Before signing the contract
1. Which Building Control body are you using and why? 2. Who applies for the Building Regulations approval — me or you? 3. Which compliance certificates will I receive at the end, in writing? 4. What is your process if Building Control flags an issue mid-build?
About the build itself
5. What is the foundation design based on, and when will the assumed depth be confirmed? 6. Is there a build-over or near-to drains, and who is arranging the agreement? 7. What is the insulation specification, and how will it be evidenced before it is covered? 8. What is the fire strategy for the new habitable space?
About handover
9. What documents do I receive at completion, and in what order? 10. Who do I call in year one if something goes wrong? Get the answers in writing. Written responses change the dynamic and protect you later if something is disputed.