The Home Project Podcast

How to Choose the Right Contractor for your Home Project

Is your contractor selection process setting your project up to fail?
The assumption is that once you've found a builder and agreed a price, the hard part is over.
Between us, we've spent 40 years on high-value residential projects, and contractor selection is consistently the decision clients underestimate most. In this episode, we break down why choosing on price and gut feeling is a costly mistake, and how a structured process, started months before tender, changes the outcome.
We cover procurement strategy, proper vetting (including financials and older completed projects), why a professional reference outweighs a client one, and what a bulletproof tender package looks like.
Get this right and you'll appoint a contractor suited to your project who's priced it properly. Get it wrong and you risk an unfinished site and a bill far larger than the one you started with.
"Contractors are custodians of your house for a period of time." – Tina Patel
 
You’ll hear about:
Why contractor selection is often rushed
Starting procurement before planning permission
Defining your procurement strategy early
What contractor's design portions mean
Building the right tender strategy document
Scoring tenders beyond price alone
How to vet contractors properly
Checking contractor financial health
Visiting older completed projects
Why professional references outweigh client ones
How long pricing takes
Keeping momentum after appointment
 
Connect with us:
 
Tima Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/
Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/
 
Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/

How to Choose the Right Contract for Your Build

How do you protect yourself from costly disputes?
Signing a JCT contract guarantees protection and clarity throughout your build.
We break down the most common procurement routes and explain why choosing the right contract matters more than most homeowners realise.
Traditional lump sum contracts give you maximum control over specification and finishes but require complete design before tender and can extend your programme. Design and build transfers design risk to the contractor and speeds up delivery but only works if your contractor has the management capability to handle it.
Most residential projects use a hybrid approach with contractor design portions for specialist elements like M&E, joinery, and waterproofing.
The right contract protects everyone involved. The wrong one leaves you exposed when disputes arise.
"The contract is there to safeguard all parties." – Bart Kolosowski
You’ll hear about:
What procurement actually means in construction
Traditional lump sum contract pros and cons
Design and build risk allocation explained
Contractor design portions and hybrid contracts
When to hire an M&E designer
The four elements forming a contract
Contract administrator role and powers
JCT contract family structure explained
RIBA domestic contracts versus JCT contracts
FMB contracts in plain English
When to involve construction lawyers
Connect with us:
Tima Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/
Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/
 
Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/

RIBA Stages Explained: The Complete Roadmap for Home Projects

How do you avoid costly delays on a build?
Planning permission approved is just the beginning, not the green light to start building.
We break down the eight RIBA stages that structure every successful residential project, from initial feasibility through to post-occupancy evaluation.
Through our combined experience as architect and quantity surveyor, we explain why spending time on technical design prevents six-figure cost overruns during construction. We share the critical tender stage that RIBA overlooks and why rushing to site after planning approval is one of the most expensive mistakes homeowners make.
This episode walks through what you should expect at each stage, which consultants to involve when, and how proper staging controls both risk and budget evolution.
Get this framework wrong and you'll lose money during construction. Get it right and your build becomes manageable, predictable, and even enjoyable.
“It’s about removal of stress through a build” – Tina Patel
 
You’ll hear about:
What RIBA stages mean
Feasibility versus concept design differences
When to involve planning consultants
Technical design and its critical importance
The missing tender stage
Construction phase mini stages
Strip out before main contract starts
Contractor familiarisation and procurement structure
Handover certification and legal requirements
Post-occupancy evaluation benefits
Cost planning through each stage
Connect with us:
 
Tima Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/
Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/
 
 
Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/

Budget Management for Home Projects: A Complete Guide

Why does your day one budget never match your final cost?
That first figure feels fixed, but it's actually just the starting point for a journey of controlled change.
We walk through every stage of cost control, from initial budgeting to final account settlement. As an architect and quantity surveyor, we explain why early builder estimates carry risk, how professional cost planning builds in allowances for design variability, and why your contingency needs to reflect genuine unknowns, not wishful thinking. We cover procurement routes, real-time cost tracking tools, and why payment certification can determine whether your contractor reaches the finish line or leaves you mid-build.
We also tackle what happens after handover. Decisions about thermal efficiency, maintenance access, and operational costs need to be made during design, not discovered when the bills arrive.
Get this wrong and you'll run out of money mid-build or overpay at every stage. Get it right and you'll navigate changes with full control.
“We're not there to limit what you can have.” – Bart Kolosowski
 
You’ll hear about:
 
Why clients always set the budget
Risks of early builder estimates
Construction inflation impact since 2021
When to engage a quantity surveyor
Feasibility budgeting versus detailed cost planning
Why you need realistic contingency
Handling design changes without budget blow-out
Controlling variations during construction
Different procurement routes and their implications
Real-time cost tracking tools
Payment certification protecting your project
Operational costs after handover
Connect with us:
Tima Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/
Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/
 
 
Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/

Design Team Decisions That Make or Break Home Projects

Are you choosing the right design team for your home?
Getting this decision right is an essential part of a successful home build project.
In this episode we explore why appointing the design team is the second most important decision in any high value home build, and how that early choice influences cost, risk, programme and quality from day one. We unpack what a design team really is, who should lead it, and how that changes as projects move beyond £2m.
We share when an architect should act as lead designer, when a project manager adds genuine value, and why professional fees are often misunderstood compared to the risks of delays, overruns and poor delivery.
We also talk through building a clear brief, being honest about budget, shortlisting the right people, and the red flags to watch for when professionals overpromise.
The wrong decision is hard to undo. The right one protects everything that follows.
 
“This is a long-term professional relationship.” – Tina Patel
 
You’ll hear about:
 
Why the design team is the second biggest decision
What a design team actually includes
Under £2m vs over £2m projects
When to appoint a project manager
The role of the lead designer
Why architects don’t just draw buildings
How to build a proper project brief
Being honest about budget early
How to shortlist architects properly
Red flags during interviews
Why cheap fees are risky
The real cost of poor decisions
 
Connect with us:
Tima Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/
Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/
 
Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/

Planning Permission & Building Regulations: What you need to know

What actually has to be approved before you can build?
 
In this episode, we give a clear overview of the statutory approvals that apply to residential construction projects, and explain how they shape what you can design, when you can start on site and how much risk you carry.
 
We break down planning permission, permitted development and pre application advice, and explain why approvals are about strategy, not just permission.
 
We also cover building regulations, including full plans versus building notice, inspections and final certification, as well as party wall agreements, listed buildings, conservation areas and freeholder consent. We explain where projects commonly stall and why starting work without the right approvals can create serious legal and financial consequences.
 
If you are building or significantly altering a high value home, this episode gives you the approval framework you need before committing to design, time or budget.
 
“You cannot build legally without the right approvals.” – Tina Patel
 
You’ll hear about:
 
What statutory approvals actually are
Planning permission vs permitted development
Common planning misconceptions
Pre application advice explained
Planning refusals and appeals
Discharge of planning conditions
Building regulations explained
Full plans vs building notice
Final building control certificates
Party wall agreements explained
Freeholder and covenant restrictions
Building Safety Act implications
 
Episode resources:
 
Health and Safety Executive CDM Guidancehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/index.htm
 
Connect with us:
 
Tima Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/
Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/
 
Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/

Your Home Build Team Explained

Building a high value home means managing far more people than you expect.
On a residential project, dozens of professionals are involved, each with a specific role, responsibility, and risk attached. We break down who does what, who works for whom, and where confusion can lead to costly mistakes.
We explain the key roles across the full build team, including architects, project managers, quantity surveyors, engineers, contractors, inspectors, and regulators. We also unpack common misconceptions around cost control, client protection, and why no single person can manage everything alone.
If you want clarity on your team before committing serious money to your build, this episode is for you.
 
“Coordination is where projects succeed or fail.” - Tina Patel
 
You’ll hear about:
Who the client really is
What a project manager actually does
Architect versus lead designer
Why planning consultants matter
Listed buildings and heritage consultants
Contract administrator versus employer’s agent
Quantity surveyor versus cost consultant
Why engineers can save you money
MEP and services explained
Who controls quality on site
Planning versus building control
Who really protects your risk
Connect with us:
Tima Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/
Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/
 
Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/

The Architectural Design Process Explained

Home design is about more than drawings.
It is about decisions that shape how you live for decades.
In this episode, we break down what the architectural design process really looks like on a private home project.
We walk through how a design brief is developed, why it cannot be rushed, and how understanding family life, future needs, and everyday habits directly influences layout, flow, and long-term success. From early discovery sessions to sketch layouts, planning strategy, and detailed coordination, we explain what actually happens behind the scenes.
We also explore how specialist designers fit into the process, where costs and risks often emerge, and why design continues evolving well into construction. From kitchens and lighting to staircases, glazing, and landscaping, we explain where homeowners often underestimate the impact of design decisions.
 
If you want a home that works not just today, but five, ten, and fifteen years from now, listen to explore the entire design journey.
 
“Design is about future life, not today’s layout.” - Tina Patel
 
You’ll hear about:
Developing the design brief properly
Why family input really matters
How long early design takes
Translating lifestyle into layout
Common brief mistakes homeowners make
Planning constraints explained simply
Why multiple layout options matter
When specialists join the design
How design evolves on site
Design only versus design and build
Realistic project timelines
Planning for future family needs
Connect with us:
Tima Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/
Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/
 
Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/

How to start your Home Project

Most people think a home project starts with an architect or a builder.
In reality, the most important work happens long before that conversation ever begins.
In this episode, we explore what homeowners really need to think about before engaging any professionals. From understanding what’s driving the project in the first place, to aligning as a family on goals, budgets and timelines, we unpack the conversations that can make or break a successful build.
We talk openly about the realities of budgets, timescales, and decision-making, why so many projects go off track before they even start, and how a clear brief can save you stress, time and money. Drawing on real client experiences, we explain why clarity, communication and honesty at the very beginning are essential for a smooth journey.
If you’re considering a renovation or new build, this episode will help you lay the right foundations before a single drawing is produced.
 
“A successful project starts with clarity, not construction.” Bart Kolosowski
 
You’ll hear about:
What triggers people to start a home project
Why most projects fail before they begin
The importance of agreeing a brief as a family
Why budget clarity matters more than design early on
How unrealistic timelines cause major problems
The true cost of building beyond construction
Why professional fees catch people out
The danger of managing a project yourself
How to approach decision making early
Why clarity saves money, stress and time
Connect with us:
 
Tima Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/
Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/
 
Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/

Welcome to The Home Project Podcast

Building your own home should be exciting, but too often it becomes overwhelming, and stressful for all the wrong reasons. We believe the home building process is misunderstood, full of hidden risks and unnecessary complex, at all scales. 
In this podcast, we’ll be exploring how you can build your home with none of the stress, jargon free.
We’ll. be sharing how we approach home projects, why so many builds go wrong, and how understanding the process early can dramatically change the outcome. 
We support homeowners through renovations and new builds from start to finish. This show will be full of expert guidance, real insight and practical experience from projects delivered at the highest level.
If you want to feel in control of your build, reduce risk and actually enjoy the process, this podcast is for you. 
Subscribe to the podcast to join us for the launch on 15th January! 
 
“Successful projects come from informed decisions made early.” Bart Kolosowski
 
You’ll hear about:
Why home building is misunderstood
Common complexities in construction
What makes projects successful
Supporting homeowners start to finish
Real insight from real projects
Risks and early decision making
Handling hard conversations
De risking the home building process
 
Episode Resources:
 
Home Building & Renovation Show Farnboroughhttps://www.homebuildingshow.co.uk
 
Connect with us:
 
Tina Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/
Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/