Frequently
Asked Questions.

Many clients come to us with reference points from 5–10 years ago, or anecdotes from friends. The reality is that since 2019, the cost of materials, energy, and labour has reset the baseline for the entire UK industry. We don’t hide from this; instead, we use up-to-date market data to build a budget based on today’s reality, not yesterday’s assumptions.

Yes, but it requires strategic thinking, not cheap materials. Complexity costs money. By simplifying the structural form or rationalising the layout early on, we can often reduce the build cost while keeping the premium materials that you touch and feel. It is about making conscious trade-offs to protect the quality where it matters most.

Absolutely. We recommend a 10% contingency as standard practice. This is not “spare money”; it is a strategic buffer to absorb the unknowns of working with existing buildings or groundworks. If we don’t use it, it’s a bonus at the end, but starting without it is a risk we advise against.

It depends on the nature of the work. Most renovations attract the standard 20% VAT. However, genuine new-build homes are currently zero-rated (0% VAT), and certain works to Listed Buildings or properties that have been empty for 2+ years may qualify for reduced rates. We can help identify these opportunities early to maximise your budget

As early as possible. The decisions that have the biggest impact on cost and value happen at the very start. We often see clients struggle because they engaged a designer too late, after the budget was already misaligned with the brief. Involving us from Day One ensures the strategy is sound before you spend money on drawings.

You can stop at planning, but our experience shows that most cost overruns and quality issues happen after the council has said yes. Planning drawings are not building instructions. Without us there to produce the technical details and monitor the contractor, you are left managing the risks alone. Staying involved protects the quality of the finish.

We believe in “No Surprises”. Our fees are structured by stage, so you know what you are committing to. If the scope of the project expands significantly (e.g., adding an extension or an outbuilding), we will always discuss and agree on any fee adjustment before we do the work. You remain in control.