Refurbishment in stages

[larchgirl83]

Hi all,
Just looking for a bit of advice of a house we have just about purchased... the 3 bed semi needs a lot of upgrading and we also want to put a small extension to the ground floor (under PP size).
We are currently living in the house as it is so its not that bad.
The problem is that we dont have enough money to do any major works on it at the moment so I was wondering is it possible to get plans from an architect and some advice on a sort of staged refurbishment as and when we have the money.
We have just about enough to replace the windows, roof & external insualtion but I am reluctant to do anything until we have the end plan decided. Dont want to be wasting what little money we have!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Larch Girl

 

[hastalavista]

As you know the main disruption would be from rewiring, re-plumbing, moving sinks/wash hand basins, toilets etc etc and any 'demolition' and associated works getting the current house ready for the extension

New flooring, skirting boards, window sills door saddles architrave etc etc are others.

The one thing that does warrant a line or 2 is the new windows and external insulation.

most external insulation jobs are done with existing windows in place so while the wall might get 4" the external reveals only get maybe an inch.

You have the opportunity here to do a better job here, as well as a proper job with the windowsills.

Similar thoughts occur when u say new roof: does that include new soffits boards, facia boards gutter, down pipes. if so the sequencing with the external insulation is important.

Because its a semi u dont have the same degree of freedom but a bit of thought and planning will get u a better job for the same mula.

The final finish can be done one room at a time: this includes re skimming, gone are the days that folk will only turn up if there is an estate to be skimmed

 

[onq]

The problem is that we dont have enough money to do any major works on it at the moment so I was wondering is it possible to get plans from an architect and some advice on a sort of staged refurbishment as and when we have the money.

Yes, without any shadow of a doubt and here are some points for you to consider.

The primary focus of such a plan should be to avoid carrying out refurbishment work in the short term which you will have to undo in the medium term.
There should be a cost benefit calculation in relation to any ambient energy services - wind, solar geothermal - you may be considering.

If you Google recent posts on AAM you will see issues arising in relation to external insulation and internal MVHR systems.
Don't jump at the latest advice without having spoken to your architect.

There are signs that one or two people are finding quotations from builders are still high, and even self-build prices for materials haven't come down.

Self build is bit of a gray area, but the worst combination seems to be

(i) a client who knows nothing about building and unskilled

and

(ii) semi-skilled operatives who know nothing about current building details running a site, insurances, etc.
​

That's a problem just waiting to happen.


ONQ.

[broken link removed]

All advice on AAM is remote from the situation and cannot be relied upon as a defence or support - in and of itself - should legal action be taken.
Competent legal and building professionals should be asked to advise in Real Life with rights to inspect and issue reports on the matters at hand.