1. A side entrance is invaluable. Being end of terrace meant the builders could keep the mess and disruption outside for longer.
2. Get on with your neighbours. Amicable neighbours are good when it comes to party wall agreements but also they’ll have to put up with your building site noise for months.
3. Be flexible about your design. Sometimes a change of plan is the smart move.
4. Work with nice people. Trust your instincts and only work with people who you get on with.
5. Buy lots of tea and coffee. A site kettle that you don’t mind getting dirty is good too.
6. Get a portable induction hob for your temporary kitchen. It’s small and safe.
7. Move out temporarily if you can afford to (we couldn’t) or at try to take holidays at disruptive times, to get out of the house.
8. The kids will moan about the disruption, but once it’s finished they’ll forget all about it and dance around the extension like loons.
9. Ask your trades about how best to clean and maintain their products (windows, doors, flooring, cabinets, etc).
10. Don’t get a puppy until you’ve completely finished the build. (I got this one wrong!)
11. Meanwhile the children learned not to climb into skips they’re too small to climb out of…
