Managing Multiple Contractors on Your Home Renovation Project

Many UK homeowners consider hiring separate trades to save money during a renovation. While this approach can work, managing multiple contractors comes with significant challenges. Without clear coordination, projects can quickly become delayed, stressful and more expensive than expected.

Main Contractor vs Separate Trades: What’s the Difference?

Using a Main Contractor

A main contractor manages all trades and takes overall responsibility for the project.

• Single point of contact
• Coordinated schedules and deliveries
• Clear accountability for quality and defects

Managing Separate Trades Yourself

This involves hiring electricians, plumbers, builders and other trades individually.

• Potential cost savings
• Greater control over trade selection
• Higher risk of delays and disputes

Coordinating Schedules Effectively

Poor scheduling is one of the biggest causes of renovation delays.

• Trades must work in the correct sequence
• Delays by one trade affect all others
• Missed handovers cause downtime

Without a clear programme, projects often stall while trades wait on each other.

Communication Strategies That Reduce Problems

Clear communication is essential when multiple teams are involved.

• Confirm instructions in writing
• Hold regular site check-ins
• Ensure all trades are working from the same drawings

Miscommunication often leads to rework and blame-shifting.

Payment Structures and Cash Flow

Managing payments becomes more complex with multiple contractors.

• Agree staged payments for each trade
• Never pay in full upfront
• Link payments to completed milestones

Clear payment terms help avoid disputes and unfinished work.

Handling Disputes Between Trades

When issues arise, separate trades may blame each other.

• Electrical faults blamed on builders
• Plumbing issues blamed on plasterers
• Delays blamed on previous trades

Without a main contractor, the homeowner often becomes the referee.

Who Takes Responsibility for Defects?

One of the biggest risks of managing multiple contractors is unclear responsibility.

• Defects may fall between trades
• No single warranty for the overall project
• Harder to enforce corrections

A main contractor typically provides a single point of accountability.

Site Safety with Multiple Teams

Health and safety responsibilities increase when several trades share a site.

• Clear access routes must be maintained
• Tools and materials need proper storage
• Responsibility for safety must be defined

Poor site safety can lead to accidents, delays and legal issues.

Project Management Tips for Homeowners

• Create a clear work schedule
• Keep written records of decisions
• Inspect work regularly
• Don’t rush decisions under pressure

Why Fixiz Makes Renovations Simpler

At Fixiz, we act as a single, accountable main contractor for loft conversions, garage conversions and house extensions across London. We coordinate all trades, manage schedules and take responsibility for quality and safety — so homeowners don’t have to.

Planning a renovation?
Contact Fixiz today for a no-obligation consultation and let us manage your project professionally from start to finish.