How to Prepare Your Home for Building Work

Your home extension or renovation project is about to begin, and you're excited to see your plans come to life. But before our team arrives with tools and materials, taking time to properly prepare your home will ensure everything runs smoothly and protect your belongings during the work.

A little preparation upfront saves time, reduces stress, and helps your project progress efficiently. Here's your complete guide to getting your Hull home ready for building work.

Before Work Begins: The Planning Phase

Confirm Your Timeline

Double-check the start date and expected duration with your builder. Make sure you understand the working hours (typically 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday, with limited Saturday work) so you can plan your family routine accordingly.

Arrange Alternative Accommodation (If Needed)

For major renovations affecting kitchens or bathrooms, consider whether you'll need temporary alternatives. This might mean staying with family, arranging a temporary kitchen setup, or booking local accommodation for particularly disruptive phases.

Notify Your Neighbours

A quick chat with your neighbours about upcoming work shows consideration and helps maintain good relationships. Let them know the expected timeline and apologise in advance for any inconvenience. Most people are understanding when they're kept informed.

Protecting Your Belongings

Clear the Work Areas Completely

Remove all furniture, decorations, and personal items from rooms where work will take place. Don't forget items on shelves, in cupboards, or hanging on walls – even vibrations from building work can cause things to fall.

Create a Safe Storage Space

Designate a room away from the work area for storing furniture and belongings. Cover items with dust sheets or plastic sheeting to protect from dust, which can travel further than you might expect.

Remove Valuable and Fragile Items

Take extra care with artwork, antiques, electronics, and sentimental items. Consider storing these at a friend's house or in a storage unit during particularly dusty or disruptive phases of work.

Protect Remaining Furniture

For items you can't move, use heavy-duty dust sheets or plastic covers. Pay particular attention to upholstered furniture, which can absorb dust and odours from building work.

Securing Your Home and Garden

Clear Access Routes

Ensure builders have clear, safe access to the work area. This might mean moving cars from driveways, trimming overhanging branches, or temporarily relocating garden furniture and plant pots.

Protect Your Garden

If builders need to access your garden, consider laying boards or temporary paths to protect lawns and flower beds. Remove or cover delicate plants that might be damaged by dust or debris.

Secure Outdoor Items

Store garden tools, toys, and outdoor furniture in sheds or garages. Building work can create strong winds and dust that might damage or move lightweight items.

Consider Your Pets

Building sites aren't safe for pets. Plan how you'll keep cats and dogs away from work areas, and consider whether they'll be stressed by noise and activity. You might need to arrange day care or temporary relocation for particularly anxious pets.

Utilities and Services

Locate Stop Valves and Consumer Units

Show your builder where the main water stopcock, gas valve, and electricity consumer unit are located. In an emergency, quick access to these could prevent serious damage.

Check Your Wi-Fi Setup

Building work might temporarily affect your internet connection. If you work from home, consider whether you need a backup internet solution during the project.

Plan for Utility Disconnections

Some work might require temporary disconnection of water, gas, or electricity. Discuss this with your builder beforehand so you can plan accordingly – perhaps arranging to stay elsewhere during these periods.

Daily Life Considerations

Establish House Rules

Discuss expectations with your builder about site access, working hours, use of your facilities (like toilets), and security procedures. Professional builders will respect your home, but clear communication prevents misunderstandings.

Create a Communication Plan

Establish how you'll communicate with your builder during the project. Will they provide daily updates? How will you be notified of any issues or changes? Good communication keeps projects on track.

Plan Alternative Routines

If your kitchen is being renovated, set up a temporary cooking area with kettle, microwave, and basic supplies. For bathroom work, identify which facilities will remain available and when.

Consider Childcare Arrangements

Building sites aren't suitable for children. If you have young children, consider whether you need additional childcare during school holidays or after-school hours while work is ongoing.

What DB Construction Provides

As your professional building team, we handle many protective measures ourselves:

• Dust barriers to contain debris and protect your home

• Floor protection in areas where we need access through your house

• Site security ensuring tools and materials are safely stored

• Daily cleanup to keep disruption to a minimum

Week-by-Week Preparation Tips

Two Weeks Before:

• Begin moving non-essential items from work areas

• Confirm all planning permissions and building regulations are in place

• Arrange any temporary accommodation or facilities you'll need

One Week Before:

• Complete clearing of work areas

• Confirm start date and first week schedule with your builder

• Notify neighbours of the upcoming start date

Day Before:

• Final check that all work areas are completely clear

• Ensure easy access for the building team and their equipment

• Review the first day's plans with your builder

During the Work: Staying Prepared

Daily Routines

Expect some disruption to your normal routines. Noise typically starts around 8 AM, so plan accordingly if you work night shifts or have young children who nap during the day. 

Ongoing Communication

Stay in regular contact with your building team. We'll update you on progress and any issues, but don't hesitate to ask questions or raise concerns as they arise. 

Flexibility

Building work can be unpredictable. Weather, unexpected structural issues, or delivery delays can affect timelines. Maintaining flexibility and good communication helps everyone adapt to changes smoothly.

After Work Completion

Final Inspections

Walk through the completed work with your builder to ensure everything meets your expectations. This is the time to identify any minor issues that need addressing.

Documentation

Keep all warranties, certificates, and documentation related to your building work. These are important for insurance purposes and future property sales.

Making It Easier for Everyone

Proper preparation benefits everyone involved in your project. When you're well-prepared:

• Work can progress more efficiently

• There's less risk of damage to your belongings

• Your family experiences less stress and disruption

• The final result meets your expectations more closely

At DB Construction, we're committed to making your building project as smooth as possible. We'll work with you throughout the preparation process and keep you informed every step of the way.

Ready to start your project? Contact us to discuss your specific preparation needs. Every project is different, and we're happy to provide personalised advice to help you prepare your Hull, Beverley, Hessle, Cottingham, Hedon, or Willerby home for the building work ahead.