How do you know if you’re paying the right price for your building project?

In Episode 9 of The Healthy House Podcast, Aaron is joined by Fiona Hall from Construction Q to explore how quantity surveying can help homeowners and contractors manage costs, avoid disputes and understand exactly what they’re paying for.

Fiona explains why the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value, how unclear costs can leave you facing unexpected bills, and why getting the scope and contract right before work begins matters.

The conversation also follows Fiona’s journey from starting a business with £500 in her spare bedroom to building an award-winning practice, alongside her passion for encouraging young people into construction and giving back through charity work.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What a quantity surveyor does and when to involve one
• Comparing builders’ quotes and understanding provisional sums
• Contracts, payment terms and avoiding costly disputes
• How changes during a build can affect your budget
• AI in construction and the value of practical experience
• Apprenticeships, women in construction and routes into the industry
• Supporting charities and bringing the industry together through Cash for Kids

Whether you’re planning a renovation, running a construction business or considering a career in the industry, this episode offers plenty to think about before taking your next step.

The Healthy House Podcast is brought to you by Weatherwise.
Produced by Crawford & Beattie.

How much thought do you give to the lighting in your home?

In Episode 8 of The Healthy House Podcast, Aaron is joined by Sam Coles to explore how light influences our daily lives, from our mood and concentration to how we wind down in the evening.

Sam explains the relationship between natural light and our body clocks, the differences between warm and cool lighting, and why choosing the right fittings involves more than finding something that looks good.

The conversation also explores lighting and sensory comfort for people with autism and ADHD, with a closer look at flicker, glare and colour temperature.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Natural light, circadian rhythms and sleep

• Warm versus cool lighting and where to use each

• Common kitchen lighting mistakes

• Blue light and LED bulbs

• Flicker, glare and sensory sensitivity

• Baffled fittings and why hiding the bulb can improve comfort

• Lighting that adjusts throughout the day

Whether you’re renovating, planning a new home or making small improvements to your existing space, this episode offers plenty to consider before choosing your lighting.

The Healthy House Podcast is brought to you by Weatherwise.

Produced by Crawford & Beattie.

Planning a home renovation or extension? The decisions you make before building starts can have the biggest impact on your budget, your timeline and how well your home works for you.

In Episode 7 of The Healthy House Podcast, Aaron sits down with architect Alexandra to explore what makes a successful building project, from understanding your family’s lifestyle to making informed decisions about design and construction.

Alexandra explains why a good architect asks questions, challenges assumptions and helps you explore the potential of your existing home before adding more space.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Creating a clear brief and designing around how you actually live.
• Getting costs, surveys and specialist advice at the right stage.
• Using 3D models to understand your space before work begins.
• Choosing the right builder and the importance of contracts, communication and agreed payment schedules.
• Managing changes during construction and understanding their knock-on effects.
• Renovating older properties with a fabric-first approach to insulation, ventilation and energy efficiency.
• Futureproofing your home for changing family needs.

To finish, Alexandra shares her Healthy House Checklist: assess the space you already have, think about your future needs and take the time to get the brief right.

Whether you’re planning a small extension, a full renovation or a new home, this conversation offers practical insight into making informed decisions throughout your project.

The Healthy House Podcast, brought to you by Weatherwise.
Produced by Crawford & Beattie.