Starting a building project in your home is a significant undertaking, and the way you prepare before the builders arrive can make a real difference to how smoothly the project runs and how well the non-construction parts of your home are protected.
Clear the working area completely. Any furniture, flooring, fixtures, or personal possessions in the rooms to be worked on must be removed before work begins. Even if the contractor is carrying out the strip-out, clearing personal belongings beforehand ensures nothing valuable is accidentally damaged or misplaced. Pay particular attention to items in storage spaces, under stairs, and in built-in wardrobes that may be near the work area.
Protect other rooms with dust sheets and temporary hoarding where the works are adjacent to occupied areas of the house. Dust from plaster, drywall, and general building activity travels further than most people expect, and covering furniture and flooring in adjacent rooms will save significant cleaning effort later.
Arrange secure storage for any tools, belongings, or materials that will remain on site during the project. If scaffolding is being erected or external windows are being replaced, ensure that security of the property is not compromised overnight. Discuss with the contractor how the property will be secured at the end of each working day.
Ensure the contractor has clear access routes to the working areas and to any waste removal points. If skips will be positioned on the road, check with the local council about skip permits. If materials will be delivered, ensure there is a clear drop-off point and that the delivery lorry can access the road safely.
Notify your neighbours before work begins. A brief, friendly message explaining what work is being carried out, how long it is expected to take, and providing a contact number if they have concerns goes a long way to maintaining good relations during a disruptive period.
Check your home insurance policy before work begins. Some policies require you to notify the insurer when significant building work is being undertaken, and the policy terms may change during construction. A specialist contractors all-risk insurance or a combined policy that covers both the existing building and the works in progress is worth considering for major projects.
RCB Design and Build briefs all clients on site preparation before work starts and ensures the site is properly set up with appropriate protection and access from day one.