Renovating a flat

Hello,

First of all, my apologies for the many questions in this post.

I'm looking to carry out extensive renovation of my flat over the next few months. Specifically, the projects I'm looking to carry out are:

- Replacing my existing windows with double-glazed windows

- Replacing my bathroom fittings

- Replacing my kitchen fittings

- Wallpapering (and some plastering)

I'll be looking to get workmen to do this, as I don't consider myself skilled enough in the arts of DIY to attempt this myself. :)

My questions are:

- Is there a specific order in which it would be advisory to carry out these projects? For example, I was wondering whether I should only do the wallpapering after the kitchen and bathroom fitting have been taken out, and before they have been put back, but I don't know whether this is possible unless the person doing the kitchen and bathroom work is also the same person doing the wallpapering. Is this possible to arrange?

- Regarding fitting in double-glazing, is this something that I'm likely to need planning permission for?

- Do most double glazing providers also include fitting the windows as part of their service, or will I be expected to get someone else to do this?

- Is there likely to be a problem getting an exact replacement for the windows I currently have? Some of the sizes seem to be regular enough (i.e. dimensions in whole feet), but if this were not the case, would I be able to get custom built windows?

- Regarding kitchen fitting, I'm just looking to replace the storage fittings (i.e. cabinets and worktops) and the sink - I'm happy with the cooker and fridge I've got. Can I assume that most kitchen fitters can do this, or does everything have to be replaced?

- Any (even rough) idea as to how much it would cost to carry out this kind of work on a kitchen that's about 10 feet by 8 feet?

- Can I ask for extra work to be done, like some carpentry work around the boiler?

- Typically how long might this work take?

- Regarding the bathroom fitting, will most fitters just replace fittings, or could they also include include floor and wall coverings?

- Typically how long might this work take?

- Regarding the double glazing, bathroom and kitchen work, typically how long might each take?

- I've had a look at

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on advice on choosing someone to do the work. It says sensible things like ensuring that the workmen belong to a recognised body and have insurance, not to hand over huge deposits, shopping around and getting a written spec of the work that needs to be done. Is there anything else I need to look out for in choosing someone to do this work?

That's all for now. Again, sorry for the many questions - I'm going to be spending a lot of money, and I'd hate to make the wrong decisions because I didn't have the correct information. If you need me to clarify anything I've asked, or would like to point me to a website where I can get related info, please do.

Cheers,

Reply to
Epetruk
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Epetruk formulated the question :

Decorating should be the final item.

The plastering should be done after the ripping out of the old bathroom and/or kitchen, after any new services have been put in, but before new units are installed - bare walls apart from the services already on them. It would probably be cheaper overall to get both of these rooms done as one stage - one plumber, one electrician and so on - one lot of making good to be done. Again it would be cheaper to get all the plaster work done in one stage, once both are ready for this.

The windows can usually be done anytime, but it might be worth getting it done as a first step just in case it does leave any ragged edges.

Reply to
Harry Bloomfield

It's unlikely the kitchen/bathroom fitter will hang around while you or anyone else wallpapers the room, and even more unlikely that he'll do it himself. Wait until kitchen, bathroom and windows are finished before starting the decorating, it's likely that plaster will have to be removed during all three jobs but this will be part of the job of whoever prices each.

possibly though unlikely.

You'll need a fensa registered fitter, he will have a supplier and all the windows will be up to fensa regulations WRT safety glass, maximum heights etc

All windows are custom made, there's not two the same, even on newly built developments where the houses are 'uniform'. And frames are measured in millimetres nowadays, not feet.

Yes, you don't have to have any appliances fitted if you don't want them, but don't expect your fridge and cooker to fit into the kitchen, it's almost certain that they will not and may have to be 'built around', whereas new appliances are 'part of' and fit in perfectly.

No idea because it all depends on which worktops, units, doors etc you want.

Yes, get a price before allowing work to start, if it's just a small job, ask once the kitchen is underway, he may throw it in as a freebie.

see above, how long is a piece of string?

They will include everything you ask them to include.

String?

Windows should be fitted within one day for a flat, bathroom possibly 4-5 days, kitchen up to a week (7 days)

Get at least 3 quotes for each job including all the extra stuff you want doing, don't forget you'll need extra sockets in the kitchen which may not be priced for unless you request them, also tiling in kitchen (and bathroom) will probably not be included unless you specifically request that it is, in this case they will probably price for labour only and you provide the tiles, adhesive, grout etc

Reply to
Phil L

It happens that Epetruk formulated :

How much of the stuff they replace is entirely your choice, however such a small kitchen will need careful planning to get it all in - which might mean installing new items.

You can ask them to do what ever you want, provided you are willing to pay for it - you're the boss.

I did ours, the complete job (all the trades), which is around 3 times that size in 7 days hard work on my own. The more different trades and separate people involved, the longer it will take - they cannot be sat there waiting for the previous trade to complete so there will be gaps.

Many specialised companies have access to all the trades needed, so can quote for a complete job in one.

Cost (and time) is largely a matter of the quality of the work and the fittings. The best place to start is to get a rough plan of what you want on paper, then be prepared for the experts to offer alternative - more practical compromises to your layout. Get down to B&Q/ Homebase/ Magnet and get some brochures - measure up your kitchen and use their free planning service.

Get three quotes, but make sure all three quotes are for identical jobs.

Reply to
Harry Bloomfield

I wouldn't bother unless the old windows are rotten and need to be replaced. IMO they're not much more secure and tend to mist and need replacing before they get near paying you back in energy savings.

Reply to
Doki

Hi Akin I will only answer your kitchen questions as that is my trade (01556

690544). Step 1 Design and source a kitchen (and fitter/supplier)... B&Q etc are good places to start, but in my experience as a tradesman I can usually purchase the same or better for clients at a saving of over =A31000 by buying through a trade account, even when these stores have 50%+ off deals. Also I can usually source a kitchen in 1 week whereas these stores can take a long time from your order to delivery. Step 2 Get a plumber to isolate all water and gas supplies and an electrician to disconect the cooker. They might be able to suggest someone who can rip out your old kitchen... and also bathroom... its not a skilled job. If you are new to the area and dont know good tradesmen from bad then just go to your local electrical merchant and plumbers merchant and ask them for a few recommendations. Step 3 Get any new wiring/plumbing carried out Step 4 Get plasterer in to make good (your electrician/kitchen fitter/pluber will recommend a good plasterer) Step 5 Decorate- this is contraversial as many people decorate after fitting... but its much quicker and therefore cheaper to decorate a clear room. Step 6 Again contraversial, put down floor covering unless vinyl right to all the walls (most people do this after units to save on materials, but doing it this way gives a neater job and again saves on time... it also means that you can change your kitchen at a later stage and keep floor if you like. Step 7 Get kitchen fitted, and do ask them to box in the boiler too. I would consider putting in built in hob and cooker as in a small kitchen they are much more efficient aesthetically and on space and a nice smeg package inc hood can be bought for just over =A3500 if you shop around.

Hoping this is helpful Calum Newark Traditional Kitchens

01556 690544 Then
Reply to
calums

"Epetruk" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@individual.net...

No, unless you live in a conservation area.

Most DG firms supply and fit, a few are supply or fit, or supply only.

The DG surveyor will measure all window openings and the firm will make the frames to fit your flat.

Regarding replacement windows, it is difficult to say how long it will take without knowing what is involved, but if you need six windows, and teh job is straightforward, it will probably take a day to a day and a half.

Regarding replacement windows, I found it very useful to find out from neighbours and relatives who they had used and would recommend, and to visit some DG showrooms to discuss my requirements and to get a feel for the company. A salesperson will visit, measure up, discuss your requirements, then work out an estimate. If the salesperson is pushy draw your own conclusions. They may be on commission. Are they really interested in what you want? Ask if the estimate is firm, or whether the price could increase as a result of the survey. When you accept an estimate you will be expected to sign a contract and pay a deposit. Then a surveyor will visit to take precise measurements and finalise the specifications. You will get a guarantee, usually 10 years, but ask what that covers. Misting up, water leaks, window locks, or what? If they offer anything free, such as free self-cleaning glass, free windows, free fitting or free doors, be realistic and ask yourself how they can do anything for free. Self-cleaning glass has a blue tint and is really meant for commercial buildings. One of my local firms makes good windows but they pay poor wages to their fitters, so the fitting can suffer. Another has a reputation for being reluctant to come back if there are any problems. When the work is finished you will probably be expected to sign that you are satisfied with the work - only sign if you are satisfied. Some DG firms have big expensive adverts in the local paper every week, even TV adverts, whereas others rarely advertise because they get repeat business from personal recommendations. Some DG firms have been trading under the same name and in the same area for over 30 years, whereas others haven't - sometimes because they previously traded under a different name but went bust (several times in some cases). Some DG firms can arrange interest-free finance. If you live in Kent/Sussex I can recommend a DG firm. Good luck, it is all very stressful.

Reply to
Phil Anthropist

Depends on your lease, but you may need permission from the leaseholder for any/all of these.

Reply to
Ben Blaukopf

Especially the windows.

Reply to
adder1969

.............. which will require 'Building Control' approval albeit it from a self-certifying member of FENSA . A certificate is issued -which must be kept in a safe place - for any changes to windows. [all courtesy of two-Jags's Office of Deputy Prime Minister !] (Rather interestingly the domain of 'odpm.gov.uk now spouts something about being the "Department for Communities and Local Government " DCLG - I wonder how much taxpayers' monies are being frittered away by this re-branding and image-spinning; also how long before the imposition of new planning regulations ?)

Reply to
Brian Sharrock

just dont assume you'll see energy savings.

people often look at tatty kitchen units and go for replacement when in reality such things are very simple to repair, renovate, and add more cabinets to. Kitch cabs are so simple that almost any diyer can repair them, and the materials are cheap. Replacing doors is not difficult. Yellowed or greased melamine can mostly be cleaned up with melamine sponges for a few =A3. With repairs, new doors and lights, a complete transformation can be done for very little.

if your in a listed building or conservation area.

your choice, youre buying.

Since your kitchen is very small I'd think about a combi cooker. For a family, conventional oven plus combi, or for a 1 bed flat a decent sized combi on its own is usually plenty. I'd also be looking to make the best use of such a small space.

buy what you want

ask them.

it sounds sensible on the face of it, but I'm not convinced. Of the work I've had done, the lone tradesmen with no connection to anyone have done a better job on the whole than the big corp organisation members.

If you choose your tradesmen on previous work, you'll usually get a good result. If you choose them on the basis of quoted organisation names, a bad result is more likely. A trade org gives you a fob-off organisation to complain to, a decent tradesman gives you a decent job in the first place.

yes!

yeah, someone you know is competent, most important point. I'd rather employ an uninsured retired but skilled tradesman (or even hobbyist) than many of the big firms.

NT

Reply to
meow2222

From the Freeholder and or Management Company if you own the flat (ie if your are the leaseholder). From the landlord if you are renting.

Reply to
DJC

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