Not Just Theft. Not Just the Builder’s Responsibility. When most homeowners think about site security on a home build, extension or renovation, they think about stolen tools or missing materials. That is only part of the picture. In reality, poor site security exposes you to three distinct risks: • Theft and financial loss • Vandalism and project disruption • Injury claims, including from trespassers Responsibility does not sit neatly with the builder. As the property owner, you may still carry legal exposure, particularly where the site is not properly secured or hazards are not adequately controlled.  Why This Matters More Than You Think Domestic building sites are open, temporary, and inherently unsafe environments. They attract: • Opportunistic theft • Unauthorised access • Curiosity, particularly from children Under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1984, you can owe a duty of care even to trespassers. The Scale of the Problem (UK Data) Even on smaller residential projects, the risks are real and well documented. Typical vulnerabilities include: • Materials delivered and stored on site • Tools and plant left unattended • Temporary access arrangements • Inactive periods overnight and weekends It Is Not Just Theft The real risk is broader than stolen materials. Security failures expose projects to: Vandalism and Damage Trespassing and Unauthorised Use Injury and Legal Liability The Financial Impact Is Often Underestimated Security failures lead to delays, cost increases, insurance issues and cash flow pressure. Why This Is Often Missed • No clear responsibility • Assumptions the builder will deal with it • Reactive rather than planned Practical Measures Every Project Should Consider Physical Security • Fencing or hoarding • Lockable access • Secure storage • Remove high-value items Surveillance and Deterrence • CCTV • Motion lighting • Alarm systems Operational Controls • Daily lock-down responsibility • Managed deliveries • Inventory awareness Risk Reduction • Secure excavations • Edge protection • Safe storage Where We Fit In We ensure responsibilities are defined, risks identified early, and measures implemented. If You Are Managing Your Own Project • Do not assume security is someone else’s responsibility • Assess access risks • Identify hazards • Speak to your insurer We can also supply and install temporary construction site alarms and set up Wi-Fi based remote CCTV monitoring at affordable prices.

Most building projects do not fail because of poor workmanship alone. They fail because the groundwork has not been done properly before a builder is appointed. In our experience, many of the problems homeowners face such as cost overruns, delays, disputes, and in some cases serious structural issues can be traced back to decisions made at the very beginning. This checklist is designed to help you approach that stage in a structured and informed way, so that you can choose the right builder, compare quotations properly, and protect your position from the outset. 1. Define Your Project Properly (Before Speaking to Builders) Recommendation · Architectural drawings · Structural drawings · A clear scope of works · Clear budget and expectations Why Without clarity, builders will make assumptions which leads to inconsistent quotations and missing items. Example Different builders may assume different quality levels, resulting in prices that are not comparable. 2. Prepare a Detailed Specification (Critical Step) Recommendation · Materials · Finishes · Structural elements · Fixtures and fittings · Who supplies what Why A specification ensures quotes are comparable and prevents costly extras later. Example – Porcelain Tiles Tiles fixed without full adhesive coverage may fail over time, similar to poorly buttered toast. Example – Bathroom Walls Plasterboard, moisture resistant board, and HardieBacker all differ in cost and suitability. 3. Shortlist Builders Properly Recommendation · Select 3 to 5 builders · Check relevant experience · Ensure capacity Why Not all builders are suited to all project types. Example A refurbishment builder may struggle with structural extensions. 4. Carry Out Proper Due Diligence Recommendation Visit both recent and older projects (5–6 years old). Why Older projects show long-term performance and builder reliability. Recommendation Check company structure, directors, and assets. Why Financial strength affects accountability if issues arise. 5. Issue Identical Information to All Builders Recommendation Provide identical drawings and specifications. Why Ensures quotes are directly comparable. 6. Analyse and Compare Quotes Properly Recommendation Review inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions. Why Low quotes often hide missing items. 7. Interview the Builders Recommendation Ask about project management, team, and safety. Why You are selecting a process and team, not just a price. 8. Agree a Clear Payment Schedule Recommendation Link payments to progress. Why Reduces financial risk.  9. Formalise the Agreement Recommendation Use a written contract. Why Clarifies expectations and reduces disputes. 10. Put Basic Protections in Place Recommendation Confirm insurance and building control. Why Prevents issues during the build. Key Principle Clarity before construction leads to control during construction. Next Steps Contact us for a one page builder interview questionnaire. If you need support before commencing your build or choosing a builder, we are here to help.