Living Through a Renovation — Fulham
The questions in this section are the ones people ask after they have decided to do the work — and they matter more to how a project feels than the specification does. Most renovation disputes come from these five things, not from the building.
Do I need to move out during a renovation?
For a whole-house renovation, yes — there will be extended periods with no kitchen, no heating and no working bathroom. For a single extension, loft conversion or kitchen project, most clients stay, and the work can be programmed to keep the house liveable.
Read the full answerHow long does a full house renovation take?
Five to nine months on site for a typical Fulham three-bedroom terrace, assuming no planning delays. Add two to four months beforehand for design, structural work and permissions if the project involves extending or converting.
Read the full answerWhat is the best time of year to renovate?
Start groundwork and external work in spring or early summer so the building is weathertight before winter. Internal-only work — kitchens, bathrooms, decoration — can run at any time of year and is often easier to book in autumn and winter when builders have more availability.
Read the full answerHow do I choose a builder?
Visit a completed project and speak to that client, check the company at Companies House, confirm public liability insurance in writing, and get three quotes on an identical written specification. Be most cautious of the cheapest quote and of any builder wanting a large payment before starting.
Read the full answerWhat should be in a building contract?
A defined scope with drawings and specification, a fixed price or clear pricing basis, start and completion dates, staged payments tied to certified progress, a retention held after completion, a written variations process, and a defects liability period. If any are missing, the contract protects the builder more than you.
Read the full answerHow are payments staged on a renovation?
Against completed and inspected stages, not against dates. A typical structure is a small deposit for materials, then payments on completion of strip-out, structure, first fix, plastering, second fix and handover, with around 5 percent retained for six months after completion.
Read the full answerWhat happens if the work overruns?
It depends entirely on your contract. A standard form contract sets a completion date and provides for extensions of time only for defined reasons — weather, client variations, unforeseen ground conditions. Without a contract specifying dates and a variations process, there is very little you can do.
Read the full answerThinking about a project?
Tell us what you have in mind and we will come back with an honest view on cost, timescale and what is achievable at your address.