Hi,
Not excactly a DIY query but any advice will be gratefully received
We have just bought a 3 bed granite cottage that we will be using as a second home and for holiday lettings.
We are planning to convert the loft space into a bedroom and move the main bathroom from the ground floor to the bedroom directly above. We plan to keep a small wc on the ground floor and use the rest of the downstairs bathroom space as a scullery/laundry area.
Before buying we had a loft conversion firm check the property and they have said the loft space is suitable for conversion. As we will be using the cottage as a holiday let we also need to make sure that the current building, as well as any additional works, will comply with fire regs etc.
Neither of us have any building or DIY experience so we're not planning to do any of the work ourselves. We are really looking for advice on where to start and who to contact. We have a realistic budget for the work but obviously don't want to spend money unnecessarily. We are also trying to be realistic about our own level of experience and ability to project manage the work.
Quite a few people have advised us that we can save costs by using an architect and experienced building firm rather than a specialist loft conversion company. An architect could also advise us and draw up plans for the new bathroom upstairs and utility area downstairs. However, other people have said that using an architect is a bit OTT for this type of work and, if we find a decent firm, we could just work directly with the builders.
After witnessing many other people have problems with building works by trying to cut corners, I am wary of trying to do it for the first time without the advice and support of a professional such as an architect. However, am also aware this will add at least £1500 to our costs.
I'd appreciate your advice on the pros and cons of a) using a specialist loft conversion firm, b) hiring our own architect, c) working directly with builders or d) any other options!!
Many thanks
P.s. We know that we are not going to be adding a huge amount of value to the property by doing this but we got the cottage at a very good price, we're planning to keep it for a long time and are happy that the costs of the improvements will be worth it to us.
Not excactly a DIY query but any advice will be gratefully received
We have just bought a 3 bed granite cottage that we will be using as a second home and for holiday lettings.
We are planning to convert the loft space into a bedroom and move the main bathroom from the ground floor to the bedroom directly above. We plan to keep a small wc on the ground floor and use the rest of the downstairs bathroom space as a scullery/laundry area.
Before buying we had a loft conversion firm check the property and they have said the loft space is suitable for conversion. As we will be using the cottage as a holiday let we also need to make sure that the current building, as well as any additional works, will comply with fire regs etc.
Neither of us have any building or DIY experience so we're not planning to do any of the work ourselves. We are really looking for advice on where to start and who to contact. We have a realistic budget for the work but obviously don't want to spend money unnecessarily. We are also trying to be realistic about our own level of experience and ability to project manage the work.
Quite a few people have advised us that we can save costs by using an architect and experienced building firm rather than a specialist loft conversion company. An architect could also advise us and draw up plans for the new bathroom upstairs and utility area downstairs. However, other people have said that using an architect is a bit OTT for this type of work and, if we find a decent firm, we could just work directly with the builders.
After witnessing many other people have problems with building works by trying to cut corners, I am wary of trying to do it for the first time without the advice and support of a professional such as an architect. However, am also aware this will add at least £1500 to our costs.
I'd appreciate your advice on the pros and cons of a) using a specialist loft conversion firm, b) hiring our own architect, c) working directly with builders or d) any other options!!
Many thanks
P.s. We know that we are not going to be adding a huge amount of value to the property by doing this but we got the cottage at a very good price, we're planning to keep it for a long time and are happy that the costs of the improvements will be worth it to us.
