take down anything hanging on the walls. If an extension is being built, clear the garden area of furniture, plants in pots, and anything breakable. Builders need clear access and will not move your belongings for liability reasons.
Confirm parking arrangements in advance. A van, skip, and possibly a scaffolding lorry will all need access. Speak to your neighbours if street parking is tight.
Protect your home from dust and damage
Construction dust gets everywhere, even through closed doors. Buy dust sheets and temporary plastic sheeting to cover furniture, carpets, and doorways in adjoining rooms. If the work involves plastering, sanding, or demolition, the dust will be significant.
Agree with your builder where they can store materials, mix plaster, and take breaks. Setting clear boundaries at the start avoids awkward conversations later. Also confirm working hours — most builders work 8am to 5pm, but check whether Saturday work is planned.
Get the paperwork in order
Make sure all the paperwork is done before work starts. This includes a signed written contract or detailed quote, proof of insurance, and any necessary permissions — building regulations approval, planning permission, or party wall agreements.
Agree a payment schedule in writing: typically a small deposit (no more than 10 to 15 percent), then stage payments linked to milestones such as completion of foundations, first fix, and second fix. Never pay the full amount upfront.
What this means for a quote
A detailed, itemised quote that both parties sign before work starts serves as the scope of works throughout the project. It gives you a reference point if questions arise about what was included. If you use TailoredQuote, you can generate a professional scope of works that covers every element of the build in one document.
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