Blog
Practical guides and insights for UK homeowners managing their own builds.
Justifying the Builder Deposit: A Worked Example with Real Numbers
An £80k extension with a 15% deposit means handing over £12,000. Here is what that money actually pays for in week one, with real invoice data.
Should You Project Manage Your Own Extension? A Realistic Guide
Real numbers from a 35-month, self-managed UK extension build. What DIY project management costs in time, money and stress, with a decision framework.
Building Control Inspection Stages: What to Expect for Your Extension
Every building control inspection stage for a UK extension, including what the BCO checks, when to book, what happens if you fail, fees, and why the completion certificate matters.
Kitchen Extension Cost UK 2026: What to Really Budget For
The real cost of a UK kitchen extension in 2026, broken down by category. Most guides quote the builder's work only. This one tells you about everything else.
The Complete Timeline for Project Managing a UK Kitchen Extension
A real timeline from a 35-month kitchen extension: every phase, what went wrong, and what it actually cost. Written by someone who project managed their own build.