Rowan Carpentry and Construction

1. Planning Permission - some structures will require planning permission (i.e. they are not covered under permitted development). It is always best to research this prior to contacting any builders, or make it clear that this may be an area you require guidance with (we offer a plans and application submission service). Planning approval takes up to 56 days once plans are submitted so allow yourself a decent lead-time for drafting plans and submission
2. Tendering - while this can be an area that many wish to avoid it may save you money in the long run as quotes can vary greatly between builders. If possible try to get like for like quotes for the work, particularly on larger projects, and always ask for references. I would always recommend some kind of schedule of materials, particularity if there are specific items that you wish to include such as bathroom fittings, kitchens and other fixtures. One builder's idea of quality door can be very different to another's.
3. Agree Contracts - this may seems over-burdensome, however there are contracts of all sizes to suit all sizes of work. A contract protects both parties and makes clear what you can expect and on what terms you are agreeing to instruct your builder, how long they expect the works to take and how much it will cost. No one likes hidden surprises!
4. Tell your insurers - Your underwriters will need to know if you are carrying out building works as they may exclude cover for this.
5. Building Control - if you are having any significant structural or conversion work being undertaken you will need to have a suitable surveyor sign off the works. This is the homeowners responsibility (we will always make our clients aware of the need for this), and as with planning approval there is a lead time for this.
5. Start building - assuming all the necessary research is done and you have all the above in place, the rest should be easy!
6. My personal advice - never feel that there is a question that seems silly or irrelevant. We understand that many people do not have the experience we do, and that working with builders and tradespeople can be challenging. We will always listen to our clients and make sure that we listen and communicate effectively. It's your dream, so you should feel you are a part of a team making it come to fruition.

Is the existing structure suitable? Can it take the new load of the room structure? Is there enough head room (you may have to build up the floor)? Where will the staircase go and what space will it take up on the floor below?

1. Planning Permission - some structures will require planning permission (i.e. they are not covered under permitted development). It is always best to research this prior to contacting any builders, or make it clear that this may be an area you require guidance with (we offer a plans and application submission service). Planning approval takes up to 56 days once plans are submitted so allow yourself a decent lead-time for drafting plans and submission
2. Tendering - while this can be an area that many wish to avoid it may save you money in the long run as quotes can vary greatly between builders. If possible try to get like for like quotes for the work, particularly on larger projects, and always ask for references. I would always recommend some kind of schedule of materials, particularity if there are specific items that you wish to include such as bathroom fittings, kitchens and other fixtures. One builder's idea of quality door can be very different to another's.
3. Agree Contracts - this may seems over-burdensome, however there are contracts of all sizes to suit all sizes of work. A contract protects both parties and makes clear what you can expect and on what terms you are agreeing to instruct your builder, how long they expect the works to take and how much it will cost. No one likes hidden surprises!
4. Tell your insurers - Your underwriters will need to know if you are carrying out building works as they may exclude cover for this.
5. Building Control - if you are having any significant structural or conversion work being undertaken you will need to have a suitable surveyor sign off the works. This is the homeowners responsibility (we will always make our clients aware of the need for this), and as with planning approval there is a lead time for this.
5. Start building - assuming all the necessary research is done and you have all the above in place, the rest should be easy!
6. My personal advice - never feel that there is a question that seems silly or irrelevant. We understand that many people do not have the experience we do, and that working with builders and tradespeople can be challenging. We will always listen to our clients and make sure that we listen and communicate effectively. It's your dream, so you should feel you are a part of a team making it come to fruition.

20 years, beginning in 2001 with my first company Orchard Renovation Ltd; we undertook renovations and constructed new build properties and in Somerset.

Our EPDM rubber roofing comes with a 20 year guarantee.

Other works and relevant guarantees will depend on the size of the works and type of contract in place

Many and varied! Every day is a school day; there's always new things to learn, or new ways of doing something.

Before I started my first company, I worked across the South West on many of the large construction sites. While this was a great place to start out, I felt that the bulk housebuilding sector lacked quality and I knew that I could build better quality homes than the main housebuilders.

With this in mind I set up Orchard Renovations, and completed a number of NHBC warrantied new build properties, before moving to Cornwall in 2009.

Over the 20 years I have been housebuilding, I have always held the belief that anything I would ask another worker to do I should be willing to try myself (with the exception of plumbing which remains a dark art!).

Thus I have done everything from the footings to the ridge, be it groundworks, masonry, carpentry, plastering or roofing. This has given me a broad range of skills, but most importantly the opportunity to learn from other trade professionals first hand and therefore understand the nature of their respective jobs, which I consider essential to effectively manage any project.

My experience as a developer has required me to collaborate with Architects, Engineers, Surveyors and other professionals. For my clients this means I bring an understanding of the full scope of undertaking a building project.