What to check before starting a refurbishment

What to check before starting a refurbishment

The pre-start phase of a refurbishment is where most projects get into trouble - not because anything has gone wrong on site, but because something that needed sorting before the start wasn't. Here's a practical checklist from someone who has managed the consequences of each of these being missed.

Planning and permissions

• Does your project require planning permission or is it covered by permitted development?
• If you're in a conservation area or listed building, additional consents may apply
• Have you checked whether your local council has an Article 4 Direction affecting permitted development rights?
• Is building regulations approval required? (It usually is for extensions, loft conversions, structural changes, and new electrical or heating systems)
• Have you notified building control and appointed an inspector?

Neighbour and building considerations

• Does the work fall under the Party Wall Act 1996? (Excavations within 3m, work on shared walls, or loft conversions near boundary walls)
• Have you served the correct party wall notices with adequate notice periods?
• Have you notified your freeholder or managing agent if the property is leasehold? (Most leases require consent for structural or M&E works)
• Is there a residents' management company or head leaseholder who needs to be involved?

Access and logistics

• Where will the skip go - and have you obtained a skip permit if it's on a public highway?
• Is there clear vehicle and material access for deliveries?
• Are there parking restrictions that affect contractor vehicles? (Especially relevant across inner London)
• Have you considered scaffolding licences if the scaffold will overhang a pavement?
• Where will operatives work from - do they have welfare, storage and access to power?

Decision deadlines

• Have you chosen all long-lead items? (Bespoke joinery, stone worktops, specialist tiles, and some sanitaryware can take 6–12 weeks to arrive)
• Do you have a decision schedule from your contractor - showing what needs to be chosen and by when?
• Have you confirmed kitchen and bathroom layouts with your contractor before structural work begins?