The Pre-Build Checklist: Everything to Sort Before Work Starts

• Confirmed whether you need planning permission — use our free PD checker
• Applied for planning permission (if needed) — fee: £548, timeline: 8 weeks (how to apply)
• Received planning approval with conditions noted and understood
• Applied for a Lawful Development Certificate (if building under PD) — fee: £274
• Checked for Article 4 directions at your address that may remove PD rights
• Checked if your property is in a conservation area, National Park, AONB, or World Heritage Site
• Applied for listed building consent (if applicable)

• Chosen Building Notice or Full Plans route
• Chosen building control provider — local authority or private inspector
• Submitted building regulations application — typical fee: £400–£900
• Received Full Plans approval (if using Full Plans route)
• Structural engineer appointed and calculations completed (guide)
• Structural drawings issued to builder and building control

• Determined if the Party Wall Act applies to your project
• Served party wall notices on all affected neighbours — minimum 1–2 months before work starts
• Received consent from neighbours OR appointed surveyors for dissenting neighbours
• Party wall award received (if surveyors were appointed)
• Schedule of condition completed for neighbouring properties

• Architect or designer appointed and drawings finalised (do you need one?)
• Structural engineer appointed and calculations completed
• Builder selected — at least 3 quotes obtained and references checked
• Build contract agreed — scope of work, price, payment schedule, timeline, and what is excluded
• Party wall surveyor appointed (if needed)

• Notified your buildings insurance provider about the planned work
• Confirmed your builder has public liability insurance (minimum £2 million)
• Confirmed your builder has employers’ liability insurance
• Agreed a payment schedule — never pay more than 10–15% upfront
• Considered a professional warranty (e.g., CRL, LABC warranty) for the building work

• Checked for underground services — gas, electric, water, drainage, telecoms. Request utility maps before digging.
• Contacted the water company if building over or near a public sewer
• Arranged temporary utility connections if existing services will be disrupted
• Planned temporary kitchen arrangements if your kitchen will be out of action

Neighbour relations

• Talked to your neighbours about the project before formal notices
• Shared plans with immediately affected neighbours
• Agreed working hours — check your council’s standard construction hours (usually 8am–6pm weekdays, 8am–1pm Saturdays, no Sundays)

Site preparation

• Cleared the work area — moved plants, furniture, sheds, or anything in the way
• Arranged skip hire or waste removal for the build
• Checked if you need a skip licence — required if the skip is on a public road
• Checked if you need a scaffolding licence — required if scaffolding goes on the pavement
• Protected plants, trees, and garden features you want to keep
• Arranged temporary fencing or hoarding if needed for site safety

Throughout the project, collect and file these documents — you will need them when you sell:

• Planning permission decision notice (or LDC)
• Building regulations approval (Full Plans) or Building Notice acknowledgement
• Building control completion certificate
• Structural engineer’s calculations and drawings
• Party wall award and schedule of condition
• Electrical installation certificate (Part P)
• Gas Safe certificate (if gas work was carried out)
• FENSA certificate (if windows were replaced)
• Builder’s warranty or guarantee