Property Checklist: Your Go‑to Guide Before Any Home Project
Starting a loft conversion, conservatory build or full‑house extension? The first thing you need isn’t a designer’s sketch – it’s a solid checklist. A clear list saves money, stops surprises, and keeps the council happy. Below you’ll find the core items every UK homeowner should tick off before digging in.
1. Legal & Planning Basics
Planning permission – Check if your project falls under Permitted Development. Extensions that breach height or out‑buildings that exceed 30m² usually need full permission. A quick search on your local council’s website tells you what’s allowed.
Building regulations – Even if planning consent isn’t required, the structure must meet UK Building Regs. Fire safety, structural loads, and energy performance all need sign‑off from an approved inspector.
Party wall agreement – If you’re working close to a neighbour’s wall, serve a Party Wall Notice at least a month before work starts. It avoids legal disputes and keeps good neighbourly relations.
2. Site Survey & Structural Checks
Foundation health – Look for cracks wider than 1mm, uneven floors, or damp patches. Use a simple ruler to measure crack width; anything over 3mm usually warrants a structural engineer’s visit.
Soil test – For new builds or major extensions, a soil bearing test confirms the ground can support the load. It’s a small cost that prevents costly foundation fixes later.
Roof & loft suitability – Not every loft can become a bedroom. Check headroom (minimum 2.2m), truss layout, and roof pitch. Low headroom or complex truss designs may need a redesign.
Utilities map – Identify where gas, water, electricity, and broadband lines run. Knowing this early helps avoid accidental cuts and extra rerouting charges.
3. Budget & Financing
Cost breakdown – List every line item: ground works, materials, labour, permits, and a contingency (10‑15%). Compare your numbers against online cost guides for a realistic picture.
Insurance check – Verify your home insurance covers the specific work. Some policies exclude foundation issues or temporary structures, so adjust your coverage before you start.
Funding source – Whether you’re using savings, a home improvement loan, or a builder’s finance, lock in the terms before ordering materials. Unexpected interest changes can blow up the budget.
4. Material & Contractor Selection
Durable materials – For foundations, hydraulic cement works best; for walls, consider insulated blocks that meet Part L standards. Choose products with UK certifications.
Contractor vetting – Look for builders with a track record on similar projects. Check reviews, ask for at least two references, and confirm they have a valid CSCS card.
Trade trades – Decide which trades you can manage yourself (dry‑fit kitchen, interior finishes) and which need professionals (electrical, plastering). This can shave off 5‑10% of labour costs.
5. Timeline & Risk Management
Project schedule – Draft a simple Gantt chart: site prep, foundation, superstructure, internal fit‑out. Add buffer days for weather delays, especially for foundations in winter.
Settling period – New buildings settle for up to 12 months. Plan for a post‑build inspection after 6 months to catch any early cracks or movement.
Health & safety – Ensure all workers wear PPE and that site access complies with UK HSE guidelines. A safe site reduces accidents and project stoppages.
Use this checklist as a living document – update it as you get new information or as the scope changes. The more thorough you are now, the smoother the build will go, and the less you’ll spend on fixes later.
Ready to start? Grab a pen, print this list, and tick each item off before you call a builder. Your future self will thank you when the conservatory is standing strong and the foundation stays crack‑free.
