Planning a refurbishment
How to prepare a useful home refurbishment brief
You do not need to write a building specification to start an enquiry. You do need to separate what you want to achieve from the details that are still undecided. A clear brief makes the first conversation more useful and the next quotation easier to understand.
Describe the problem you want the work to solve
Start with the property, postcode and the rooms involved. Perhaps the kitchen layout does not work, the bathroom needs replacing or several rooms need to be brought up to the same standard. Give the outcome in everyday language before listing products.
Put your priorities in order. Mark the essential work and the changes you would like if the scope allows. That distinction matters more at this stage than a long list of finishes.
Separate the rooms and the tasks
Use a room-by-room list. For each room, say what stays, what needs changing and whether a layout change is proposed. A list of 'remove, repair, replace and finish' is easier to discuss than 'renovate everything'.
- Kitchen: layout, units, worktops and appliances being retained
- Bathroom: fittings, tiling and any proposed changes
- Other rooms: flooring, decorating, doors and fitted storage
- Whole property: occupancy, access and work across several areas
Share the information you already have
Add wide photographs, a rough plan and any existing drawings or specifications. Say which dimensions are approximate. If a designer or structural professional is involved, identify the stage of their work and which documents can be shared.
Tell us whether you want to supply fixtures or materials yourself. References show a preferred look, but the quote still needs an agreed product and scope. Any design, approval or specialist requirements must be established before the relevant work begins.
Be clear about timing, access and the quote
Say whether the home will be occupied, whether there is a preferred start period and which deadlines matter. A start date cannot be promised from a photograph or enquiry alone.
Use Larger project on WMB Fix to send the brief. Choose the project type, add your description, photos or plans, preferred timing and an optional budget. WMB discusses the next step before a booking is agreed. The project quote should identify the work, materials, assumptions and exclusions.