A useful refurbishment brief explains what you want to change and why. You do not need to settle every finish before the first conversation, but a clear outline helps a contractor understand the scale of the project and the information still needed. For a home in Brighton, Hove or the wider Sussex area, start with the property, the rooms affected and the outcome you want.
Describe how you want the home to work
Begin with the problem rather than a list of products. You may need a kitchen that opens onto the garden, another bedroom, space to work at home or a layout that makes daily life easier. Separate essential changes from ideas you would consider if the budget allows. This makes later choices easier to explain and compare.
List every affected room, including areas outside the main building work. A new staircase may change a landing below; an extension may involve the existing kitchen and garden access. Include associated decoration and reinstatement so these parts are discussed at the start.
Gather information about the property
Share the project postcode and any drawings, photographs, previous surveys or details of alterations. Say whether the property is a house, flat, lower-ground-floor home or another building type. Flag known defects without trying to diagnose them yourself. If an area cannot be inspected, explain the access limitation.
For older properties, explain which features you want to retain and whether you know of any heritage restrictions. Your designer and the relevant authority can establish what approvals are needed for the particular property. Avoid treating a general online guide as confirmation that work can proceed.
Set out the budget and its boundaries
A budget range helps establish whether the brief and expectations are aligned. Say whether your figure covers construction alone or also needs to allow for professional advice, investigations, approvals, finishes, VAT and a contingency. Record items you intend to buy yourself, such as kitchen units or bathroom fittings, so supply and installation responsibilities can be discussed.
If the likely scope exceeds the available budget, identify the decisions you would revisit first. A clear priority list is more useful than a fixed wish list with no flexibility. Cost planning should reflect what is known about the building and explain any assumptions or allowances.
Explain access and everyday life
Tell the team whether the home will be occupied and whether people work there during the day. Describe access to the rear, shared entrances, storage limitations and the route for deliveries. In Brighton and Hove, a narrow street or an upper-floor flat can raise different practical questions from a house with side access.
Mention any dates that affect your household, but distinguish a preferred completion date from a fixed constraint. The scope, design information, material choices and required approvals all need to be considered before a programme can be agreed.
A short checklist for your first enquiry
- Your name, email address, project postcode and a telephone number if you would like a call.
- The proposed works and the main reason for doing them.
- Available drawings, photographs and surveys, with any gaps identified.
- Your budget range and what it is intended to cover.
- Preferred timing, access constraints and whether the property will stay occupied.
An initial enquiry is the start of a discussion. Depending on the information available, the next step may be a review of drawings, a survey or a site visit before a construction proposal can be prepared.