I would be very surprised if the pipes proximity to the floorboards were to cause creaking. Is it a walking creak or are they creaking when the pipes are heating/cooling. Either way if it's not pipe related french chalk down the joint would solve a creaky joint. If they are too close to the...
Is the bottom stair carpeted. If it is this will cover the first 1/2 to 3/4" around the bottom of the step thereby hiding any slightly unsightly trimming of the wood blocks you may get
Labour costs for fitting laminate flooring should be no higher than £14m2 unless its a small or awkward area then a day rate should be used which for a laminate floorlayer should be around £175 per man.
I've got to fit a pump for my shower unit in the bathroom, the pump has to be sited in the loft and the only electrical connection I can make without turning it into a large job is via the switch for the extractor fan. Is this a viable option?