House remodel

[Ginger]

Posted this on the projects but think it may be more appropriate in here,
Am looking to remodel my 1930's semi and have some questions. I want to do the following work but limit the amount of contractors - preferably use one.

1. Dormer loft conversion
2. New Staircase (ground floor to 1st floor)
3. Replace UPVC windows (5 off)
4. Replace ceiling in Kitchen
5. Refit a downstairs toilet - new porceleinware and re-tile
6. Landscape an average sized back garden
7. Block Pave front drive
8. Install a porch (UPVC) to front door.

Got a budget of about £40K incl of furniture and decoration after the work is done.

Would I be best to go through a designer, or architect or does anyone have any other ideas?
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Lynda, moderator

Please note forum rule 1a

I have deleted your other post

 

[Diyisfun]

I dont think it really helps by posting in a different catergory, might be wrong.
Depends on your skill levels as to what you can do, alls the urgency, I would do the externals last & work top to bottom. I would plan it myself & get contractors to do what I couldnt do.

 

[Richard C]

I would echo that; it all depends on your skill levels. You certainly don’t need an architect, a good architectural technician will be able to do all you want &, personally, I can’t really see the benefit of employing a designer. You should be able to do equally as well as long as you have the time to put in the research but I think that’s half the fun! These guys will take a huge chunk out of your budget; fine if you’ve got loads of money & not much time but otherwise an unnecessary financial drain as they will always find something that requires additional fees, it’s the name of the game!

I’m undertaking a similar amount of work here but I am familiar with this type of work; I have done my own design, drawings, PP approval, calculations & liaising with BC. I’m employing subs where needs be but doing a lot of the work myself due to budget constraints. I also think your budget is a bit light for the amount of work you list, unless you intend doing a lot of the work yourself. Do a detailed costing & then add 10% for the things that will go wrong/extra work you didn't think you needed & I think you may have a shock as I did! Employing professional consultants you don’t really need will make things even worse!

 

[Ginger]

Cheers Richard, we actually thought our budget was a bit excessive - but not being from the building trades am limited on knowhow.... am just a poor ole sparky. Time is a major hinderance for me to be honest to be able to spend quality time on a serious remodel as I work away alot. Plus with a past record of starting and not fully completing projects I've started my wife is a bit reluctant to commit unless it's under the banner of 'Get Someone In'. Will try what you suggest about the detailing the costs and see what we come up with.

 

[Richard C]

but not being from the building trades am limited on knowhow.... am just a poor ole sparky.

Neither am I! I'm just a poor ole Engineer who learns fast; mainly through necessity!