First time buyer - full renovation!

elles1107

Ive just bought my first home, so budget is tight.
Its a two bed terrace in the SE, it needs rewiring, central heating and the small back bathroom rebuilding. also a new kitchen.
Also i have no idea how much to budget for!

Im a DIY newbie, but im keen to do basics.

Any advice on how to keep my costs down would be appreciated!!

lynni_2

Ask around your friends and family and ask them if they no any plumbers/electricians/joiners and hopefully you can get one a bit more cheaper, but make sure they come recommended. If you dont want a big fancy kitchen, Homebase do good cheaper kitchens and if you go on a 10% off day your quids in!

Pincher

90% of the work is preparation, BEFORE any unit or appliance has been fitted. The kitchen fitters just assemble and screw in. If the plumbing is not in place, and no oven connections, they screw them in anyway! You then have to take them out and run the cables and plumbing!

A car roof rack and securing straps will be indispensable.
Lots of stuff come in three meter lengths.
a Nissan Navarra or Mitsubishi L200 even better.

At the end of this exercise, you will be a more understanding and considerate person, or have died from a burst blood vessel.

elles1107

Well luckily i dont have to move in until the work is done, so im going to do as much preparation as poss, ie making sure everything is ready for each contractor.
I was just wondering if there was any basic DIY prep i could do to save me money?!

samtheman1k

Check out places like Screwfix and Toolstation for most DIY tools and materials, much cheaper than B&G/Homebase etc. Also, places like IKEA do great prices on kitchen units etc.

Pincher

Take pictures of the stud works,
so you know where you can make holes, and have somewhere solid to screw shelves into.