Clueless about house renovation

[Horowitz89]

Almost 2 years ago we moved into a house (London) which was liveable but we knew would need some work at some point. It needs a new kitchen, it has a conservatory at the back which needs sorting in some way, and I think could do with the downstairs space being rejigged a bit- move the toilet, knock down one wall to open up one room, and possibly put one in elsewhere to split the living area back into 2 rooms.

I am dreading it- I am indecisive and scared at spending money- but the time has come to bite the bullet to do it- the kitchen is falling apart and I'd like to do it while my kids are still in nursery. We have some money and could look to borrow a bit from family if needed.

The problem is I just don't know where to start! I got a design and build company who I saw doing a project near us to come. Had a nice chat but quite vague, and thought they would follow up with some loose options and possible costs, but the next steps with them is to pay for technical drawings. Do we just need to do the hard thinking ourselves of what we want and then bite the bullet with someone? Worried I'll pay for drawings and then have something too expensive/ not right and feel like it is wasted money. I also wonder about getting an architect involved as I think solving how best to use the space is the big issue, but not sure how that works.

Feel free to be harsh- I think the reality is I probably need to toughen up and face into this including costs and decisions! But any advice too is welcome.

Are you wanting to start the process with a new kitchen? Or are you wanting to get all the building/reconfiguring work done and then get a new kitchen?

Lets start with the technical drawings. I'm not a expert but I think, yes, you need to have them.

How much are they asking for the technical drawings?

It's really really easy to become crippled with indecissivness so best to crack on rather than sit pondering for months.

What possessed you to buy this property given how you describe yourself?

What about your partner? Also as indecisive

What kind of a budget will you have?

Yes, good point, the OP needs to go back in time and buy a different house 🙄

@Horowitz89 I would speak with a few different designers and architects and see how much they charge for initial drawings. I'd recommend finding someone who will give you a few different options initially and allow you to make changes so that you can get a design that you really feel happy with before going any further. We were given 3 different floor plans by our designer and then were able to refine it until we had the perfect plan for what we wanted to do.

It might also be looking at floor plans on Rightmove for similar houses to give you some initial ideas. Good luck!

I would get an architect or someone that draws plans involved to help you work out what you want.
Flow is important and how you use each space. All rooms and spaces need a purpose.

Going with design and build at this point I feel you will end up with something you aren't happy with because it's their vision and they are pushing /selling the whole big piece of work to you. An independent architect type person will help you through options more.

like @Thedam, I do wonder if this is the house for you though. Would you be best selling and spend the budget you have on moving to something that doesn't need any work?

You need an architectural interior design combo. Such people exist.

Even £1000 spent on initial ideas/ consultation and a few options are going to be well worth the spend.

We did a big renovation on our house a few years ago and our magician, who made it all possible, was a very good local general builder with a good address book.

Ask for recommendations locally, from neighbours and from local builders merchants - they really know who is good and who is not. When you have names then get a few in to quote. Be prepared for the good ones to have a wait before they can start.

Could you get a local carpenter to come around and quote.

We completely renovated our dilapidated home when we purchased it two years ago and never used a design company and we did extensive building work. Costs for renovation will depend what spec you decide to go for. If you plan to only live there for 5-10 years then I wouldnt spend much as I would if it was a forever home if that makes sense - unless you want to make money off it..

A good reputable builder will be able to advise what walls you can knock down etc and give you advice.

in terms of cost for the work you want to do - I would say in the region of £50k as a maximum budget. This will mainly be driven by the kitchen.
you could do it for much less than that if you were ‘savvy’ with materials.

I’d also get a number of quotes and wouldn’t necessarily go for the cheapest as it could cost more in the long run. Look at reviews online, photos etc.