How do I go about renovating??

[curiousgeorgie]

My in laws need a complete renovation. They are early 60's and have been putting it all off for so long that it has now become an urgency and the whole house now needs re wiring and plumbing.

While they're doing these huge jobs they figured they could get their house wish list done at the same time.

3m extension across the back of the house, slight alteration to downstairs layout. New kitchen, new bathroom, new front door, plastering throughout, redecoration throughout. New driveway.

They've asked DH and I to please sort and arrange all this for them and they will just foot the bill. They're going to stay with BIL and SIL for half the time and then with us towards the end so the house will be empty.

I have no idea how to go about this. Ideally I'm thinking of one of those people who arrange everything and you just walk through the house telling them what you want done? A contractor?

Do I need to get drawings done?

I'm a total novice and would love some help and advice :)

Forgot downstairs toilet, get rid of old gas fire and install a wooden surround one, knock out curved archways around chimney breast and make proper alcoves too....

I think you'll want an architect, ask around for recommendations. Many firms will specialise in house renovation projects and they can steer you through the necessary plans.

You must have lovely in laws if you are willing to house them while this (stressful) part of their lives develops.

Good luck with it all.

You need to find out about permitted development rights to see if you need planning permission for the extension (although I think there are new rules which allow larger extensions to be built).

You will need building regulations approval for the extension work too.

I woudl try to find a surveyor who can draw up plans for you and act as a contract administrator while the job is going on to check the builders are doing everything properly!

Have they been honest with you about their budget - do they realise how much this is all going to cost? How big is the house?

Are they planning to stay in this house forever. The reason I ask this is if they are try and make sure you future proof the house for them getting older. Do they want a shower rather than a bath, minimise steps, is there a room downstairs than can be used as a bedroom (by that I mean privacy) etc. These may never be needed or not for a while but having been there with an elderly parent who didn't want to move and found thought of building work horrendous, do these things now when they are willing. Also trying to get things done when they need to be quickly as a result of illness etc can be a nightmare. Sorry if that all sounds a bit negative but as I said it can be a nightmare later if you have missed a chance.

You may need someone to manage it for you. I would def recommend they move out as it is cheaper (really) aand quicker and you don't skip things and get a better finish. You need drawings (architect) and then really good builders.

The house isn't that big, a three bed semi but in dire need of modernisation.

I've found five different companies today on recommendation that do everything from drawing and planning to finishing touches and am just looking into reviews of them etc before I get them to come and visit the house.

They definitely want a shower so I think they already thought of that, but I'm worried about the light downstairs if we make it less open plan and create a room.

Thanks for all your replies!

Maybe it doesn't have to be a room just now but in the future could a couple of stud walls and a door be put in to make a room without the house layout being wrong. I ended up with an elderly parent having to sleep in the lounge (two reception rooms and you didn't need to access any room through the lounge but there was no downstairs toilet).

This is a huge ask IMHO.
It's hard enough doing this for yourself in your own house when you know what to like/don't like/want/don't want/can afford/can't afford etc.
Will they be happy with whatever you choose or will you be forever having to phone them and get approval before anything moves on?
Will they blame you if things don't quite live up to their expectations?
Why are they like this if they are only in their early60's? - that's not old these days.
Would it not be better to say you will support them with what they want doing but you won't be doing it for them?
If they've not had any work done for years, they may well be horrified at the cost of things and find that they can't afford some of what they want.
They need to get with it and prioritise.