Cheap building materials for my home renovation

charliechin

Hi

I am posting this as we are having difficulty in completing our home renovation. We had to renovate the whole house as it was in a poor state when we moved in.

Being on one income (I am a full-time mum, it was not worth me going back to work due to the fact I would not have any money left after childcare costs), it has been a struggle from the start but because of other issues we have to stop until we build some money up.

Do any of you know of anywhere where I can get cheap plasterboard, skirting board, insulation (for walls and loft) and such? Oh we also need a loft hatch and ladder. Anyone know of a cheap but good plasterer too?

I live in Preston, Lancashire.

Thanks

QueenieB

If you are on a low income, you may be able to get your loft and walls insulated for free. I forget what the scheme is called, maybe Warmstart or somthing like that? The rest is very much a case of scouting out sales, asking for offcuts where you can use them and developing good relationships with people you buy from, so they let you know about bargains.
Sadly I've found over the years that you can either get a good tradesman, or a cheap one. Very seldom can you get both without the exchange of sexual favours!

elliot341

Hi, I used a plasterer in Blackrod (other end of village that I live in) and he skimmed over 2 large ceilings (4mx4m), and also skimmed over say 23m2 of plasterboard that he put up himself (i'd put the studwork up for him prior to the plasterboard). Cost including time & materials was £430 ish, I think his day rate was £80 and he did a v decent job. I can stick up some photos of afterwards if you want. His names Andrew and number is 07825 220271, also 01204 697245 home number if you want.

I got my solid insulation and plasterboard somewhere as well but the name escapes me at the moment! how cheap do you need it to be?

MaggieBaking

In our local town is a builders merchants - not a national chain but a local one that all the trades use. Their customer service is absolutely hopeless, which is understandable because their supplies are so cheap and it isn't their intention to be a DIY shop.

If you find a good quality plasterer/labourer they will no doubt know where to go for cheap materials as that's where they'll go too so you can ask them. They'll know all the best places.

PHILIP1193

Skirting is cheap £8 for a 4 meter length from howdens, pre-primed and is very good quality if you go direct (they are normally trade only but usually you can either blag it or find some one who holds an account). Delivery was £10 for 60 meters of the stuff, miles cheaper than even ebay traders!!

As for insulation npower are doing a offer through the build center of £3 a roll for insulation with free delivery which trust me you need insulation rolls are huge!

Good luck

Phil