Are you thinking about having an extension added to your property? Perhaps your project is a little grander and you are planning to create an entirely new property. Whatever construction project you are dreaming about, it is unlikely that you will be able to get far without hiring a builder to carry out the work. Construction work is time-consuming, physically demanding work and much of it involves particular skills you are unlikely to possess. If you want your project to become a reality, you must hire some builders. But that can often be quite challenging. If you aren't familiar with how builders operate, then choosing the team and working together isn't easy. The relationship between client and builders can quickly turn sour if the project fails to progress in a way that was expected. As such, here are three things that you must agree with your builder to ensure that your construction project doesn't run into problems.

What is the project brief?

One of the biggest problems faced by construction projects can be incomplete or changing briefs. It is always best to plan the project fully before work starts. The builder will quote and plan the project based on the information you provide. If the details change once the project is underway, then problems can quickly arise. You will need to think not just in general terms but also about specifics. What materials will be used? How much do you want to spend on fittings? If you want anything non-standard, then the best time to mention it is at the start so that it can go on the plans and be included in the builder's initial quote.

Who buys the materials?

In most cases, you will want the builders to buy the construction materials but, there may be a few items that you would prefer to buy yourself. These might be decorative items such as door fittings or tiles, or sanitaryware or similarly personal features. Talk to your builders and find out what they expect you to buy and make certain that you are happy with their choices on all the other items.

What are the schedules?

Every project needs an agreed start date, an expected finishing date and a schedule setting out how long each stage will take. There should also be an indication of when payments should be made to keep the project moving along. Planning each section of the project will avoid any unpleasant financial surprises or unexpected delays due to miscommunication.