RCB Academy
The RCB Academy. Everything you need to know before you build.
We believe informed clients make better decisions — and better projects. These guides exist to help you plan, protect yourself and get the right result.
Browse by Topic
What would you like to understand?
1 guide
Choosing the Right Builder
What to check, what to ask, and how to protect yourself before you appoint a contractor.
1 guide
Planning & Building Regulations
The difference between planning permission and Building Regulations — and why both matter.
1 guide
Understanding Contracts & Costs
How to compare builder quotes properly and avoid the traps hidden in cheap tenders.
1 guide
Insurance & Protection
What insurance a builder should have, what it means, and how to verify it.
1 guide
Principal Contractor Explained
What a principal contractor is, what they do, and why it matters for your project.
8 guides
Project Types
Extensions, loft conversions, refurbishments and more — what each involves and what to expect.
Featured Guides
Start with these.
How to Choose a Builder
A plain-English guide to choosing the right builder. What to check, what to ask, and how to protect yourself before you sign anything.
Planning Permission vs Building Regulations
Two completely different things that many homeowners confuse. Understand what each one means — and why you often need both.
What Is a Principal Contractor?
The difference between a builder who turns up and a principal contractor who takes formal, legal responsibility for your project.
What Insurance Should a Builder Have?
Public liability, employer's liability, contract works — what each one covers, typical minimums, and how to verify a builder actually has it.
How to Compare Builder Quotes Like-for-Like
The cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest project. How to read a quote properly, what to ask for, and how to avoid the common traps.
Need Personalised Advice?
Guides are a starting point. We can go further.
If you have a specific project in mind, the most useful thing we can do is talk it through with you directly. No obligation — just a clear, honest conversation.