Planning FAQ / Decisions before commitment
Before Work Gets Underway
Use these answers to frame a better conversation with your contractor, designer or local authority. Your property and local requirements still need individual assessment.
What should I decide before asking for quotes?
Define the problem, scope, items to retain, essential performance requirements and known constraints. Give bidders the same information and ask them to list assumptions and exclusions.
How long will my renovation take?
There is no reliable universal duration. Surveys, approvals, procurement, trade coordination, inspections and curing requirements determine the sequence. Ask for a project-specific schedule with dependencies and decision deadlines.
Do I need permission for internal work?
Possibly. Structural, electrical, plumbing, ventilation, historic-building and shared-building rules can apply even when the exterior is unchanged. Confirm requirements with the relevant authority and building management before starting.
How much contingency should I keep?
Use the remaining project risks rather than a universal percentage. Assess concealed conditions, survey quality and scope certainty with your team, and keep contingency separate from optional upgrades.
When should I order materials?
Order after the specification, quantities, relevant measurements and installation requirements are confirmed. Check lead times, cancellation terms, storage and who will inspect deliveries.
Can I stay in the house during the work?
Sometimes, but safe separation, escape routes, dust control and access to essential facilities must be assessed. Discuss planned outages and whether hazardous work or extensive disruption makes temporary accommodation necessary.
Is a waterproof floor enough for a bathroom?
No. A product described as waterproof does not make the whole room or assembly watertight. Substrates, joints, penetrations, waterproofing and drainage details must form a suitable installed system.
Should I choose the cheapest quote?
Compare the scope, exclusions, allowances, proposed method and contractor credentials first. A lower total may omit work that another quote includes. Resolve differences in writing before deciding.
How should changes be approved?
Record the revised scope, price basis, schedule effect and authorized approval before the change proceeds, except where urgent safety action requires a different process under the contract.
Does the contact tool send my message?
No. It prepares plain text in your browser. You can copy or download it, then send it yourself to [email protected]. The tool does not submit your form to a server.