Knowledge hub14 questions

Getting started, answered plainly.

Where to start, what to send, and what happens on your first call.

Getting startedStraight answers

What people ask us about getting started.

What services does NU Projects offer?

We bring architecture, interior design, construction, basements, extensions and lofts together under one roof.

Bespoke joinery and MEP sit within the same team.

We manage cost planning and coordinate any specialist consultants you need.

Next Tell us which parts of your project you want us to take on.

Where should I start if I have never renovated before?

Start with the property, how you want to live and your budget. Add your target move-in date to that list.

We test all of these together in a feasibility review. This happens before we commission a full design.

Next Send us the address, available floor plans, photographs and a short brief.

Can I speak to NU before buying a property?

Talk to us before you exchange. This matters most if you plan to extend or change the layout.

Access, existing records and survey information shape how useful that early review can be.

Next Send us the sales particulars and the changes that matter most to your decision.

What information should I send with my enquiry?

Send us the full address, property type and approximate size. Include ownership details, photographs, drawings and planning history.

Tell us your target budget, timing and whether you need design, construction or both.

Next Tell us your priorities and any fixed dates in your first message.

Does NU have a minimum project budget?

We do not publish a fixed minimum. Suitability depends on scope, location, complexity and the service you need.

A whole-house build and a single joinery or MEP instruction call for different resources. Tell us your scope so we can confirm fit.

Next Describe your scope and give us an honest budget range.

Can I book an initial call or visit the office?

Call us on 020 7731 6841 or use the website enquiry form.

Our office is at 10-12 Fulham High Street, London SW6 3LQ. Please arrange an appointment before you visit.

Next Use the enquiry form to request a suitable call time.

Can NU work with my existing architect or interior designer?

Yes, send us your existing team’s appointments and drawings to review.

We need clear design responsibility, information standards and approval routes agreed. We confirm our scope once coordination with construction is settled.

Next Introduce us to your consultants and tell us what still needs designing.

Can I appoint NU for design only or an individual service?

Yes. We offer individual design, technical and aftercare services, as well as integrated delivery.

We confirm availability, deliverables and interfaces in a written proposal for your specific instruction.

Next Ask us for a scope and fee proposal for that service.

Can NU help if I live overseas?

Yes. We plan remote decision-making into the project from the start.

This can include scheduled reviews and samples sent to you. We use written approvals and a local representative if needed.

We agree how decisions, payments and access work across time zones.

Next Tell us who is authorised to approve design and cost changes.

How do I choose between a renovation, extension and moving home?

Compare what each route gives you day to day. Weigh total cost, disruption and your long-term plans too.

A new room will not fix a poor layout elsewhere in the house.

Next List the problems you need to solve, before you choose the work.

Can I see relevant past work and speak to previous clients?

Yes, ask us for examples matched to your building type, scope and complexity.

References and visits depend on previous clients’ consent and site suitability. Photographs alone do not show how we managed a project.

Next Ask us for examples, and how we handled communication, cost control and finish.

How soon can NU start my project?

A start date depends on design readiness, consents, agreements, procurement and our team’s availability.

An early conversation helps us set a realistic route. It does not reserve a construction slot.

Next Ask us for an indicative design timeline and what confirms a start date.

What is design and build, and how does it help?

Design and build means one team runs design and construction together.

We can weigh buildability, cost and design decisions at the same time. Our proposal sets out who is responsible for each package.

Next Ask us to set out design and construction responsibilities in your proposal.

Does one accountable team mean every consultant is employed by NU?

No. We identify and coordinate specialist consultants alongside our main team.

Not every consultant is employed by NU. Your appointment sets out who appoints, pays and instructs each specialist.

Next Ask us for a responsibility schedule covering NU and external consultants.

Next step

Ready to talk about getting started?

Read more about how NU works. Or send us your project.