Your build, one clear stage at a time.

1. Establish the starting point

Explain whether you are comparing plots, own the land, have an architect or already hold project documents. Bring the available information rather than restarting the process from a blank page. The first review should identify what can be used, what needs updating and what is missing.

Write a short brief covering use, approximate scale, priorities and budget expectations. Keep unresolved questions visible so the project team can investigate them in a sensible order.

2. Test the site and develop the design

Link the concept to a site assessment. Review the proposed house position, entrance, parking, outdoor levels and the relationship to neighbouring properties. Check whether the design assumptions match the information available about the land.

At each design review, record the decisions made and the next items needed from you. Early choices about equipment, room layouts and external spaces reduce the risk of having to revisit several parts of the design later.

3. Prepare the approvals and scope

Ask the appointed professionals to set out the planning route and responsibilities. In parallel, develop the specification that will support pricing. A programme should show where approval, technical information or owner decisions are dependencies for later stages.

Read the Calpe permits preparation guide for questions to take into that conversation. Keep application information and design revisions in a shared, clearly dated record.

4. Agree the commercial details

Before construction starts, clarify the contracted scope, exclusions, payment milestones, programme assumptions and handling of variations. Confirm who can authorise a change and how it will be recorded. Discuss which items require early selection or advance ordering.

The budget guide explains why the whole project cost can differ from the house quotation. Keep those separate allowances visible when reviewing the contract total.

5. Follow the work and record changes

Agree an update rhythm and a main point of contact. A helpful progress report records completed work, current activities, upcoming decisions and any issue affecting budget or timing. Photographs are useful context, while technical checks belong with the responsible professionals.

If you will be abroad during the build, decide which selections can be made remotely and which inspections or visits should be arranged. A change request should show its cost and programme effect before it becomes an instruction.

6. Plan the handover

Arrange a walkthrough against the agreed scope. Record incomplete items, responsibility for resolving them and the follow-up date. Ask how the systems operate and collect the relevant manuals, certificates, warranties and contacts supplied for the completed work.

• Check the finished spaces against the agreed specification.
• Record any outstanding corrections in writing.
• Understand heating, cooling, ventilation and pool controls.
• Confirm the project-specific completion and administrative documents.
• Arrange the route for questions after handover.