Building work, minor things but how do I go about it?

[AuraofDora]

Just moved house and need general advice/experience as to how best to get two building jobs underway

1. new roof for lean to and would like to install sliding doors, bit of a remodel of kitchen but we will install new kitchen ourselves, just need the shell of it sorted professionally

1. install proper staircase and door, possibly sliding one to loft. The room is built the current staircase too steep and it is accessed via another room, so would to explore if we can alter this too.

Is this a carpenter we need here not a builder?

Would a builder be the best person to speak to first? Planning permission - do I need that for these renovations do you think?
How best to select a builder too?

Am complete novice and bit lost as to how to get it all rolling?

Words of wisdom most welcome, tia.

Anyone?

Bump

Both are builder jobs to my mind - does your loft conversion meet building regs currently? Our new staircase cost about £1500 to buy and have fitted, including the trimming of the ceilings but not including making good plaster etc. our old loft conversion was a death trap however and all had to be torn out and redone. Unlikely to need planning permission for either, but may need to put in a building notice, which costs the same in my borough anyway. I would start on somewhere like rated people or look around and ask for recommendations from people having work locally.

You wouldn't need planning, but would need building regs. A good general builder would be the best bet. Get recommendations if you can and get a few out for a look and a chat.

As MummytoMog says - does the existing loft conversion have building regs? If not, there might be other changes you need to make to bring the room up to standard (assuming you want to do that - this is what we're planning to do with the non-regs loft conversion in the house we're in the process of buying).

Thanks for advice, much appreciated.
I assume our loft meets building regs there was nothing pointed out on survey or by solicitors In recent sale. Will dig out paperwork and see what it says.
More worried about lean to but hoping a proper roof and sliding doors will be straight forward enough ...

Will scout around for good builder locally be great to get things moving. I didn't know if they would need plan to work from first.

We do want loft as bedroom it is habitable now but stairs are really no good and would like it to be room not just loft space.

How much will a building notice cost, out of interest?

Ask around friends and acquaintances locally and get some contacts for several different trusted builders. Then get three or four of them to come and see your house, talk over what you want and give you quotes. Check they have done that type of work before. Check what the quote does or doesn't cover - any electrical or plastering work needed for example. Choose a builder who is happy to spend time discussing with you what you want and details such as what materials etc will be used. Discuss payment terms - don't agree to pay all upfront, usual practice is to pay in instalments with some held over by you until the job is completed to your satisfaction. Check how busy they are - you want a builder who can commit to the job not keep flitting between jobs leaving you waiting between stages. Get any quotes or estimates on paper with a proper breakdown of what it covers, and be clear whether it is a quote or an estimate.

Oh and don't be afraid to be assertive - pleasant but assertive. This is your job, you have ultimate control. And cups of tea and biscuits will help keep them sweet!

Thanks Selks.
We are new here so sadly no connections in area will look out for builders locally and check out trusted trader sites. Would be great to get a recommended builder though.
Also tips on payment process is great too i think I read not to pay all upfront makes sense and good to know!

I make a mean cuppa and never without bisciuts!

Well, even asking about locally with neighbours might give you some useful contacts. Good luck.

Minor things?

I was hoping to pick up some tips on a bit of filling and stuff

Ha ha Monty I didn't want it to sound like a grand design

Well it sounds like a fairly major project to me eyes room that's crying out for a coat of paint

Fair play