Can someone talk me through steps of getting property renovated

[valerianroot]

Just that really. We've been in our house for years now, have a sizeable amount in equity and want to take some of that equity and have our kitchen extended (within existing space rather than going out any further) and go into the loft. I'm totally clueless about how to go about this in terms of order things need to happen. Should I speak to bank first to see how much we need to borrow or builder to see how much it's going to cost? Also do we need an architect if it's quite straightforward in terms of design and layout? We have a builder in mind (he's done a lot of good work for other people we know) and he has a lead time of 5 months at the moment.

I'm just a bit clueless so any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you

There's a great magazine called home building and renovation. Get a copy as they have sooooo much advice.

I'd recommend a company called architect your home. They are a pay as you go service and put you in touch with a local architect. You don't have to have the architect around for the whole build but a good one can really help you figure out what to do with your space. We used them on our first renovation and got the fabulous Laura Jane Clark (your home made perfect) she had some wonderful ideas that we'd never have thought of.

They can help with an idea of how much things might cost too.

Then chat to the bank to see what money you can have before finalising the plans with your builder.

@Twizbe you got LAURA JANE CLARK??? She is our idol! I messaged her privately on Instagram to see if she was taking on private clients but she didn’t get back to me. I’m so jealous, she is wonderful!

Sorry, OP no help for you! Just jumped on your thread because we’re in the same position!

[quote babyinthacorner1]@Twizbe you got LAURA JANE CLARK??? She is our idol! I messaged her privately on Instagram to see if she was taking on private clients but she didn’t get back to me. I’m so jealous, she is wonderful![/quote]
She was fabulous. It was 10 years ago now when she was just starting out.

We've since done a second renovation on our house and used a different architect as she'd moved :(. We still adore the light well she put over our stairs. It's one of my favourite parts of the house.

Thank you - I'll check that out.

With regards to the when to go to the bank bit- do I contact builder or bank first?

I’ve done a whole new build and renovated 3 houses. Start by figuring out your financial position and a budget. How much accessible savings do you have? How much money could you borrow against equity / annual earnings from a lender? Start to get a feel of what you could realistically spend.
Could you stay in the house or would you need a short term rental?
You don’t need to share this information with anyone at this stage, it’s for you to know.
Building costs varying geographically and depending on level of spec / fit out. For new builds in the south east abt £200 sq ft would be a basic budget price though raw material costs have gone bonkers recently. Do engage an architect next for plans. Your price if working against a plan will be more accurate. However allow for at least 10% contingency on top. If the job is sizeable consider engaging a solicitor to set up a JCT contract, don’t just allow the builders quote to be the contract.

If you’re borrowing against your house, I’d have a look at your printed mortgage T’s & C’s, see how flexible it is. A bank loan will cost you more than just upping your mortgage. If you can terminate your existing mortgage and get a flexible new one without penalties , go to a broker - John Charcol, or PMS in Manchester are good bets. Handelsbanken are good lenders for major house build loans too.

Great - thank you

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