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Where to start with refurb?

4 replies

SpamhappyTootsie · 22/07/2022 17:14

In brief, we need to sort out the following issues if we are going to stay in this house. 1890s end terrace.
Damp issues downstairs - had specialist company out before lockdown who started with new air bricks and will come back and advise on further work.
Evidence of possible subsidence - dropped floorboards in hall, twist in wallpaper in corner of back bedroom.
New kitchen needed, including floorboards as leak from old fridge rotted them. Temp boarded over so stable for now.
New bathroom. Room for complete remodel with separate shower cubicle.

Obviously, the possible subsidence is the priority. But do we go for separate trades to fix the separate things or get a full survey like we would if we were considering buying a house with a lot of issues?
We may be able to move out and get the whole thing done at once, but how would we go about that? RICS surveyor then find a builder that could take on the project?

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RidingMyBike · 22/07/2022 17:50

This is what we're doing with house we've just bought which has a number of issues. Got a builder to come in, comment and outline quote. This isn't hugely detailed, just gives an indication of how much each thing would possibly be. We're waiting for those quote at the moment. Builder identified a couple of things that will need a surveyor to check so next step, once we've seen if we can afford it all(!) is to get surveyor in. Builder has one he often uses (this worked well for us in past at former location).

RidingMyBike · 22/07/2022 17:52

It's probably a bit more expensive to use one builder for whole thing as he'll be project managing it, but we've done it before and it's a heck of a lot easier than trying to get trades in separately

bravotango · 22/07/2022 17:53

General rule is outside in, so your approach of addressing the subsidence and damp is correct - as an aside, ignore any advice referring to silicone injections or similar. The builder who sorts the subsidence might be able to gut the inside and sort the kitchen out too so if you've got a good idea of your entire plan then pose it to them - ours managed the whole thing in the end which was great!

SpamhappyTootsie · 22/07/2022 17:57

Thank you, I’d prefer one person managing the whole project. We had the damp issues ‘done’ 20 years ago along with the roof and pointing, but it wasn’t done properly and added to the problem tbh. Now all the plaster needs stripping to a metre up again and doing in accordance with the age of the property. The company who surveyed (RICS and specialist in old buildings) and put the air bricks in would be our preference. Will have a look and see if they do full refurbs, although I doubt they do kitchens.

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