Confirm the Agreed Scope and Information
Before work starts, ensure you have a clear understanding of the project by reviewing the following:
Remove Belongings From Working Areas
Clear the space to allow work to proceed efficiently and safely:
Empty Cupboards
Clear out storage units where required.
Move Valuables
Store important items securely away from the site.
Protect Fragile Items
Wrap or relocate delicate pieces.
Wall Decorations
Remove pictures and mirrors from adjacent walls.
Vibration & Dust
Consider items that could be affected by movement.
Heavy Furniture
Agree in advance who will move large items.
Plan Access and Parking
Discuss logistics with your contractor before work commences:
Discuss Dust and Property Protection
Building work creates dust. Discuss mitigation strategies, but remember that dust cannot be completely eliminated.
Dust Barriers
Sealing off the working areas.
Temporary Screening
Using plastic sheets or zip doors.
Floor Protection
Covering carpets or hard floors.
Door Closures
Keeping internal doors shut.
Cleaning
Regular sweeping and tidying.
Ventilation
Extracting dust to the outside.
Limits of Protection
Understanding what is realistic during demolition.
Understand Temporary Service Interruptions
Plan for planned interruptions to utilities. Planned interruptions should be communicated where reasonably possible:
Children and Pets
Keep your family safe during construction:
Restricted Working Areas
Keep children out of active zones.
Openings and Tools
Ensure hazards are secured at night.
Deliveries
Keep clear of reversing vehicles.
Noise
Consider nap times or sensitive pets.
Temporary Barriers
Use stair gates or fencing.
Alternative Arrangements
Consider doggy daycare or staying with family.
Speak With Neighbours
Maintain good relations by communicating early. Note that an informal conversation does not replace any formal notice required (such as Party Wall notices).
Make Product Decisions Early
Avoid delays by finalizing choices for:
Decide Whether You Can Remain in the Property
Remaining at home may be practical when:
- You have a working kitchen
- You have bathroom access
- Heating remains functional
- Dust and noise are manageable
Temporary accommodation may be worth considering when:
- The scale of work is extensive
- You have young children or pets
- You are working from home
- Essential services will be disconnected
Keep Essential Information Accessible
Contractor Contact
Drawings
Proposal
Product Decisions
Insurance Details
Emergency Contact
Alarm Instructions
Access Arrangements
Prepare for Decisions During the Project
Existing buildings can reveal issues after strip-out and timely decisions help prevent avoidable delays.
Homeowner’s Pre-Start Checklist
- Working areas cleared
- Valuable belongings removed
- Access agreed
- Parking agreed
- Skip or storage position agreed
- Children and pets considered
- Neighbours informed
- Product choices reviewed
- Temporary facilities discussed
- Main contact details saved
How Milano Approaches Occupied Homes
Where customers remain in the property, Milano considers access, protection, service interruptions and the planned sequence of work as part of the project preparation. The exact arrangements depend on the scale and layout of the work.