Preparing Your Home Before the Builders Arrive: A Practical Checklist

Building work is easier on everyone when the home and the household are ready for it. Use this checklist in the weeks before the team arrives.

Clear and protect the space

• Empty the rooms where work will happen and the routes to them

• Move or protect furniture, artwork and valuables

• Store fragile and personal items away from the working area

• Agree which rooms will be kept as a clean area for the household

Access, parking and facilities

• Agree where materials can be delivered and stored

• Check whether parking suspensions, skip licences or hoarding permits are needed

• Decide where the team will access water, power and a toilet

• Agree working hours and how the property will be locked up each day

Utilities

• Locate your stopcock, gas meter and electrical consumer unit

• Plan for temporary loss of water, heating or power during certain stages

• Consider a temporary kitchen setup if yours is affected

Neighbours

Let neighbours know when work is due to start, what it involves and who to contact. If party wall notices are needed, they should already have been served. A friendly conversation goes a long way.

Decisions and paperwork

• Confirm finishes, fittings and colours so orders can be placed

• Keep copies of approved drawings, planning decisions and Building Regulations documents

• Check the contract, payment stages and who your main contact is

• Notify your insurer that building work is about to begin

Households and pets

Think about children, pets and anyone working from home. Some phases are noisy and dusty, so it helps to plan where everyone will be.

If you are preparing for a project with us, we are happy to walk you through what to expect. Read about our services.

Thinking about a project in London? Get in touch with Tota Design & Build to talk it through.