Total Refurb - absolute basics

[MesM]

Hello!

I’ve lurked on this board for ages but wanted my own thread to get some advice on starting my own major refurb as I’m right at the beginning.

I’m very lucky to have inherited a house in (north) London which will need lots of work to modernise (rewiring, plumbing, plastering, extension, loft conversion,reconfiguring rooms etc). I have lots of ideas about what I’d like to do but think I need an architect to work out what’s realistic/ necessary/affordable. I suspect there’ll need to be some compromise or things done in stages. I’m probably too focused on Pinterest and not on practicalities at the moment!

Is there a really thorough guide to how you decide on architect, builders, project management etc? Are there any good blogs on the practical side of refurb? Any good forums? Any recommendations?

Thanks a million

Sounds exciting!

the Haynes extension manual covers a lot of bases/practicalities

Thanks very much for the recommendation @whattodowithaminute - I’ll check it out.

And yes I’m so so excited - Its an amazing opportunity and I’ve so many ideas (which is why I need to get a better understanding of the practicalities before I get carried away).

If you aren't extending then maybe you could use a freelance Concept Planner instead of an Architect ?

Thanks Humpty, sorry to ask the question but what’s a concept planner? I think we will want to extend into the side return and loft to get more square footage but I’m very open on options.

We are in SW London and are using a lovely bloke who is a hybrid of chartered surveyor/former planning officer in a council to draw up our plans. He has all the kit and lots of good ideas. Did our drawings, talked to the council to get permission etc. Not expensive in comparison with architect. And is lovely to work with. Patient - useful as we don't know what on Earth we are doing. Don't know if he would cover N London but if you PM me your details I can find out.