Q&A: Autumn Builds – Preparing Projects for the Season Ahead

Q1. Autumn often exposes the weaknesses in a building — from draughts to damp. What do you see as the most common issues, and how does Run Projects address them in construction?

Draughts, rising damp, condensation and water ingress (often from heavy rainfall) are some of the most common challenges that reveal themselves in the autumn months.

At Run Projects, we tackle these proactively from the pre-build stage. Potential risks are identified and addressed with the design team so that solutions are built into the specification. Selecting the right contractor at tender stage is also crucial, ensuring they have the experience to resolve these issues effectively. Finally, our hands-on management during snagging and sign-off means any problems are resolved before handover.

Q2. Insulation and airtightness are frequently talked about but not always understood. What should clients know about how these elements impact both comfort and long-term cost efficiency?

Good insulation and airtightness stabilise indoor temperatures, reduce draughts and condensation, and help prevent long-term damage such as damp. The benefits are both immediate and long-term: lower heating bills, reduced maintenance, and extended building life.

Every property is different — achieving complete airtightness is not always possible — but each project is approached individually to find the optimal result. At Run Projects, these considerations are built into the early design, planning, and tender preparation stages. Where specialist expertise is required, we involve trusted industry experts to deliver the best outcome within budget.

Q3. Weatherproofing details — especially around thresholds, windows, and roofs — can make or break a building’s performance. What construction strategies or materials do you prioritise at this stage of the year?

It comes down to two essentials: a design team that details these elements correctly, and a contractor with the skill to deliver them precisely on site. Run Projects partners with experienced designers and contractors, ensuring that the finer details of weatherproofing are executed to a high standard.

Q4. Lighting becomes more critical as days shorten. From a building perspective, how do you plan for lighting integration early in the project so it works both practically and aesthetically?

Lighting is considered from the earliest design stage, with a focus on both functionality and ambience. Layering light effectively makes spaces more adaptable and comfortable, while style and personal taste vary from client to client. At Run Projects, we ensure those preferences are understood and integrated into the design. Depending on the budget, we also recommend working with a specialist lighting designer to achieve the most sophisticated results.

Q5. Autumn is also a time of heavy use for transition spaces like hallways and utility rooms. How do you think about durability and function in these areas during construction?

Flooring specification is key — not only for autumn, but year-round. These areas see high footfall and need to withstand moisture and dirt. Hard-wearing, easy-to-clean materials such as tiles or treated timber work well. Natural stone, while beautiful, can show wear more quickly and should be carefully considered against practical requirements.

Q6. For clients about to begin a project in autumn, what advice would you give them to ensure their build stands up to the months ahead — and beyond?

The best advice applies to any season: plan early and in detail.

• Create a wish list with two columns — ‘must have’ and ‘nice to have’. Break it down room by room, including details such as flooring, skirting, windows, ironmongery, joinery, lighting, cornices, dado rails, and sockets. This becomes a vital tool for both design discussions and value engineering.

• Allow time for detailed design and tender preparation. This reduces stress, ensures accurate specifications, and avoids rushed decisions.

At Run Projects, we combine early planning, transparent tender management, and diligent delivery to ensure that every build is robust enough for autumn — and for the years ahead.