What type of builder/tradesman do I need?

[Littleredcourvette]

To cut a long story water damage to spare bedroom ceiling not covered by insurance.

I need to find a tradesman to take down and replace a bedroom ceiling. I would also like them to bring the water tank and loft insulation up to current standards and to double check the electrics. House built 1996.

As I’m doing this I would also like to redecorate/paint the whole room (woodwork, ceiling and walls)and help refresh the room as I repurpose it from a bedroom/office to a craft room/office. In the past I have always decorated my homes, put up flat pack etc. but I’m now not physically able.

I have been planning for ages to also refurbish the bathroom and downstairs toilet/washroom plus the stairs and landing also need redecorating.

Do I go for a general builder who can do the lot or separate tradese.g. general builder for the ceiling, insulation specialist, electrician, bathroom specialist then painter and decorator and finally home diy like Taskrabbit to help with the flat pack?

I am really worried about being ripped off, poor workmanship, Co-ordinating everything etc.

My head says general builder as they can manage all the trades. Possibly having a painter and decorator once all the work is done. Any advice on what approach I should take and what to Google e.g. builder?

Hi OP, I’d go for a general builder to come and quote for the works. My DH is a contractor and has numerous contacts to do different parts of the job i.e. electrics/plastering/decorating. Most builders are genuinely not out to rip people off and a good one will save you money by coordinating the works/subcontractors together. You also won’t get any outrageous quotes from each subcontractor either as a decent builder will know how much most jobs will cost and the time to do them and will usually have a good relationship with the subcontractor and will negotiate the best rate on your behalf.

Obviously there are cowboy builders out there that give the rest of them a terrible reputation but try and get some personal recommendations and at least a couple of quotes for the works before agreeing to start.

@Nosleepforthismum thank you, you have confirmed my thoughts that a general builder is the right way to go. They can coordinate the trades and will regularly work with sub-contractors.

I hope I didn’t come over as maligning builders, I know there are a lot of decent people it’s just, as with any profession, you always hear about the bad ones not the good ones.