Managing a kitchen renovation

First steps
If you're embarking on an ambitious kitchen build and you'd rather project manage the renovation yourself, there are certain steps you need to take before you even start the plan of works. Make sure you get at least three quotes from local plumbers, builders, joiners and kitchen fitters upfront so you can compare prices and make sure you're not being overcharged. And to make sure they have a good track record of reliability and professionalism, it's wise to choose tradespeople that are approved by official governing bodies. For example TrustMark, a scheme approved by the government, by the building industry and by consumer groups, lists a wide range of skilled companies who have been thoroughly vetted. They check the firm's technical skills, trading record and financial position and make sure the company has signed up to a code of practice that includes having insurance, having good health and safety practises and a good track record of customer care.

If you're planning structural changes, ask your firm about any building regulations that you're required to satisfy and whether or not they can provide the building certificates that you need. Also, a firm should have a complaints procedure in place in the event that you have a problem or disagreement.

Take a look at the following websites for firms accredited to an official governing body:
Plumbing and heating: The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering
Builders: The Federation of Master Builders
General trades: TrustMark

Agree on a contract
When you’ve found the right tradespeople, discuss the work you want them to do and draw up a contract so you have a record of what you've both agreed on. The main points you should cover in the contract include a detailed list of the work to be done, the start and completion dates, a cost breakdown in instalments and when each instalment is due to be paid. Also, everyone has a different idea of what constitutes a finished job, so work out between you if this means a cleared and clean site. Also, talk about rubbish removal upfront. It's not always easy for you to transport old units or rubble, so if you want the builders to do it, say so now.

Before work starts
Having work done that involves plumbing and electrics is disruptive to everyday life at home, so think about whether you should move out for the duration. Completely clear the area where the work is being carried out as everything will get covered in dust and possibly damaged. You may need to put larger items of furniture into temporary storage for the duration. If you do stack furniture out of the way, cover it in dustsheets. You might also consider clearing and protecting access areas where the workmen need to get in and out with building materials. If the workmen need to put up scaffolding, it may infringe on your neighbour's house, so check with them that this is okay. Also, if your workmen need a skip outside, apply to your local council for a licence first. Finally, agree on daily start and finish times – it's reasonable to start work after 8am in the mornings and for work to go on until around 6pm. Any time either side of that is antisocial to your neighbours.

During the renovation
If you decide to project manage the renovation yourself, you have to make sure you keep in constant contact with all the workmen and be available to discuss progress as well as being involved in any decision-making. If you go on holiday, make sure you've appointed someone in your place to make sure everything is going to plan. Keep written notes about changes, additional costs, materials ordered and also any problems and delays that occur. You'll need to refer back to these notes if there's a dispute.

When the work is finished
After the job is done, refer to the original contract to make sure everything on your list has been done and that you're happy with it. It's also important to make sure you have all relevant building certificates - you'll need these as proof of quality standards if you ever decide to sell your home. It's common at this stage to retain 2.5% of the overall fee for a three-month snagging period. Once all the little snagging jobs have been finished, you can release the rest of the money.