0.1 Please confirm the full postal address + postcode of the project.
0.2 Please confirm the main point of contact + phone number for the project.
0.3 Will you stay in the house while the works are taking place?
0.6 Do you have a preferred location for the contractor's chemical WC + skip?
Usually these would be located in a front driveway area. We're happy to suggest a position for you to confirm.
0.7 Do you have a preferred location for the cutting + storage of materials?
Usually this would be located in a front driveway or rear garden. Again, we are happy to suggest a position for you to confirm.
0.8 Do you require any areas of garden to be protected throughout the works? If so, please specify.
This includes covering with protective matting or being fenced off from the area of works.
0.9 Do you require the driveway to be protected throughout the works?
If you have a gravel or tarmac driveway, you might want boarding below skips, WC, etc. to prevent damage.
0.10 Do you require on-site client parking throughout the works?
0.11 Do you require a storage container on-site?
It is assumed to be the client's responsibility to remove and store all furniture and personal items from spaces affected by the works, prior to commencement. The contractor is able to provide a secure heated contained for this purpose if requested.
0.12 Will any soft landscaping require pruning / removing? If so, will this be by the contractor or a separate party prior to the works?
For example if you want to retain plants from a planted border, we suggest removing these yourself before works commence, as it is likely to be carried out more sensitively than if done by the contractor! If you have any TPO trees, please specify which/where these are as they will need protection and potentially an arborist's input.
0.13 Do you want any items set aside for re-fitting or re-sale? If so, please specify.
For example if you want appliances, kitchen units, or tiles to be reused elsewhere they need to be removed carefully and stored during the works. Please specify which items and where they should be stored. Items not listed will most likely go straight into the skip!
1.1 Do you want to replace the rainwater goods throughout, or only in areas affected by the works?
1.2 Do you want to match existing (in terms of material + style) or go for something more modern?
If replacing throughout, we often suggest a powder coated aluminium in a square profile, which gives a modern look. If only replacing in part, we often suggest any new rainwater goods to modern extensions to be as above. If part of an extension is designed to tie in with the existing house, we suggest rainwater goods should match existing.
1.3 Do you have a preferred colour for new rainwater goods?
If replacing throughout we often suggest RAL 7016 (anthracite grey) or sometimes black. Alternatively we can match to existing.
1.4 Does the existing drainage system use mains sewer or septic tank/cess pit?
If the property uses a septic tank/cess pit please specify where this is located. If it's already noted on the site plan, you can leave this blank.
1.5 Do you want any new external taps? If so, please specify.
If you want new taps but are unsure where, we can suggest locations for you to confirm.
2.1 Please confirm the type + location of the existing boiler and any associated tanks or cylinders.
If already shown on planning or survey drawings, we will have assumed this is a standard gas combi/system boiler, unless fuel storage tanks were also shown. Please confirm if this is not the case.
2.2 Please confirm any amendments to the boiler and/or heating system.
Unless the boiler can be retained in its current position, we assume it will be replaced as part of the works with a system type boiler (i.e. with separate water cylinder) and will aim to locate these items in a utility room if possible. If you have another preference for type/location let us know. If the boiler can remain in its current position but you would like it replaced anyway, let us know. Alternatively, if you require a more sustainable heating system (i.e. air source / ground source heat pumps, solar panels, etc.), let us know.
2.3 Please confirm any new gas appliances.
This includes fireplaces, boilers, gas hobs, etc.
2.4 Do you want underfloor heating to any ground floor rooms? If so, please specify.
Please note that most retrofit underfloor heating systems have a min. thickness of 22mm. This means that if you install it in some rooms but not all, there will be a difference in finished floor levels. Alternative options can include installing UFH to extended areas only (the screed can be dropped to accommodate the UFH); breaking out existing screed and re-laying with UFH; or raising the floor level of remaining rooms with ply boarding to match (this requires new flooring throughout). If you are unsure, we can discuss these options.
2.5 Do you want underfloor heating mats in the bathrooms?
Electrical matting is generally a better system to use in bathrooms and the mats are very thin, so avoid the problems above. If you want this to some bathrooms but not all, please specify.
2.6 Where do you want the underfloor heating manifold?
We usually suggest in a cupboard in the utility or under the stairs - somewhere tucked away. If you don't want underfloor heating, you can leave this blank.
2.7 Do you want to replace radiators throughout?
We assume any rooms which you have not specified UFH (and therefore all affected upstairs rooms) will have new radiators, but let us know if you want to replace all existing radiators.
2.8 Do you have a preference for radiator style?
We often specify Stelrad Vitra flat-fronted radiators for a contemporary look, or column radiators for a more traditional alternative. These can often be colour matched to suit. If there are areas you'd like to match new radiators to the existing, let us know.
2.9 Please confirm new towel radiators in bathrooms.
We usually assume new heated towel radiators to all new bathrooms, with dual fuel controls (so they can be turned on when the heating it off). Let us know if this is not required. We generally won't include heated towel radiators to any WCs with underfloor heating.
2.10 Do you want the heating connected to a 'smart home' system?
For example Nest or Hive systems - please specify if you have a preferred brand. If you also want a hardwired thermostat, let us know a preferred location.
3.1 Are all kitchen + utility appliances in the correct locations? If not, please specify.
Let us know if you've spoken to a kitchen designer and if they have updated plans, so we can add this to our drawings and schedule of works.
3.2 What type of hob do you want?
if your existing kitchen is being retained, you can leave this blank.
3.3 Do you have a preferred hob extraction method?
We usually assume a standard hood extractor if the hob is against a wall, or an in-ceiling extractor in a lowered area of ceiling if the hob is in an island. Alternatives such as in-hob extraction are becoming more common, but please note you may only be able to choose this is the hob is located against a wall or if you have suspended floor construction.
3.4 Do you want a new water softener?
We usually suggest a salt ionising type and normally locate this next to the sink in a utility room where possible.
3.5 Does the stopcock need to be relocated?
Again, we usually suggest putting this next to the sink in a utility room.
3.6 Do you want an instant boiling water tap?
3.7 Do you want a water supply to the fridge?
This is sometimes required for ice makers that are plumbed in.
3.8 If you have a tumble dryer, is this to be venting or condensing?
3.9 Do you have any preferred sanitaryware items?
In this phase of the project we produce internal elevations showing bathroom layouts including tiling, mirrors, sanitaryware, etc. We'll show these to you for comment, but if you tell us any strong preferences here we can include them initially. This includes wall-hung or back-to-wall WCs; wall-hung or counter-mounted basins; handheld or fixed shower heads; deck-mounted or wall-mounted taps; freestanding or fitted baths.
3.10 Do you want to replace sanitaryware/tiling in existing bathrooms?
3.11 Do you want shower trays or wetroom formers?
We generally assume slimline shower trays unless wetroom formers are mentioned in the drawings. If you want wetroom formers, please specify which bathrooms and whether you prefer linear or round drainage outlets. Either way, we usually specify drains as having hair catcher and easy access for cleaning.
3.12 Do you want soap alcoves in showers or next to baths?
These can be individual tiled recesses or taller alcoves with glass shelves. If space is restricted this might not be possible, but can be a nice practical feature where possible. We're happy to suggest positions for you to confirm.
3.13 Do you want full-height or half-height tiling in bathrooms?
3.14 Do you have a preferred shower screen style?
We usually assume full height fixed screens unless noted otherwise on the drawings.
3.15 Do you have a preferred extractor fan type for bathrooms + utility rooms?
Some extractor fans run constantly in the background then increase their output when the room becomes more humid. Others can be switched on and off manually, or with a light switch.
4.1 Do you have any preferences for hard landscaping?
For example limestone, sandstone, slate, tiles, or something else like permeable paving.
4.2 Do you want hard landscaping to be fitted by the main contractor or be dealt with separately?
If you're not adding or replacing any hard landscaping, you can leave this blank.
4.3 Is the existing driveway to be replaced or just made good?
For example we often ask for additional gravel to be added to the driveway on completion of the works.
5.1 Do you want plastering inside any cupboards + eaves storage?
Please note this would not be for joinery items, only integral cupboards.
5.2 For areas unaffected by the works, do you want walls reskimmed or just patched in?
5.3 Do you want internal garage walls to be skimmed or left as bare/painted blockwork?
5.4 Do you want any coving, picture rails, dado rails or ceiling roses? If so, please specify.
We usually suggest not, unless the property is a period home and we are tying in with the existing. If there are rooms which aren't affected by the works, consider whether to remove any coving etc. here and make good.
5.5 What floor finishes do you want for each room?
For example, engineered timber or tiles to ground floor, carpet to bedrooms, etc. For open plan designs it can be nice to keep floor finishes continuous where possible, even into kitchens and bathrooms. We're happy to suggest for you.
5.6 What material do you want for threshold strips?
These tend to be either metal or hardwood. If metal, we recommend matching to your other internal ironmongery. Again, we're happy to suggest.
5.7 What finish do you want for the garage floor?
Leaving this as bare concrete is the most cost effective option, or you could choose a resin or painted resin finish for a higher spec. If a garage is not part of the project, leave this blank.
5.8 Do you want extra acoustic insulation anywhere?
We usually suggest acoustic insulation between new ground and first floor elements, but let us know if you want more added to existing areas. While this is nice to have, you should consider the disruption this can cause as it usually requires ceilings being removed and replaced.
5.9 Do you want a new loft hatch and/or boarding out? If so, please specify where.
5.10 What type of fireplace do you want?
If you have a particular make or model in mind, please send us details so we can adjust dimensions to suit.
5.11 If replacing the stair, what finish do you want?
We often suggest an oak stair with softened square edges (i.e. no nosings - this is subject to Building Control approval). We're happy to find examples of various options and discuss with you. If the stair is unaffected, you can leave this blank.
5.12 If retaining the existing stair, does it require repainting?
If you are replacing the stair, you can leave this blank.
5.13 What style/finish do you want for the handrail/balustrade?
We often suggest a simple 'broom handle' oak handrail on pins with concealed fixings. Balustrades could be solid walls, glazed or posts. We're happy to find examples to discuss with you.
5.14 Do you want to replace skirtings + architraves throughout?
5.15 What style do you want for skirtings + architraves?
Unless the property is a period home and we are tying in with the existing, we usually suggest a simple, square edged profile with softened corners for both skirtings and architraves. Alternatively, a very architectural detail is to have shadow gaps instead of skirtings and frameless doors. We can show you examples if you're unsure.
6.1 Do you want to replace existing windows throughout?
6.2 Are you happy with window + door colour as submitted for planning?
We usually assume this will stay the same, as it can require additional permission if you want to change.
6.3 What finish do you want for windows + doors?
Consider whether you want this to be the same inside and out - for example we often go for anthracite grey externally and white internally. If you are having timber, do you want it painted or stained differently?
6.4 What frame material do you want?
This can depend whether you'd like a contemporary or traditional look and whether you want to distinguish between old and new. Powder coated aluminium can be colour matched, and aluminium-clad timber gives a coloured metal finish outside and timber inside.
6.5 Do you want a particular glazing specification?
For example you might want triple glazing or solar coating. For obscured glazing, we usually assume sandblasted effect but if you prefer a pattern or etching, let us know.
6.6 Do you have a preferred window supplier?
This can depend on your priority - you might want very slim frames, or Crittall style windows. Otherwise, we can ask the contractor to put forward his preferred supplier as part of the tender quote.
6.7 Do you want integrated blinds to any windows?
This means the blind is built into the frame. If you want this to some windows but not all, please specify. If you don't want integrated blinds but still want a minimal look, you can consider concealed curtain/blind fixings.
6.8 Do you want to replace internal window cills throughout?
6.9 What style do you want for new internal window cills?
Unless the property is a period home and we're tying in with the existing, we usually suggest a simple, square edged profile with softened corners.
6.10 Do you have specific locking requirements?
Some insurance policies require specific locks, or you might have a personal preference. Consider both external doors and windows.
6.11 Do you want to replace all internal doors throughout?
6.12 What style do you want for ironmongery?
Let us know your preference for material, style, concealed fixings, etc. If you are only replacing some doors, you might still want to replace ironmongery on existing doors to tie through. We assume thumb-turn locks to new bathroom doors, unless you require something else.
6.13 Do you want fixed or opening rooflights?
If you don't have any rooflights, you can leave this blank.
6.14 Do you want blinds fitted to the rooflights?
If you don't have any rooflights, you can leave this blank.
6.15 Do you want specific finishes to rooflights?
We generally assume white painted timber frames internally, unless in a bathroom where they will be UPVC. Let us know if you prefer something else.
7.1 Do you have any specific requirements for electrics?
We will produce an electrical layout including lighting, sockets, TV + phone points and discuss with you. If you have any preferences, let us know here so we can include them. For example, you might wall lights either side of beds with a pendant, rather than spotlights. Also consider 5amp sockets (so you can hardwire lamps to a wall switch), CAT6 cabling, floor sockets (often used in gyms), sensor lighting. If you want lighting connected to a smart home system please let us know, as this affects the size of light fittings.
7.2 Do you want shaver sockets next to basins in bathrooms?
We generally assume these go in bathrooms and shower rooms, but not WCs.
7.3 Do you want de-mister pads to bathroom mirrors?
This helps stop wall-bonded sheet mirrors misting up when humid. Again, we generally assume these go in bathrooms and shower rooms but not WCs.
7.4 Do you want an electric car charging point?
7.5 If new meters or consumer unit are required, do you have a preferred location?
We usually suggest locating meters externally and consumer units in a utility room, but these should all be confirmed with your suppliers.
7.6 Do you want a hardwired doorbell?
8.1 Do you have specific requirements for joinery?
We will include joinery items in the internal elevations we produce, but if you have specific requirements let us know here so we can include them. This could include drawers or shelves, boxes to be stored, hanging rails, bookshelves, etc. If you have a preferred material, such as painted MDF or stained wood finish, let us know that too.
8.2 Do you have a preferred paint brand?
8.3 Do you want any rooms outside of the main area of works to be redecorated? If so, please specify.
8.4 What finish do you prefer for painted joinery?
We tend to find eggshell gives a lovely matte finish but does collect dust/is marked quite easily, so often propose a satin as a good middle ground!
