If you have a project in the pipeline, the first thing to do is get in contact. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve started the project already or it’s at the imagination stage! Describe what you are after, starting with the full dream, and we can discuss from there.

After I receive your message, I will let you know from a first look if this seems feasible and something Carter’s can help with. If not, I always do my best to point you in the direction of someone who can help. The next step is a short telephone consultation. If it’s still sounding good after this, I will book a visit with you to talk more and take any measurements needed. This is all free of charge.

After this, you will get a project estimate (see estimate section on this page for details). I can also advise on when I might be available to begin work. This naturally fluctuates and can also depend on how long your project is.

When I’m working on a project, my core hours are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 4.00pm, with weekends available on request. You can be sure I will be working hard to get your project done, but am always happy to stop and discuss how things are progressing. If mid-project you suddenly want to make some changes, I’m always open to talk about it. Having an open and honest relationship is, in my mind, the best way to make sure you get finished work you are 100% happy with and a stress-free process.

When you get an estimate from Carter’s, it should give you a clear indication of how much your project will cost.

The estimate will include:

• Expected number of days required and cost (this cost also accounts for travel)
• Materials and cost
• Rubbish removal and cost if necessary (skip hire or, if needed, cost of transporting rubbish away from the site in the van)

We call it an estimate because it is possible that a cost can vary based on a change in the situation. An example of this is if it transpires that flooring is in a much worse condition than possible to establish before taking it up, and more joists are needed. In this sort of situation, I will always talk to you as quickly and openly as possible so there are no surprises.

When you get your estimate, I can also let you know about availability to begin work.

I will always quote honestly for quality work – and have even advised against work where I felt it was not the right thing for someone to do.

I’d always encourage people to start with the dream, then we can talk about how the budget can reflect it!