Your Guide to the Building Process

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 checklist for UK homeowners. We’ll outline what to expect, highlight important considerations, and show how our approach keeps your project on track while keeping the burden off you.

Defining Your Project Goals

Every successful build begins with a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Start by considering:

• Why you’re extending or renovating (e.g., growing family, home office, extra living space).

• The style and functionality you desire.

• Any practical requirements, such as energy efficiency or accessibility.

Creating a wish list doesn’t have to be complicated - it’s simply a way to help your architect, surveyor, and builder understand your priorities. At Saunders Brothers, we encourage homeowners to focus on their vision, while we translate that into a practical, compliant building plan.

Working with Architects and Surveyors

Once your goals are clear, the next step is turning ideas into detailed plans. Your architect or surveyor will:

• Survey your property and identify any constraints.

• Produce drawings that reflect your wishes while meeting UK building regulations.

• Advise on materials, finishes, and structural requirements.

At Saunders Brothers, we work closely with a network of trusted local architects and surveyors, ensuring your project is designed to be both beautiful and structurally sound. We also help homeowners understand these plans without having to navigate the technical jargon themselves.

Permissions and Consents

Depending on your project, you may need planning permission or other consents, including:

• Planning permission for extensions, new builds, or significant changes to property appearance.

• Building regulations approval, covering safety, structural integrity, and energy efficiency.

• Party wall agreements, if your work affects shared boundaries with neighbours.

Your architect or surveyor usually handles these applications, but a good builder, like Saunders Brothers, can advise on potential issues and ensure your project aligns with legal requirements. Domestic clients, in particular, can rely on us to take care of CDM 2015 compliance and other statutory obligations, giving you peace of mind.

Preparing the Estimate or Budget

A clear understanding of your estimate is essential. At Saunders Brothers, we provide:

• In some case we can offer a budget based on initial brief description before you commit to applying for planning permission or perhaps your next your considering buying.

• A full breakdown of each element, so you know exactly what you are paying for.

• Clear provisional sums, which cover elements where exact costs aren’t known at quotation stage.

• Stage payment schedules, typically aligned with completed work, ensuring fairness throughout the build.

This level of detail protects you from unexpected costs and ensures you can compare builders fairly. Our team will happily walk you through every line of the quotation, answering questions and highlighting any potential budget adjustments.

Choosing the Right Builder

Selecting the right builder is more than accepting the cheapest estimate. Consider:

• Quality of past work: Ask to see completed projects and speak to previous clients.

• The Level of experience and expertise are essential.

• Health and safety record: Check HSE enforcement actions or CDM compliance.

• Financial stability: Review Companies House records for limited companies to confirm solvency.

• Communication and reliability: Can the builder manage timelines and respond clearly to queries?

A good builder, like Saunders Brothers, combines technical expertise, a focus on health and safety, and a reputation for professionalism to ensure your project runs smoothly.

Contracts and Legal Protection

Even with a trusted builder, a written contract protects both parties. There are a number of JCT contracts that protects the homeowner, if you don’t appoint a contact administrator then the JCT Homeowner’s Contract might be a good option. Key points to consider include:

• Scope of work, materials, and finishes.

• Start and completion dates.

• Payment schedule linked to milestones.

• Provisions for changes or unforeseen issues.

A well-drafted contract provides confidence and clarity, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or disputes.

Preparing Your Home and Site

Before work begins, Saunders Brothers ensures your site is ready, including:

• Secure boundaries to protect your property, workers, and the public.

• Welfare facilities for staff and visitors.

• Clear site rules and health and safety inductions.

This preparation may sound simple, but it’s crucial for a smooth building process. Our team takes care of the heavy lifting, literally and figuratively, so you don’t have to worry.

During Construction

Construction is often the most exciting stage, but also the most complex. Here’s how we manage it for homeowners:

• Project management: We plan, monitor, and coordinate every aspect of the build.

• Health and safety: Our Construction Phase Plan outlines safety measures and emergency procedures.

• Communication: You’ll receive regular updates without needing to chase information.

• Problem-solving: If challenges arise, we address them quickly, keeping the project on track.

Our approach ensures you can focus on your day-to-day life while we handle the logistics and technical details.

Quality Assurance and Site Checks

Regular inspections guarantee work meets specifications and building standards. Saunders Brothers ensures:

• Progress matches the agreed plans and drawings.

• Materials used meet expected quality.

• Health and safety standards are consistently upheld.

• Any provisional sums are reviewed against actual costs, keeping budgets transparent.

This attention to detail avoids surprises at the end and ensures your new space is safe, functional, and built to last.

Completion and Handover

Once construction is finished, Saunders Brothers conducts a thorough handover process:

• Final inspections confirm everything meets specifications and regulations.

• Any snagging issues are recorded and addressed promptly.

• We provide advice on maintenance and care, helping your new build or extension last for years to come.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and our goal is a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish.

Aftercare and Support

A reputable builder doesn’t disappear once the project is completed. Saunders Brothers offers:

• Ongoing support for any post-build questions or adjustments.

• Guidance on warranties, guarantees, and building regulations compliance.

• Friendly, accessible advice whenever you need it.

This ensures homeowners feel confident, knowing expert help is just a call or email away.

A Practical Checklist for Homeowners

To summarise, here’s a handy checklist of what to expect when planning a building project:

• Define your goals and priorities.

• Work with architects and surveyors to produce drawings and specifications.

• Check permissions, consents, and legal obligations.

• Obtain detailed, itemised estimate from trusted builders that can handle the size of the job.

• Choose a builder based on quality, safety, financial stability, and reliability.

• Agree on contracts, start dates, and payment schedules.

• Prepare your home and site for construction.

• Monitor progress through project management and communication.

• Ensure quality checks and health and safety compliance.

• Conduct final inspections and handover.

• Use aftercare services for ongoing support and guidance.

Following this checklist ensures your building project is well-planned, professionally managed, and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

The home building process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right team, clear planning, and a practical new build checklist, homeowners can enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable experience. At Saunders Brothers, we pride ourselves on guiding UK homeowners through every stage - from the first conversation to project completion and beyond.

If you’re considering an extension, renovation, or new build, our friendly, expert team is here to help. We take care of the complex aspects so you can focus on enjoying your dream home.

For more information or advice on your next project, email us at mail@saundersbrothers.co.uk

 or call 01844 273783.