Have you renovated your house? What worked well, and what didn't..

[MmeLindor]

We are renovating the whole house, including

gas CH
fitted kitchen
bathroom (incl moving a wall)
guest WC
oak flooring
tiled flooring
paper and decorating
rewire
windows

Any top tips on getting exactly what we want? Any thing you have done and regretted, or not done and regretted?

Do we go for a company that offers several of these services, or individual tradesmen?

We had a joiner and plumber lined up but they have been SO unreliable, I am now looking into getting a company that does all.

Yes, I think it will have to be ordinary radiators.

Had an excellent meeting with potential general contractor, they were really great. She is coming out on Tues to have a look at the house, and measure up.

Care re" choosing BOSE speakers. They have proprietory wiring (ie: you can only use BOSE wiring) which is onv. more expensive. If you ever want to change, you have to change for BOSE as the wiring's already in.

oh, good tip. Thanks. I suspect people go for wireless speakers now though?

We have finally got the plans from the kitchen people - after 2 weeks of bothering them. What a pain that is. Now find that there are a couple of big mistakes in the plans. ARgh

There always are, MmeL, and there still will be even when you have corrected them 3 times - which is why you need good fitters. Our kitchen designer kept trying to put a cupboard into a solid stone wall

True, Stealthsquiggles

Went to see the windows. GreenEggs They are fabulous. They do have a long delivery time, but absolutely miles better than anything we've have seen here.

Mdm lidor - check out sonos. Friends of ours have had it properly wired in and they're amazing - much cooler than Bose as anyone can plug in and go. It's all wireless so no actually plugs, you just synch your iPod and off you go, we were playing our spotify via their sonos in their home. Plus you can change for each room.

Can you tell I'm sold

I have just finished a renovation and I'd share my experience.

1. Start with a budget and be realistic, I was really surprised how the extra's and the 20% VAT hit my careful plans.

1. I went with one company and had project manager. We checked out the firms references so we could be confident in them.

1. Make sure there is a payment plan so you pay for it in stages as the work is done. Make sure there is a significant amount left as snagging. I know that your cousin partner is doing the electrics but you must make sure he gives you the Part P for his work. The papers must then be logged with building control.

1. Start researching the units you want now so they are purchased in good time.

1. For the tiling on the floor are you prepared to pay for the ongoing cost of underfloor heating?

1. Have a good look at some of the top range laminates. I was going to get solid wood but when I compared top range laminate I was extremely impressed.

1. Take loads of photos of where all the new wires pipes are so when you come to put cabinets up etc you 'know' what area to avoid. I'm cross I didn't do this.

1. Pin up a the vision of what you are aiming for and take photos of progress.

1. You must have a contract itemising what is included. Don't assume the builders will do anything that is not written down.

10. Set some ground rules for builders, always be professional but if you don't want them to leave their tea cups all over the place request that they put the cups back on the tray etc.

oh, some great ideas, thanks Diane.