Your project, stage by stage

Find your stage

The most expensive decisions are made in the first two stages, before you own the house.

1. 1Before you offerIs the change allowed, possible and affordable? What will the house be worth?

   In the workbook · Chapters 1 to 6

   • Viewing sheet Table 8
   • Testing the change Table 9
   • Value and cost Table 11
   • Price per m² Table 12
   • Cost checklist Table 13
   • Stress test Table 16

   Sources

   • Prices, tax and grants
   • Planning and listed buildings

   Free: run the Quick Check for England or for Wales. Before an offer, a Buying Brief reviews your shortlist and the change you have in mind.
2. 2Before you exchangeDo the surveys, searches and paperwork support the plan?

   In the workbook · Chapters 7 to 12

   • Who confirms what Table 10

   Sources

   • Surveys, searches and the ground
   • Drainage
   • Ecology

   An Appraisal before you exchange: sold prices, a costed schedule of works and a planning check.
3. 3Design and permissionsWho designs the work, and which permissions does it need?

   In the workbook · Chapters 2, 7 to 9

   • No form at this stage; the chapters carry it.

   Sources

   • Planning
   • Leasehold
   • Designers and builders

   Not sure which permissions apply, or what level of design you need? Ask a question.
4. 4SpecificationWhat exactly is being built, and to what standard?

   In the workbook · Chapters 13, 14

   • Priced schedule Table 28

   Sources

   • Building regulations

   Specification writing is part of Project Management, and can be taken on its own.
5. 5Quotes and choosing a builderWhich builder, on what evidence, and on what terms?

   In the workbook · Chapters 15, 17, 18

   • Builder vetting Table 31
   • Practical jobs Table 32

   Sources

   • Choosing designers and builders

   Tendering and comparing quotes is part of Project Management, or ask a question about a quote you have.
6. 6The written agreementWho is responsible for what, and what happens if it goes wrong?

   In the workbook · Chapters 16, 19

   • No form at this stage; the chapters carry it.

   Sources

   • Contracts and problems

   The sample agreement is in Chapter 19. For anything unusual, take legal advice; for the practical terms, ask a question.
7. 7Before day oneAre the notices, insurance, services and neighbours in place?

   In the workbook · Chapters 20, 21

   • Lead times Table 33
   • Who does what Table 34

   Sources

   • Neighbours, site and safety

   Setting up the site and the programme is part of Project Management.
8. 8During the workHow are changes, payments and site visits handled?

   In the workbook · Chapters 21, 22

   • Variations log Table 35
   • Site visits Table 36
   • Stage payments Table 37
   • Monthly payments Table 38
   • Forecast Table 39
   • Project file Table 40

   Sources

   • Building control
   • Site and safety

   Site visits, changes, payments and cost control: Project Management.
9. 9Completion and handoverIs the work finished, and when is the retention released?

   In the workbook · Chapters 23

   • Snagging Table 41
   • Appliances Table 42
   • Handover pack Table 43

   Sources

   • Contracts and problems

   An independent snagging inspection is worth it on a larger job, or if you cannot be there. Ask.
10. 10The first yearDid the house and the costs turn out as planned?

    In the workbook · Chapters 24

    • First year Table 44
    • Planned v actual Table 45

    Sources

    • All references

    Something showing up in the defects period? Ask a question.

The blank forms workbook

One Excel file, one form per tab, numbered to match the book. Answer one question from the book and the download appears straight away.

Ask a question

Email the question with your stage and a line about the house. You get a short answer by email, free. If it needs real work, such as a visit, a set of numbers or a document reviewed, I will say so and quote before doing anything.

A short email reply is general guidance on what you have described, not a survey, a valuation or legal advice. Specifica holds professional indemnity insurance for its paid work.

When you want a professional on your side

A typical home project triggers three or four points where advice costs less than getting it wrong. Bring Specifica in at any one of them, or for the whole job.