Pre-Start Checklist
There are the obvious things to consider before starting on site, for example…
Do you have planning permission? Or a certificate of Lawfulness?
Do you have party wall awards in place?
Do you have free-holder consent?
Is building control appointed and the initial notice served to the council if using a private inspector?
Do you have a contract signed between yourself and the builder?
And then there are the ones often forgotten…
This is our list of 5 essential to-dos:
Have you notified your insurance company that the works are due to take place? They will need to know if you plan on moving out and the house will be empty. They may want to see a signed copy of the contract with the builder.
Have you done an asbestos survey of the property? This applies to old properties which have been renovated throughout the years. Its extremely common that asbestos was used and if found after the build starts it will delay the project as works will need to stop while a specialist comes to remove it.
Have you got a programme of works from the builder? Critically with dates of client supply items. This will help you to prioritise decisions and get yourself organised.
Have you had the drains surveyed? We usually use a company called @DrainSmart who map out the drain layout. Once this is done you will know if a build-over is required with Thames Water.
Is there any work required by the utility companies? Electricity, gas and water metres are not personal property which means that if you need to move a metre it will need to be done by the utility company…. and they take AGES to sort anything out. Its therefore best to start the process before starting on site otherwise the builders may be delayed.
Hope this helps… happy building!