Homeowner Project Review & Build Support

Independent construction advice for UK homeowners who already have architectural plans and/or builders under consideration. One £999 package for one substantial extension, loft conversion, renovation, refurbishment or new-build project, delivered remotely by John Drew with 20+ years of hands-on construction experience.

PLANS AND DESIGN ASSESSMENT

We review the supplied plans, scope, specifications and budget assumptions for buildability, construction complexity, structural coordination, missing information and apparent Building Regulations concerns. We identify questions and changes to take back to your architect, engineer or relevant professional. Formal design, calculations, approvals and inspections remain with the appropriate appointed professionals.

UP TO THREE BUILDERS

We assess available trading identity and history, relevant experience, references and evidence of previous work. We compare quotations, scope, exclusions, omissions, allowances, VAT treatment, programme, proposed contract, deposits, payment terms and insurance information. You receive evidence-based findings and unanswered questions; you retain the appointment decision. We do not guarantee builder performance.

PRE-CONSTRUCTION PLANNING AND READINESS

We review proposed access, deliveries, storage, welfare, security, property protection, waste and neighbour arrangements. We examine temporary roofing and weather protection, including tin hats where relevant; temporary-works and structural-sequencing questions; occupancy and temporary accommodation; disruption to kitchens, bathrooms, heating and utilities; Party Wall considerations; Building Control and inspection planning; CDM responsibilities; insurance, contingencies, lead times and outstanding decisions. Matters needing specialist design, statutory procedures or site inspection are identified.

PROGRAMME AND STAGE PAYMENTS

We assess the proposed programme and payment milestones against the available evidence and agreed scope. We help you understand the work or contractual event being claimed, what remains uncertain and when specialist advice or inspection is needed. Regulatory inspections do not administer the building contract or enforce stage payments. Our reviews do not certify or authorise a payment.

ONE COMPREHENSIVE WRITTEN REPORT

Your project assessment is brought together in one report, covering the plans, builders, preparation, programme and payments. It explains significant risks, their implications and clear recommended actions. The build-stage guidance and support plan form part of this report.

CONSULTATION AND SUPPORT THROUGH CONSTRUCTION

One consultation call is included. We agree milestone check-ins across the project through completion, such as structural, roofing, first-fix and completion stages where applicable. You send progress photographs and relevant records; we help interpret concerns, information gaps and payment requests. The included stages, check-in arrangements and reasonable access to advice are confirmed in writing before work starts. Email us with your case reference to arrange a call within that scope and our availability. This is not unlimited project management, continuous site supervision, a guaranteed emergency-response service, certification of workmanship or formal dispute adjudication.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Complete the required project questions and pay at checkout, then send documents using the route in your order confirmation. We confirm suitability, accepted scope, essential information, support arrangements and your service-start choice in writing. If we cannot accept your case before work starts, we refund the full payment. The initial report is delivered within five working days after scope acceptance and essential information, subject to your cancellation and early-start choice.

SCOPE AND INDEPENDENCE

One project, one agreed baseline drawing set and up to three builders are included. Material redesign, additional builders, visits, extensive re-review, negotiations, dispute management or further professional appointments are separately scoped and agreed before further paid work begins. We correct our own errors without an additional fee and honour existing accepted customer agreements.

Advice relies on the documents and evidence identified. It does not replace your architect, engineer, Building Control, legal adviser or appointed site manager, certify statutory compliance or structural safety, or guarantee a project outcome. Build Advocate receives no builder or supplier referral commissions.

£999 is the total service price. Build Advocate is not VAT registered. John Drew is a sole trader trading as Build Advocate.