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- 17 May 2012
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OK, we might be doing a loft conversion.
I guess I have two options:
1. Hire a builder to do it all
2. Contract traders to do each part.
I am guessing that I should be able to save money by acting as building contractor / manager?
There is a local builder that actually offers to do just the structural aspect of loft conversions (they say "We can offer a full, comprehensive service from start to finish or can tailor our work to allow you to complete the conversion in your own time."). I also know a guy (my son's friend's dad) who is a carpenter for a builder and I saw two of their houses go up in the summer.
I know a carpenter who does stud walls, floors, and all the trimmings. I used a great window firm last month. I know an electrician and there are several plumbers that I know are all fairly priced (have used two and the other a neighbour has used). They also do full bathroom (en suite) fitting.
All I would need to find is a pasterer. I could paint it myself.
Is that all there is to it?
1. Build new structure (steels, dormer etc.
2. Install windows and make water tight
3. Insulate roof, walls, floor etc (with Celutex board?) - not sure who I would ask to do this bit
4. Studd walls and stairs
5. First fit water and electric
6. Plasterboard and floor (maybe do most floor first, so long as does not interfere with pipes and cables?)
7. Plaster
8. Paint
9. Fit en suite
10. Tile en suite
11. Carpets
12. Bed. Sleep.
Sounds simple. Will reality be a nightmare? I had an extension done in 2013 and the builders charged a lot of cash just for managing the work - I would not have minded if they were not total cowboys.
I guess I have two options:
1. Hire a builder to do it all
2. Contract traders to do each part.
I am guessing that I should be able to save money by acting as building contractor / manager?
There is a local builder that actually offers to do just the structural aspect of loft conversions (they say "We can offer a full, comprehensive service from start to finish or can tailor our work to allow you to complete the conversion in your own time."). I also know a guy (my son's friend's dad) who is a carpenter for a builder and I saw two of their houses go up in the summer.
I know a carpenter who does stud walls, floors, and all the trimmings. I used a great window firm last month. I know an electrician and there are several plumbers that I know are all fairly priced (have used two and the other a neighbour has used). They also do full bathroom (en suite) fitting.
All I would need to find is a pasterer. I could paint it myself.
Is that all there is to it?
1. Build new structure (steels, dormer etc.
2. Install windows and make water tight
3. Insulate roof, walls, floor etc (with Celutex board?) - not sure who I would ask to do this bit
4. Studd walls and stairs
5. First fit water and electric
6. Plasterboard and floor (maybe do most floor first, so long as does not interfere with pipes and cables?)
7. Plaster
8. Paint
9. Fit en suite
10. Tile en suite
11. Carpets
12. Bed. Sleep.
Sounds simple. Will reality be a nightmare? I had an extension done in 2013 and the builders charged a lot of cash just for managing the work - I would not have minded if they were not total cowboys.
