Looking for very general steer on this potential project... from a position of total ignorance!
We have a basement in a period house which is currently laid out as a self-contained unit, with studding walls dividing several rooms. We'd like to make it open plan but keep the load-bearing central wall. Apart from that, most of the work would be on insulation and fitting out.
Our optimistic position is that this is little more than a mini-demolition job, with some insulation, dry lining, plastering and ceiling work. Then on to windows, external doors, kitchen etc.
How would one go about estimating the basic cost on this job? It doesn't seem to fit into self-build categories, as there's no structural element involved. How would a builder price this - at a fixed price or by the day?
Any input would be very gratefully received.