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Renovation - East London

11 replies

snufflebuns · 18/01/2021 22:35

Bit of stab in the dark - myself and OH are (hopefully) very soon moving into a new house in East London !!

The whole house needs modernising - electrics and plumbing at least in some context, skimming, flooring and we are contemplating an extension.

Having never embarked on something like this before, the internet is a minefield of options. Was hoping for some 'tried and tested' recommendations of builders/electricians/construction companies that you have used to use as a start!

Any tips and tricks for a reno project also welcome!

OP posts:
themummyway · 19/01/2021 02:58

Before jumping in. Do tonnes of research. I say this as someone who didn't and regretted it massively.

Here's a few more tips:

Whatever you do - get everything in writing.

Follow up on every "verbal" conversation with a text/email confirming any changes you discuss.

Even a "just to confirm, we'll be adding x extra" or "just to confirm, we're no longer needing that y". Sounds silly but will save you massively in the long run if ever anything goes tits up.

Don't pay cash in hand. I repeat. DO NOT PAY CASH IN HAND.

Don't pay weekly either. Have a clear payment schedule that involves payment in stages (after bits of work are done).

Get a contract in place.

Get recommendations from people who you know. If you find a builder you like, ask them for the details of someone who they've done similar work for. If they're legit, they should be able to give you this. Don't fall for good reviews online - ask to see ex-work!!

You can never have too many plug sockets in a room. Ok, maybe you can lol but better to have one or two extra than what you think you need.

If the house hasn't been fully rewired in decades, better to do a full rewire now, rather than a partial and again in a few years.

Don't get sucked in by fancy lighting shops you see online. Amazon and Wayfair can be your best friends.

Paint looks different depending on lighting etc. It might look nice on Insta but you'll probably need to double check with testers in your own house.

Renos run to time, so expect an extra month or so to be tacked on along the way.

If your walls start cracking like crazy after they've been plastered and attempts to patch them up aren't working, your job's botched and will likely need redoing. Some small cracks are normal. But huge cracks? Nah mate. To be doubly sure, knock on the wall - sounds hollow? It's blown.

Ok I'll stop now! Hope that was helpful. Was wildly cathartic for me after the shitstorm my reno's been lol. Feel free to message if you have any more Qs or want any clarification and good luck xxx

themummyway · 19/01/2021 02:59

rarely run to time*

Monty27 · 19/01/2021 04:14

Find all your local community pages on Facebook and you'll get a recommendations

snufflebuns · 19/01/2021 11:41

Thanks! Don't stop there!!

Interesting about cash in hand - I guess just less traceability?

Planning on a full rewire whilst living (and working eek) in the house.

Very much newbies to any sort of renovation project so hoping to get as prepped as possible ...

OP posts:
themummyway · 19/01/2021 12:15

The cash in hand thing can bite you in the bum if your builder decides to spring a VAT bill on you, despite saying you won’t be charged it because you’re paying cash in hand 😞 No issue of traceability though as you can still get receipts each time you pay!

I’ve lived out for my reno but what I’d say is it can get SUPER dusty, so be sure to cover things well. I massively underestimated this 😬

A few more things:

  • Never pay a large deposit up front. A small amount for materials? Fine. But if they’re demanding half or more, especially for a large job... run.
  • Always get lots of quotes. The cheapest isn’t always the best. Again, if it’s a large job - ask to see the work first. I hired someone with tonnes of great reviews but I noticed (afterwards) that they’re mainly for smaller jobs. Nothing on my scale 😬
FoxandFeathers · 19/01/2021 12:38

Nothing to add, I am in the same position but on the East coast and will be living in when we move. Thanks for all the tips @themummyway
Will be storing these tips all up!

@snufflebuns I have been looking at the Green Deal vouchers to see if we could get anything there, have you?

Chumleymouse · 19/01/2021 18:20

It will cost you more than you think.
It will take longer than you think.
It will be more stressful than you think.
If you’ve never done this type of thing before try and get as many quotes as you can , ask as many questions as you can and do as much research as you can.
Good luck 👍

themummyway · 19/01/2021 20:23

@Chumleymouse are you sure I didn’t write that? 😂

snufflebuns · 23/01/2021 15:16

Thanks for the feedback. Our offer has still not been accepted .. (two weeks since we made our initial offer?!) but still hopeful it will go through.

At the mo were uncertain exactly what extent of works will be required. We know there's a new boiler but looking at some re plumbing, electrics at least need some looking at.

Hadn't heard of the green vouchers deal but looks FAB! I hope we're not too late to get in on that as it sounds ideal. My dreams of underfloor heating might come true!

Got all my fingers and toes crossed. I'm excited for a project!!

OP posts:
JinglesWish · 23/01/2021 20:57

Try to get some builder quotes before move forward. The quotes we’ve had since first lockdown and now brexit are ridiculously high.

themummyway · 23/01/2021 22:30

@JinglesWish point reminds me... if you hire someone that runs a limited company, look them up on companies house.

if you see from their accounts that they're in shitloads of debt - do not hire them!!

builder i'm currently in dispute with is in this exact position.
only found this out because my solicitor looked at their accounts on companies house. could explain why they tried to screw me over Shock

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