As with any DIY job planning is everything. We love Grand Designs and watch as many shows as we can; We’re never amazed like Kevin McCloud when things get out of hand, and the project ends up costing a lot more and over running the original budget. However we have to admire the odd, (may be that should be the exceptional) one or two who bring their project in on cost, or just over, if not on time (for time waits for none), because they have planned very well.

So if you’re planning to change a tap washer or revamp the bedroom, factor in as many stumbling blocks as you can think of, because as sure as there’s snow in the north or south pole, it’s going to take a little longer and cost a little more than you originally thought.

Just one more thought on the planning process is this, our great great and may be great grandfathers over engineered a lot of what they did compared to what we do today, costs as ever got out of hand, but if we over estimate then just maybe we’ll come in on budget and time.

Till the next time, plan for everything plus the devils detail.

Your planning duo Chris & Pete.