uSecure a good professional team of advisors from the outset and ensure they work together uLegal and finance team (due diligence on property, sensible financing structure for staged payments) uExperienced architect (do not let them go on a flight of fancy) uLead contractor (check / visit previous work undertaken by them) uGood quantity surveyor – accurate / realistic costing uThorough due diligence / structural survey of the property before acquisition uPlanning and preparation uGet 3 x quotes uBe clear and precise in the project brief from the outset – reduces overall cost and iterations each of which cost money and add delays uMonitor project closely but do not interfere u