How to prepare for site visits

Builder meetings are one of the most valuable steps in your renovation journey. They help builders understand your space properly, and they help you decide who feels like the right fit for your project. Most meetings last 30–60 minutes and set the tone for the whole build.

Why these meetings matter

Builders get to see your space as it really is — access, structure, quirks and constraints. That means more accurate, like-for-like quotes.

You also get a feel for each builder’s communication style, problem-solving approach and overall fit for your home.

Before the meeting

1. Clear access

Make sure builders can move through every room linked to your project. Shift furniture or belongings that block key areas like plumbing, electrics or any walls you’re thinking of changing. It’s also helpful to point out access routes — how tools, materials and waste will get in and out of the house.

2. Gather your ideas

Photos, saved products from your Beams catalogue, sketches or a Pinterest board all help builders understand the look and feel you’re aiming for. The clearer your direction, the more constructive their feedback will be.

3. Flag practical details

Every project is different, so it helps to cover the practical bits early.

Mention anything that could affect planning or pricing, such as narrow stairs, tricky parking, uneven floors, shared hallways or building rules.

If you work from home, have children or pets, or have neighbours who are sensitive to noise, raise these now so builders can plan their working hours and approach around your routine.

4. Think about daily routine

If you have concerns about dust, disruption or how the space will be kept tidy, ask how the builder normally manages protection. They can explain how they’ll safeguard floors, furniture and high-traffic areas, and what additional measures might help in your home.

5. Prepare a few questions

Having a short list helps you compare builders later and ensures you get the most from the conversation. Here are some questions our customers have found helpful to ask:

How would you approach this project based on what you’ve seen today?
Are there any risks, constraints or dependencies you’d flag early?
What decisions do I need to make first to keep things moving?
What sort of timeline would you expect for a project like this?
Is anything in my plan likely to add cost or complexity?
How do you usually communicate during a build, and how often?
How do you handle surprises once work starts on site?
Do you see any opportunities to simplify the design or save budget?
What work will need specialist trades, and when would they come in?
Have you done similar projects nearby that I could look at?

If you have any key dates, holidays or deadlines to work around, mention these too. Builders can be more accurate with timelines when they know your constraints.

During the meeting

Walk the space together. Explain what you want to achieve, then listen to the builder’s practical feedback. Good builders will highlight opportunities, risk areas and simple cost-savers without compromising quality.

This isn’t a sales meeting. It’s a collaborative conversation to understand your home and your goals.

After the meeting

Builders will submit their quotes through Beams. You’ll see them side by side in your dashboard with scope, costs, timelines and builder profiles.

If you’d like a second view, your Beams planner can help you compare.

Final tip