Choosing a builder and managing a project

Contracts, CDM, programmes, variations, snagging and handover. 90 guides.

How to Choose the Right Builder in London — 12 Questions to Ask Before You Appoint7 min read
Builder Insurance Guide — What Your Contractor Must Have Before Starting Work4 min read
How to Avoid Cowboy Builders: A Practical Guide9 min read
Architect vs Design-and-Build Contractor — Which Is Right for Your Project?8 min read
What Is a Principal Contractor — and Why Does It Matter for Your Project?7 min read
How to Choose an Architect in London — A Practical Guide for Homeowners6 min read
Construction Contracts for Homeowners — What to Agree Before Works Start6 min read
Building Warranty and Latent Defects Insurance — A Homeowner's Guide5 min read
Design and Build vs Separate Architect — Which Procurement Route is Right for You?6 min read
What Does a Principal Designer Do? CDM 2015 Explained for Homeowners6 min read
Contractor Payment Schedules: How They Work and What to Agree Before You Start6 min read
RICS Building Surveys: Which Level Do You Need Before You Buy?8 min read
JCT Minor Works Contract: What It Is and When You Need One7 min read
How to Read Architectural Drawings: A Homeowner's Guide7 min read
How to Avoid Contractor Fraud and Rogue Traders in London7 min read
Snagging: How to Inspect Your Build and Create a Snagging List8 min read
How to Write a Brief for Your Architect9 min read
How to Check a Contractor's References and Track Record9 min read
How to Write a Building Project Specification8 min read
Contract Retention in Building Contracts: How It Works9 min read
How to Choose a Building Contractor: The Right Questions, Red Flags, and Process9 min read
Building Contract Guide: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Signing9 min read
Contractor Payment Terms: What's Fair, What to Avoid, and How to Protect Yourself10 min read
Why Building Projects in London Get Delayed — and How to Prevent It10 min read
Deposits and Payment Schedules for Building Work: What's Fair and How to Protect Yourself9 min read
Design and Build Contracts: What They Are, How They Work, and When to Use One12 min read
What Insurance Should Your London Building Contractor Have? A Homeowner's Guide13 min read
Practical Completion in London Construction: What It Means, When It's Achieved, and What Happens After14 min read
Payment Schedules for Building Projects in London: Stage Payments Explained8 min read
Open Plan Living in London: How to Open Up Your Ground Floor7 min read
Smart Home Technology for London Homes: What to Install and When7 min read
Project Management for London Construction: Do You Need One?6 min read
Building Contracts for London Home Projects: What You Need to Know8 min read
Bespoke Joinery in London: Fitted Wardrobes, Bookcases and Built-ins7 min read
Disability Adaptations and Accessible Design for London Homes7 min read
Working with an Architect in London: What to Expect and How to Choose One6 min read
Property Surveys for London Homes: Which Type Do You Need?7 min read
Home Staging in London: How to Prepare Your Property for Sale7 min read
Construction Contract Administration in London: What Homeowners Need to Know8 min read
Construction Programmes and Timelines for London Home Projects7 min read
Home Cinema and Media Rooms in London Properties: Design and Construction8 min read
Home Gym Design and Construction in London Properties9 min read
How to Choose a Building Contractor in London: Vetting, Checks, and Red Flags 202510 min read
How to Find and Appoint a Good Building Contractor in London: A 2025 Guide12 min read
Main Contractor vs Project Manager in London 2025: Which Delivery Route is Right for Your Project?12 min read
Building Contracts for London Homeowners in 2025: JCT Minor Works, Deposits, Variations, Contractor Abandonment13 min read
Fascias, Soffits & Gutters: A London Homeowner's Complete Guide6 min read
Contracts with Building Contractors in London: What to Check Before You Sign11 min read
Do You Need a Construction Project Manager for Your London Home Works?10 min read
Project Timelines for London Home Projects: Realistic Schedules from Concept to Completion12 min read
How to Vet a Building Contractor in London: The Essential Checks Before You Sign13 min read
New Build Snagging in London: What to Check, When to Snag, and Your Legal Rights15 min read
Building Information Modelling (BIM) for London Residential Projects: A Practical Guide7 min read
Bespoke Joinery in London Homes: Fitted Wardrobes, Alcove Shelving, Panelling, and What to Expect5 min read
Roofing for London Homes: Tiles, Slates, and How to Choose the Right Covering for Your Roof6 min read
Chimneys in London Homes: Repair, Removal, Breast Extraction, and Flue Lining5 min read
Construction Programmes for London Home Projects: Build Sequences, Milestones, and What to Expect4 min read
Snagging in London Home Construction: How It Works and What to Expect4 min read
Contract Administration for London Home Projects: JCT Contracts, Payment, and What a Contract Administrator Does5 min read
Dilapidations and Property Defects in London: Surveys, Schedules, and What They Cover4 min read
Quantity Surveyors for London Residential Projects: What a QS Does and When You Need One4 min read
Schedule of Condition Surveys for London Home Projects: What They Are and When You Need One4 min read
Construction Insurance for London Home Projects: What Cover Your Contractor Must Have4 min read
Payment Schedules for London Construction Contracts: Stage Payments, Valuations, and Retention Explained4 min read
Construction Waste Management for London Home Projects: Skips, Permits, and Duty of Care4 min read
Lead Paint in London Homes: What Homeowners and Contractors Need to Know4 min read
Building Surveys for London Properties: RICS Level 2, Level 3 and What You Need Before Buying5 min read
Leasehold and Freehold in London: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know6 min read
Building a New Home in London: Self-Build, Developer Sites and Full-Build Process4 min read
Choosing a Surveyor in London: Types of Survey, RICS Accreditation and What Each Covers4 min read
How to Choose a Builder in London: Vetting, Contracts, Red Flags and What Good Looks Like4 min read
Flat Roof Maintenance Guide for London Homes4 min read
How to Choose a Builder in London: What to Check Before You Sign9 min read
Property Development in London: A Practical Guide for First-Time Developers7 min read
Roof Works in London: Replacement, Repair and Flat Roof Guide7 min read
How to Choose a Building Contractor in London: A Homeowner's Checklist7 min read
Accessibility and Disability Adaptations for London Homes6 min read
House Survey Guide for London Buyers: Level 1, 2, 3 and Specialist Surveys6 min read
Self-Build and New Build on a Plot in London: What You Need to Know6 min read
External Works and Patio Design for London Homes5 min read
Roofing in London: Flat Roofs, Pitched Roofs and Rooflights6 min read
The Sequence of Trades on a London Building Project: What Happens and When8 min read
Snagging at the End of a London Building Project: What to Check and How6 min read
What is a Principal Contractor? CDM Roles in London Building Projects6 min read
Procurement Routes in London Residential Construction: Which Approach Is Right for Your Project7 min read
Pre-Purchase Building Surveys in London: Types, What They Cover, and When You Need Them6 min read
Extending a Detached House in London: More Options, Different Rules5 min read
How to Choose a Building Contractor in London: A Practical Guide7 min read
Floor Finishes for London Homes: Choosing the Right Flooring for Each Room7 min read
Should I Extend My London Home or Move? The Honest Comparison4 min read

Want advice on your own project rather than a general guide?

Book a project review