One of us has a legal background for her sins and she still keeps her hand in from time to time. She says a project manager will oversee the entire project and ensure that each part of the team is meeting the brief. The PM will not necessarily be the main contractor but could be. The main contractor, on the other hand, will have principal contractual responsibility for the build and will progress it according to agreed specifications. It may sub contract particular elements of the main build contract to other trades. As main contractors don't want to be contractually responsible for problems with services by subs, there will usually be novation agreements or collateral warranties to enable the developer or property owner to enforce contractual obligations originally made between the main contractor and the subs. If you are a developer or property owner without much experience in developing, or if you have too much going on, you may want or need to delegate the task of overseeing the project to a PM. Particularly with larger developments, it can be an asset to have someone experienced in development projects to ensure that the build remains on schedule and within budget and to liaise with all parties involved, On the other hand, if it's your only, fairly straight forward project, you may prefer to deal with the main contractor yourself if there is one. The main contractor will then deal with its team of subs and report to you. Alternatively, you could assemble your own team of trades and manage the project yourself, liaising with all parties: plumbers, electricians etc. Hope that's not as clear as mud. :-)

Just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who helped with ideas, and especially Jen for giving me a bit of inspiration and a light bulb moment! You are so right, holding your nerves whilst it’s going up is the hardest!! . I did opt for a splash back only and extended it so it goes a little under the cupboards. I’ve posted the finished pic below and hopefully going to accessorise with copper and wood to add warmth! A big hug and thanks to all x

Wow that looks beautiful, I am jealous of the brick. We wanted a very similar colour brick but the council wouldn’t allow and I didn’t want the red brick so we went with blocks and hopefully crisp render. We started our build towards end of Jan. Double extension, the foundations laid and then had the structural engineer out and final final details drawn up. The ground floor blocks have been laid and the scaffold has gone up so don’t know how long that will take. Our builders seem on track and have said August finish but I think it will be September/October Tani how many bedrooms did you have built and how many rooms downstairs? Also from start date to now what has the time scale been? Xx

Jay The quick answer is How long is a piece of string? All relative to your budget, design requirements If a bespoke building then extras will add up Are you a control freak, would you be happy to let the architect choose everything, even the furniture and furnishings, I know I wouldn't Larger projects, developments certainly would advise a hands on approach from an architect, compliance with relevant building standards etc Be prepared as some charge exorbitant fees, Select someone with similar styles and preferably also with a good back catalogue of finished developments. Emphasis your budget Also like to talk through a design with my builder and engineer and qs if possible on general practicalities etc Easy drawing it on paper, Can they advise on the design, see problems before construction etc Pre Planning and Consultation Pre Construction vital Fail to prepare, prepare to fail Regards