Expert advice for your build or renovation.
Straightforward, professional guidance on cost, specification and programme — without the jargon. Whether you’re a builder pricing a project or a homeowner planning an extension, we can help.
Who we help
Professional support, without the corporate overhead
Most quantity surveying and project management firms focus exclusively on large commercial schemes. October Projects works differently — our team is happy to support individual home owners, self-builders, landlords and smaller building contractors who need professional advice on their projects, however large or small.
We can help you understand what your project should cost before you commit, prepare a clear specification so builders are quoting like-for-like, and manage the programme so that work is completed properly and on time. No unnecessary complexity — just straightforward advice from experienced professionals.
What we offer
Services for builders & home owners
Budget Costing & Cost Advice
An independent cost assessment of your planned project before you commit to a builder or sign a contract. We tell you what your project should cost based on current market rates — so you know whether the quotes you receive are reasonable.
Specification & Schedule of Works
A clear, written specification of exactly what needs to be done — materials, finishes, standards and workmanship. Prepared before you go to tender so that every builder prices the same job, making quotes directly comparable and protecting you from disputes later.
Tender Management
Approaching the right builders, distributing tender documents, evaluating returned prices and advising on contractor selection. We take the stress out of finding and appointing a builder — and make sure you appoint the right one at the right price.
Contract Advice
Advice on which building contract is appropriate for your project and what it means in practice. We can prepare a straightforward JCT Minor Works or Homeowner contract so that your and the builder’s obligations are clearly set out and legally protected from day one.
Project Monitoring
Regular site visits to check that work is progressing as specified, materials match what was agreed and the programme is being maintained. We flag issues early — before they become costly — and give you an objective view of progress at every stage.
Dispute Resolution & Defects Advice
If a project has gone wrong — poor workmanship, a contractor dispute, work left incomplete — we can assess what has happened, advise on your options and prepare the documentation needed to recover your position. Practical advice based on experience, not theory.
How it works
Simple, straightforward from first call to completion
Free initial call
Tell us about your project. We listen, ask the right questions and give you an honest view of whether and how we can help — no charge, no obligation.
Agree the scope
We agree exactly what you need — a cost check, a specification, full project management — and set out a clear, fixed fee so there are no surprises on our side either.
We get to work
Our team prepares your documents, manages your tender or attends your site. You get direct access to a senior advisor throughout — not a junior passing messages.
Project complete
Your project is delivered on budget and to standard. We stay available for questions and follow-up — and most of our residential clients come back for the next one.
Common questions
What people ask us
What size of project do you work on?
From single-room extensions to full house refurbishments and small new build schemes. If the project involves a builder and a budget, we can help — there is no minimum spend.
Do you work nationwide?
We are based in Birmingham and work across the Midlands and nationally. For projects further afield, we may be able to assist remotely with cost and specification advice.
How much do you charge?
Our fees are agreed upfront and fixed for the scope agreed. We do not charge by the hour without a cap. Call us to discuss your project and we will give you a fee proposal within 24 hours.
My builder has already started — can you still help?
Yes. Whether the project is going well and you want independent oversight, or things have gone wrong and you need expert advice, we can step in at any stage.
Can you recommend a builder?
We do not take referral fees from contractors. When we help with tender management, we approach reputable builders from our own network on your behalf — with no commercial interest in which one you appoint.
What is a schedule of works and do I need one?
A schedule of works is a written list of everything a builder needs to do on your project, with materials and standards specified. Without one, different builders will price different things — making quotes impossible to compare and creating scope for disputes. We strongly recommend one for any project over £10,000.
Get in touch
Tell us about
your project.
No jargon, no obligation. Call or email us and we will give you an honest view of how we can help.