Five things to do before you call your first builder

The five

• Define the scope in writing — which rooms, what depth of work, what's definitely in and definitely out. Vague briefs get vague (and high) quotes.
• Set a real budget range — not a wish. Use the Project Cost Tool to anchor it on live local build-cost data for your postcode.
• Sort the paperwork path — do you need planning, permitted-development certainty, or party-wall notices? Knowing this changes the timeline.
• Decide your timeline honestly — “asap” and “whenever” attract different builders and different prices.
• Get your decisions made — the kitchen you want, the tiles, the layout. Indecision mid-build is the most expensive thing on site.

Why readiness changes who you attract

A ready project — clear scope, real budget, paperwork understood — is a low-risk job a good builder wants. A vague one is a risk they price defensively or decline. Readiness isn't admin; it's leverage.