If you’ve booked us or you are looking to book in a builder for new projects and do not have the option to stay elsewhere, you may be worried about horror stories online of construction work being overly noisy, messy and taking forever. As we manage our workload efficiently, we complete even the largest of projects in just under two months, and make sure to clean thoroughly after each visit. That being said, there are some top tips you can utilise to make sure your construction project goes as seamlessly for you as the end result delivered by us will be. Let’s have a look.
1) Parking
For yourself, and for your builders. Having a close route will ensure less long trips to the vans for tools. It may be helpful to make your neighbours aware that you have an ongoing construction project so they will not be surprised at the influx of vehicles. Particularly for jobs such as kitchen renovations which will not just require builders, but plumbers, electricians, plasterers and of course trips from the merchant supplier.
2) Location of where the materials will be based
This can vary greatly depending on what type of construction project you are commissioning. For a bathroom refit, having new tiles, a new bath or other bathroom fixtures either in the room, adjacent hallway or bedroom will allow builders to carry out their work more efficiently. There is nothing worse for customers than having a construction project delayed because the materials have not arrived on time or have been damaged.
3) There is always dust
In a similar vein, most construction projects will result in a heavy amount of dust. Covering any carpets, flooring, furniture or even everyday objects builders are likely to come into contact with will minimise this. We provide our own dust sheets to minimise mess, but you can never have enough. If you can, boxing any unnecessary items or items that do not need to be out into boxes for the duration of the project may be a wise move. You could also consider investing in some zipped doorway dust protectors.
4) Think about the route your builders will take
As above, whilst we may provide our own dust sheets, builders will need to be in and out of the house to fetch materials if based outside, or tools from the van and for breaks and trips to suppliers. You can minimise the amount of dusty footprints by laying out materials such as old bedding and curtains, sheets, large pieces of cardboard or polythene, anywhere where your builders are likely to need to go. It is likely they may need access to your water and electric supplies too, the bathroom and the route to where the project is taking place.
5) Keep on top of cleaning
Inevitably any construction project will require cleaning of your own too. If you are having a kitchen refit, you may find you need to move your cooking utensils upstairs, as well as anything you need for hot drinks. You may also want to consider using a gas burner for heating food or moving a microwave upstairs or into a different room. But also be aware of the utensils you will need for this and your ability to clean them in the bathroom for example.
6) Stay on top of rubbish
Unless you pay for extra collections or the builders have brought a skip, you may need to accommodate for extra rubbish materialising around the house. This can include temporary PPE, which you may also need yourself if you have Asthma or other lung or allergen related conditions with the increase in dust.
7) Keep the doors shut
Especially if you have young children or pets, they will naturally be curious as to what changes are taking place in the home. Keeping the door shut so that the builders can work undisturbed and so that the kids don’t go near a building site on an evening is a must. If you work from home or are a stay at home parent, this will also minimise any potential noise from the construction project.
8) Plan ahead
If you have extra fixtures or fittings you wish to order as the construction project comes along, planning for when these come so as to prevent minimal disruption to your project is key. Speaking of keys, if you have appointments or plans to go out, you may also need to give your builder one or leave a key in a safe space for them to continue work whilst you are away.
9) Newfound family
One thing many people do not anticipate in a construction project is how builders almost become part of the family! We can move around you, and work to accommodate your living situation as best as possible, but seeing us everyday for a few weeks will certainly help you develop a sense of closeness and trust. Also be sure to stock up on boxes of Yorkshire tea as the stereotype for builders is definitely true. And what do you do for your family? You offer them a brew!
Contact Us
We hope this helps you to be as best prepared as possible for your construction project. To contact us about any questions surrounding your construction project or if you wish to book one please contact us by filling out our online contact form or by calling us on 01535 653 530.