Construction

Lucy & Phil provides professional construction and property improvement services, including renovations, refurbishments, extensions, loft conversions, fit outs, kitchens, bathrooms, property alterations, repairs and general building works. Where a project requires several trades, we can coordinate the different stages so the customer has one central point of contact rather than having to organise multiple contractors independently.

We begin by understanding what you want to achieve, the existing property, the proposed works, your preferred specification and any important requirements or constraints. Depending on the project, we may arrange a site assessment and identify whether drawings, specifications, structural information, planning permission, building regulations approval or other professional input may be required. Once the scope is sufficiently established, we prepare the appropriate quotation or project proposal.

Our pricing considers the scope and complexity of the work, labour, materials, finishes, access, property condition, specialist trades, equipment and any other requirements specific to the project. We aim to provide a clear quotation based on the agreed scope rather than an artificially low starting price. Where an aspect of the project cannot reasonably be priced until further information is available, we explain this before work begins.

Construction can sometimes reveal conditions that were not visible during the initial assessment, particularly when opening walls, floors, ceilings or other parts of an existing building. If something unexpected is discovered that materially affects the work, we will explain what has been found, why it matters, what options are available and any cost or programme implications. Where reasonably possible, additional chargeable work will be discussed and approved before it is undertaken.

Absolutely. Health and safety is an essential part of how construction work should be planned and delivered. We consider the risks associated with the work, the property, workers, occupants, visitors and members of the public. Depending on the project, appropriate controls can include risk assessments, method statements, PPE, safe access, equipment controls, site housekeeping, hazard management and appropriate working procedures. The level of documentation and controls is proportionate to the nature and complexity of the work.

Where appropriate to the project, we can prepare and maintain risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) covering the planned activities and associated risks. These documents help establish how work is intended to be carried out safely, what hazards need to be controlled and what precautions are required. For commercial or managed sites, we can also work with the client's existing site rules, contractor requirements and health and safety procedures.

We recognise that construction work must be undertaken by people who are competent and suitably experienced for the tasks they perform. We assess the competence and suitability of personnel for the work being undertaken and, where specialist activities require particular qualifications, certifications or trade competence, these requirements are considered before the work is assigned. Where subcontractors or specialist trades are involved, their suitability and competence should also be appropriately assessed for the work they undertake.

Lucy & Phil maintains appropriate business insurance for its operations, subject to the terms, conditions and limits of the relevant policies. Where a client requires specific insurance levels or evidence of cover as part of their procurement or contractor approval process, we can provide the relevant documentation where applicable. For major projects, clients should confirm the specific insurance requirements before appointment.

We recognise that construction projects may be subject to planning requirements, Building Regulations, health and safety legislation, environmental requirements and other applicable legal obligations, depending on the nature and location of the work. Where approvals, notices, certificates, competent-person schemes or specialist professional input are required, these requirements should be identified during project planning. We do not assume that every project requires the same approvals. The requirements depend on the work being proposed.

For occupied properties, we consider the safety of residents, customers, employees, visitors and our workers. Depending on the project, this can involve separating work areas, controlling access, maintaining safe routes, protecting existing surfaces and belongings, managing dust and debris and coordinating working times to reduce unnecessary disruption. Any specific requirements relating to children, vulnerable occupants, pets or restricted areas should be disclosed before work begins so appropriate arrangements can be considered.

Waste generated by construction work should be managed responsibly and in accordance with applicable requirements. Where waste removal is included within the project scope, we can arrange appropriate collection and disposal arrangements for suitable waste. Hazardous or specialist materials must be identified before work begins, as they may require specialist handling and disposal. We also aim to avoid unnecessary waste through appropriate planning, ordering and material management.

Quality starts with clearly defining what is being delivered and to what standard. During the project, the work should be monitored against the agreed scope, specification and required workmanship. Where multiple trades are involved, their work needs to be coordinated so that one stage does not compromise another. Before completion, the agreed works are reviewed and relevant finishing or snagging items are addressed.

Some construction projects require specialist trades or subcontractors. Where they are used, their work is coordinated around the overall project requirements. We consider factors such as competence, suitability, scope of work, health and safety requirements and the sequencing of activities. The customer should not be left responsible for coordinating every individual trade when Lucy & Phil has been appointed to manage the project.

Changes should be identified and discussed as early as possible. If you request a change, or an unforeseen condition requires the scope to change, we assess the impact on cost, materials, labour and programme. Where additional work is chargeable, we aim to obtain approval before proceeding wherever reasonably possible. This creates a clear record of what has changed and helps prevent disputes about additional costs.

At completion, we review the agreed works, address relevant outstanding or snagging items and complete the appropriate handover. Depending on the project, this may include relevant documentation, certificates or information relating to the completed works where applicable. Lucy & Phil can also support the property after construction through after-builders cleaning, removals and storage, property preparation and ongoing maintenance, allowing the customer to continue with one integrated property services provider.