One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is starting building work without the right paperwork in place. Verbal agreements may feel convenient, but they offer no legal protection when disagreements arise over scope, cost, or quality.
The most important document is a written contract. For smaller domestic projects this does not need to be a formal JCT contract, but it should include a clear scope of works, the agreed price, a payment schedule linked to project milestones, a start date and estimated programme, and a process for handling variations.
The scope of works is your single most valuable document. It should describe in detail what the contractor will do, what they will not do, what materials will be used, and what finishes are expected. The more specific it is, the less room there is for later disputes.
A payment schedule tied to milestones is far safer than paying by calendar date or on demand. Payments should be linked to measurable progress such as completion of groundworks or completion of structural works. This protects you if work stalls and means you always have a financial buffer.
You should also have confirmation that the contractor holds adequate public liability insurance and, on larger projects, employers liability insurance. Ask to see the certificates before work starts. A contractor who cannot produce these is exposing you to significant risk on your own property.
For projects requiring planning permission, make sure you have the planning consent in writing and that any conditions attached to the consent are understood by both you and the contractor before work begins.
If building regulations apply, clarify whether the contractor will handle the Building Control application or whether this must be submitted separately. This responsibility should be clearly identified in the contract.
Finally, agree in writing how variations will be handled. Any change to the agreed scope should trigger a written variation notice with a revised cost and programme impact before the change is carried out. This prevents surprise costs appearing on final invoices.
RCB Design & Build provides all clients with a detailed written scope, a clear contract, a structured payment schedule, and a programme before any work begins. This is not just good practice, it is the standard we hold ourselves to on every project.