Don't sign anything until you've had a second opinion.
Builder quotes reviewed, renovation plans checked, and costly mistakes caught — before work starts. Honest advice from someone who's spent 25 years on the tools.
Most homeowners are going in blind.
The construction industry is full of vague quotes, hidden costs, and work that doesn't match what was agreed. You shouldn't need to become an expert — you just need someone in your corner.
Quotes that leave things out
Many builder quotes are deliberately vague — missing groundwork, structural elements, or building regs costs that only appear once work has started.
Budgets that spiral
Renovation projects routinely go 20–40% over budget. Most of those overruns were predictable with the right planning and the right questions asked upfront.
No one honest to ask
Architects and surveyors are expensive. Friends and family mean well but don't know the trade. You need experienced advice without the jargon or the invoice.
What I can help with
Every service is delivered remotely — you share your documents, photos, or plans, and I give you an honest assessment within 48 hours.
Your 48-hour turnaround starts once we've received all your documents, photos and information.
Builder's Second Opinion
Send me any builder's quote and I'll review it line by line — identifying missing items, vague wording, or pricing that doesn't add up.
- Full line-by-line quote review
- Missing or vague items flagged
- Pricing sense-check against current rates
- List of questions to ask your builder
- Written summary in plain English
Renovation Planning Review
Planning a renovation? I'll review your scope, budget, and timeline before work starts — and tell you what's missing or unrealistic.
- Budget assessment and sense-check
- Timeline review
- Scope gaps identified
- Common pitfalls flagged for your project type
- Recommendations for next steps
Extension Planning Advice
Thinking about an extension? Get a realistic view of costs, likely complications, and the right questions to ask an architect or builder before you commit.
- Realistic cost breakdown
- Site-specific considerations
- Planning and building regs overview
- Structural considerations flagged
- Contractor briefing checklist
Photo Defect Assessment
Worried something doesn't look right? Send me photos and I'll give you an honest assessment of what you're looking at and what — if anything — needs doing.
- Review of up to 20 photos
- Plain-English written assessment
- Urgency rating for each issue
- Suggested next steps
- Estimated cost ranges where applicable
Simple, fast, and fully remote.
No site visits. No waiting weeks for an appointment. Just straightforward advice from someone with over 25 years experience in the construction industry.
Book & Pay Online
Choose your service and pay securely online — no invoices, no chasing.
Send Your Documents
Email your quote, plans, or photos to kev@beforeyoubuild.org.uk
I Review Everything
I go through every detail and prepare a clear, honest written assessment.
You Get the Report
Delivered within 48 hours of receiving your documents.
Ready to protect your project?
Don't sign anything until you've had an independent eye on it. Book a review from £75 or WhatsApp me directly with your question.
Experience
Someone who's actually been on the tools.
I've spent over 25 years working in construction — on domestic extensions, commercial renovations, roofing projects, and everything in between. I've managed projects, priced jobs, hired subcontractors, and dealt with the full range of problems that come up on real building sites. I've also run two successful construction businesses of my own, giving me a deep understanding of the industry from both sides — on site and running the company.
I started Before You Build because I kept seeing the same thing: homeowners being overcharged, undersold, or badly advised — and having no one honest to turn to. Now I'm that person.
I work remotely, which means I'm accessible to homeowners anywhere in the UK — and I give the same advice I'd give a family member: straight, honest, and in plain English.
Don't sign until you're sure.
A £75 review could save you thousands. Book online, send your documents, and get a clear answer within 48 hours.
Book a Review — from £75