Printable checklists
Short checklists for both sides. Each item is explained in the guides, with official sources.
Information, not legal advice. This guide explains official rules in plain words for England, with links to the sources. Rules change and every job is different, so check the source or get advice for your situation. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Homeowner checklist
Before you ask for quotes
- Write a short description of the job
- Check planning, building regulations and party wall needs
- Check leasehold, conservation area, listed building and covenant restrictions
Choosing
- At least three written quotes (not estimates)
- Full name and a postal address you can check
- Companies House check if it is a limited company
- Scheme membership checked on the scheme's own website
- Two or three recent references contacted
- Public liability insurance certificate seen
- Gas Safe and registered electrician for gas and electrical work
Before work starts
- Written contract: scope, price, dates, stages, variations
- Cancellation information if agreed at home
- Who applies for building control and serves party wall notices
- Deposit no more than 25% for long jobs, or none
- Pay by card where possible, never cash
- Waste carrier registration checked
During and after
- Every change agreed in writing with a price
- Pay only for completed stages
- Building regulations completion or competent person certificate
- Guarantees and warranties in writing
- Keep all paperwork and photos
Explained in: choosing a builder, paying safely, permissions.
Builder checklist
Before you quote
- Check who owns the property (Land Registry title)
- Business client? Check Companies House
- Ask about leasehold consent, planning and party walls
- Agree whether design or survey time is charged
Contract
- Written scope, exclusions and provisional sums
- Price, stage payments and due dates
- Variation procedure in writing
- Responsibility for building control and party wall notices
- Cancellation notice and form if agreed off-premises
- Written request if starting within 14 days
- Fair interest and late payment terms (consumer contracts)
On site
- Employers' liability insurance if you have employees
- Public liability insurance certificate ready
- CDM construction phase plan
- Waste transfer notes and registered waste carrier
- Dated photos of each stage, especially work that gets covered up
- Site diary and signed-off variations
Getting paid
- Invoice promptly with clear due dates
- Polite reminder, then a conversation
- Letter of claim under the Debt Pre-Action Protocol for individuals
- Money claim online if still unpaid
- Enforcement only through the court
Explained in: contracts, cancellation rules, unpaid invoices, insurance, CDM and waste.