At Swanbourne Construction, we believe transparency is key to a successful project. Whether you’re planning a small renovation or a major extension, understanding how we work gives you confidence and peace of mind. Here’s exactly what you can expect when working with us.

Our Simple, Transparent Process

Your journey with Swanbourne Construction begins with a simple conversation. Contact us by phone, email, or through our website contact form to discuss your project. We’ll arrange a convenient time to visit your property for a free, no-obligation consultation.

What happens: James will visit your home to understand your vision, assess the space, discuss your requirements, and answer any initial questions. We’ll talk about timescales, budget considerations, and what’s achievable within your property.

Timeframe: Usually within 3-5 working days of your initial contact.

Following our site visit, we’ll prepare a comprehensive, itemised quote that clearly breaks down all costs involved in your project. Our quotes are detailed and transparent, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

What’s included:

Full breakdown of labour costs
Materials and fixtures specification
Timeline and project duration
Payment structure
Any relevant planning or building regulation considerations

Timeframe: Detailed quotes typically provided within 7-10 days for smaller projects, 2-3 weeks for larger projects requiring more detailed planning.

Once you’re happy with the quote and ready to proceed, we’ll schedule your project into our calendar. We’ll agree on a start date that works for both parties and provide you with a clear timeline.

Deposit: At this stage, we require a deposit of 5-10% of the total project cost to secure your booking and enable us to order materials. The exact percentage depends on the project size and materials required. This deposit confirms your commitment and allows us to allocate resources specifically to your project.

Before we start on site, we’ll handle all the necessary preparations.

For larger projects:

Planning permission applications (if required)
Building regulations approval
Structural engineer consultations
Material ordering and delivery scheduling
Coordination with any specialist sub-contractors

For smaller projects:

Material ordering
Site access arrangements
Protection of surrounding areas

We’ll keep you fully informed throughout this stage and handle all communications with authorities and suppliers.

On the agreed start date, our team arrives promptly and ready to begin. We treat your home with the utmost respect throughout the project.

What to expect:

Punctuality: We arrive on time, every day
Cleanliness: Work areas are cleaned and tidied at the end of each day
Communication: Regular updates on progress and any decisions that need making
Minimal disruption: We work efficiently while respecting that this is your home
Site safety: All safety protocols followed to protect both our team and your family

Throughout the project, James personally oversees the work to ensure our high standards are maintained. We’ll keep you updated on progress and notify you promptly if any unforeseen issues arise or decisions need to be made.

For larger projects: We’ll schedule regular review meetings to walk you through completed phases and discuss upcoming work.

For smaller projects: Daily updates as work progresses, with quick check-ins to ensure you’re happy with decisions and direction.

What happens:

Complete clean of all work areas
Removal of all waste and materials
Final quality inspection with you present
Demonstration of any new systems or features
Hand over of relevant documentation (warranties, certificates, etc.)

Final payment is due upon satisfactory completion of the project. We don’t consider a job finished until you’re completely satisfied with the work.

Our commitment continues: We stand behind our work. If any issues arise after completion, we’re just a phone call away and will promptly address any concerns.

Payment Structure

For Smaller Projects (Kitchens, Bathrooms, Carpentry Work)

Deposit: 5-10% upon booking to secure your slot and order materials
Progress payment: 40-45% at the midpoint of the project (typically when first fix is completed)
Final payment: 45-50% upon satisfactory completion

For Larger Projects (Extensions, Loft Conversions, Full Renovations)

Deposit: 5-10% upon booking to secure your slot and begin planning
Stage payments: Payments divided into agreed stages, typically:
- Foundation/groundwork stage: 25-30%
- First fix/structural stage: 25-30%
- Second fix/finishing stage: 25-30%
Final payment: 10% retention upon satisfactory completion

Note: Payment structures are tailored to each project and clearly outlined in your quote. We never request payment upfront for work not yet completed.

Why Our Process Works

We believe the key to a successful project is keeping you informed. You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening or when we’ll be on site.

With over 20 years of experience, we’ve refined our process to be as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients. We coordinate all aspects of the work, so you don’t have to.

Every project is completed to our exacting standards. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t consider the job finished until you’re completely satisfied.

We’re proud of our reputation for punctuality and hitting deadlines. When we commit to a timescale, we deliver on it.

Our quotes are comprehensive and transparent. If any unforeseen issues arise during the work, we discuss them with you immediately, along with any cost implications, before proceeding.

What Makes Us Different

We understand that having building work done can be disruptive. That’s why we take extra care to minimise the impact on your daily life. Work areas are kept clean and tidy, dust sheets are used throughout, and we ensure your home is left clean and safe at the end of each day.

Based in Bognor Regis and working throughout West Sussex, we have excellent relationships with local suppliers and thorough knowledge of local planning requirements. This means better prices on materials and smoother progress through any planning or building regulation processes.

James personally manages every project. You won’t be passed between different people or left wondering who to contact with questions. You have direct access to the person overseeing your work.

Our team has been carefully built over many years. Many of our tradespeople have worked with us for years, and any specialists we bring in are thoroughly vetted and trusted partners we’ve worked with repeatedly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Process

How long will my project take?

Timescales vary depending on the scope of work. As a guide:

Kitchen installation: 2-3 weeks
Bathroom renovation: 1-2 weeks
Single storey extension: 12-16 weeks
Loft conversion: 6-8 weeks
Full house renovation: 12-20 weeks

We’ll provide a detailed timeline specific to your project in our quote.

Will I need to move out during the work?

For smaller projects like kitchens and bathrooms, most clients remain in their homes with temporary arrangements. For larger projects like full house renovations, it may be more comfortable to arrange temporary accommodation, though it’s not always necessary. We’ll discuss this with you during our initial consultation.

Do you handle planning permission and building regulations?

Yes, we can manage all planning applications and building regulations submissions on your behalf. We work closely with local planning authorities and have extensive experience navigating the approval process.

What if I want to make changes during the project?

We’re flexible and can accommodate changes where possible. Any changes that affect cost or timeline will be discussed with you immediately, and we’ll provide a written variation to the original quote before proceeding.

Are you insured?

Yes, we carry full public liability insurance and all necessary trade insurances. We can provide copies of our insurance certificates upon request.

What about warranties?

All our work is guaranteed, and we provide warranties on workmanship. Additionally, many of the materials and fixtures we install come with manufacturer warranties, which we’ll pass on to you with all relevant documentation.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re planning a small renovation or a major transformation of your West Sussex home, we’re here to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. With over 20 years of experience, a reputation for quality and punctuality, and a process refined through hundreds of successful projects, you’re in safe hands with Swanbourne Construction.

Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.

We look forward to helping you transform your home.