OUR BLOG

As we move into 2026, the construction industry continues to adjust to a period of realism. The last few years have reshaped how people approach building projects - from budgeting and timelines to sustainability, planning and professional input. Rather than dramatic shifts, 2026 looks set to be a year of smarter decisions, better preparation and more considered building. For homeowners and developers alike, the emphasis is moving away from rushing projects through and towards

When choosing a builder, it’s easy to focus on cost, design and project timelines, but what about safety? Health and safety standards are among the most important (and most overlooked) aspects of any construction project. A professional builder doesn’t just deliver quality workmanship; they ensure that everyone on site, including you, your family, and their own team stays safe throughout the build. Why Safety Standards Matter Construction sites can be hazardous enviro

Behind every successful construction project lies a team of skilled professionals, and three of the most important are your architect, surveyor and engineer. Whether you’re restoring a listed farmhouse, extending a cottage, or building something completely new, their role is vital in ensuring your project runs smoothly from concept to completion. Why Architects Matter Architects are more than just designers, they’re problem-solvers, visionaries and technical experts. They

Embarking on a home building or renovation project can feel exciting, yet daunting. Whether you’re planning an extension, a new build, or a substantial refurbishment, knowing the steps ahead and what to expect from your builder can make the experience far smoother. At Saunders Brothers, we aim to guide homeowners through the building process with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. In this guide, we’ve broken down the process into manageable steps - a practical checklis

If you're planning a building project in Oxfordshire, choosing the right builder can make or break the success of your project and investment. Whether you're considering a renovation of a period property, extension, or a full new build, finding a local builder with the right expertise and approach is key to turning your vision into reality. Look for Local Understanding Builders who are based in or frequently work in Oxfordshire will have valuable insight into planning require

Do you have the good fortune to live in one of the charming period cottages, historic farmhouses or even grand manor houses that dot the Buckinghamshire landscape? If you do, but are yet to find out that restoration work on it can be expensive, time consuming and difficult, here’s some of what you’ll need to know before diving into a renovation or restoration project with experienced restoration builders in Bucks. Oh yes, you really do want them to be experienced. 1. Not all

Managing costs and profit is crucial in any business and all will have added an allowance for OH&P when calculating their selling prices, though you won’t have seen it when shopping in the supermarket. It’s visible to clients in construction prices because estimating is done project by project and prices are widely discussed between builder and client at the tendering stage. What Does OH&P Stand For? OH&P stands for Overheads and Profit and it refers to the allowance that con

Understanding the VAT implications of construction and renovation projects in the UK can significantly impact your project's budget and feasibility. We’ve produced this blog to provide an overview of VAT treatments for new builds, renovations, and properties unoccupied for extended periods. VAT on New Builds In the UK, the construction of new dwellings is typically zero-rated for VAT purposes. This means that builders and contractors can charge VAT at 0% on their services and

When budgeting for a construction project, you may come across the term ‘prelims’ or ‘preliminary costs.’ But what are prelims in construction, and why are they important? Understanding preliminaries will enable you to discuss them with your contractor or tenderers. You may get their costs reduced a bit – at the very least you’ll learn why they’re so crucial to your project. So, what are Prelims in Construction? Prelims refer to the essential expenses associated with a constr

When it comes to deciding whether to move to a new home or improve your existing one, homeowners often find themselves swayed by different ideas, especially the financial factors. At Saunders Brothers, we understand that assessing the likely future of such long term matters as your home involves a bit of crystal ball gazing. If you invest in improving and/or extending your home, it will certainly cost money but will the increased value be greater than the cost of the improve

In Construction, RFI simply stands for Request for Information but in fact it’s a whole series of requests for information because all the requests on the project are just added to one document and that is the RFI. Almost any building project is a complex undertaking, with choices of alternatives in almost every area. It’s easy to see, for example, that the Client needs to choose the paint colours for the interiors before the decorator can buy the paint, but many Clients may

Is it a bold claim that employing Saunders Brothers as your builder is a little different – and preferable – to hiring some other company? Perhaps, but we think the facts are on our side. Employing a Builder When you hire a builder to work on your house while you’re still trying to live your life there, they need to be competent of course, but they also need to realise they’re disrupting your home and minimise that disruption, to be responsible, considerate, trustworthy and p

Discover what Provisional Sums and Prime Cost Sums are and uncover the differences between them both.

Do you or your neighbour want to do some work on or near to the party wall between your houses? Then, unless the work is minor and risk-free, “Yes, you do need a Party Wall Agreement.” is the short answer. Do you have a larger project or does someone else wants to do work affecting your party wall? Then, if your boundary is a party wall, both you and they need a Party Wall Agreement. What is a Party Wall? Not all shared boundaries are party walls as defined in the Party Wall

‘Do I need building regulations?’ is a question that we hear quite a lot. Here in our latest blog we cover what building regulations are, why they are necessary and what types of buildings they apply to… What are the Building Regulations? The Building Regulations are a set of rules covering almost all aspects of building construction. They are government regulations and it is a legal requirement that construction projects comply with them. Why are they necessary? Buildings ar

When it comes to building work and obtaining a building quotation it can be the start of a daunting process. How do you know which is the right builder for you? Are they quoting a fair price? We bring together 9 things you should know before you choose your builder. Why is money such a complex matter in the construction industry? It’s simply because the sums of money are large and buildings take a long time to complete so builders require stage payments, normally monthly valu

When it comes to a Listed building renovation it’s important to take into consideration what the renovation process will involve. If you are contemplating a listed building renovation then a little research can go a long way. To help make your project run smoother we’ve gathered some key information as well as answering some of the commonly asked questions when it comes to a listed building renovation. Types of listed buildings A building gets listed by being added to the li

As an outstanding, traditional renovations building contractor based in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire we have over 30 years of experience in building renovations. We thought it would be helpful and beneficial to share some information when it comes to building renovations. Here are some of the top questions we get asked as a renovations builder: What is a building renovation Put quite simply, a building renovation is the process in which a property is improved or modernised

Conservation areas exist to protect the special architectural and historic interest of a place or area – in other words, the buildings and their features that make it unique and distinctive. What is a listed building? A listed building is one that is included in the National Heritage List for England, which is a list of buildings, structures and places worthy of being conserved individually, whether the area they’re in is conserved or not. If you own a listed building, whethe

Your Guide to House Extensions and Renovations Have you been contemplating an extension to your home or a substantial renovation which could also include an extension? Perhaps you’re looking to create additional space for a growing family or even a dedicated environment to work safely from home. Whatever your circumstances, an extension or renovation to your home can be a daunting process and not knowing where to begin with a building project can cause confusion. If you need