Just bought house - want some work done and need some advice!

HomerStig

Hello. Having read these forums many times and seen how helpful everyone is I thought I write to see if anyone can give me some advice on the following:

My girlfriend and I got the key to our first house on Monday and are hoping to make a few home improvements. We're trying to budget what we can get done now but don't have a good idea of what things will cost. If anyone can help on any of the costs of following it would be much appreciated.

We would like:
1) Our driveway extended. It's only long enough for 1 car at the moment so we would like make it long enough for 2. We don't need anything fancy just a few paving slabs across the bit of lawn that's currently there would be ok.

2) We have no electric shower and I think there has never been one. We would like one put in above the bath but not really sure how much the installation will be. I think the current fuse box will need to be replaced as well as all the usual wiring and plumbing so thinking it might be expensive!

3) The house is double glazed except for the back door. Any idea on the cost of a new uPVC back door?

4) We want to insulate the loft. It's a fairly small house so shouldn't require too much insulation. I'm assuming it's pretty simple to put in and I could do this myself?

Many thanks,
James

Ditto

Ask friends or neighbours to see if they can recommend a tradesman so you can see the quality of their work.
Check the Yellow Pages out as well to see if you can get any free quotes.

tanith

James lots of local councils run a scheme whereby loft and cavity wall insulation is put in by a council appointed company and you pay half price.. we just had our wall insulation done for £150 for a two bed semi which saved us lots... enquire with your council.....

Volcano

Obviously you're getting an idea of costs but it also maybe an idea to prioritise with regards what you need most; probably more important to get that shower working than to insulate the loft?

Don't under estimate the drive extension, you can throw down a few slabs but it will turn into a mud bath during the winter. A proper job will require removing the turf and several inches of topsoil, driveways need to have a greater depth to hold the weight of a car.

Best advice I can give is to get one of those big DIY manuals, not only do they tell you how to do the job but it also gives you an idea of whether you can tackle the job yourself.

Welcome to the board!