Who should we be talking to about doing this work for us?

[Framboisier]

We have, after a mere 8 years, decided to give our living room a face lift.

Our challenge is that we don't really have the time to oversee all the work...so we'd asked our builder who did our kitchen extension if it's something he'd be interested in. He came to have a look, then has just come back to say he can't really take it on until next spring!

I think he doesn't really want the job...which I do understand actually, because there's no real building involved.
We're looking at stripping out old woodwork/replacing fireplace with working gas fire/ laying wood flooring/ fitting new doors/ decorating.

But we're stumped as to who actually would want to take on this project! I've looked at websites of a few interior design companies who also offer PM services...but DH is v reluctant to 'pay someone to tell us what colour paint to use'

Anyone done similar or got any good ideas?

TIA

Well, I think a decent interior designer can offer a bit more than paint colours, especially if, as you say, you don't have time to oversee the project. Why not get a couple of them in and find out what services you would be paying for... Your husband might be pleasantly surprised. For one thing, they're likely to know of good local tradesmen, and they'll know how to organise the jobs for maximum efficiency.

Of course you don't have to pay anyone to choose paint colours if you don't want to, but I suggest you make those decisions ahead of time, so the professionals can get on with managing the project.

Thanks Sandthorn - that's exactly what I think as well. And the truth is, I kind of know what colours I like...doesn't mean I can put a nice scheme together and think about the right lighting, fabrics, curtains etc etc. for all I know, my colour choices my be terrible for our room given light & direction of sun etc

Given that his suggestion is that we'll 'just break it down into smaller jobs and do it step by step', I would personally think it money well spent. And likely to get finished this side of Christmas!

Yup, hearing you loud and clear! We've done that 'step by step' thing, and what happens with us is we overshoot the budget early on, on something frivolous, and have to save up for another couple of years to finish some essential part of the job. I'm better at it these days, but good project management takes experience, time and effort.

The other thing with the 'step by step' approach is that it's a really inefficient use of your time. You could take a morning off work to arrange quotes from painter/decorators, or you could take a day off work and sort the painter/decorator, the joiner, the floor-fitters and order the doors and flooring while the gas fitter fits your fire.