Home Renovation Help Needed - (Midlothian)

tylerjaffa

I bought my house from the council a few years ago and it is in need of complete renovation (new kitchen, bathroom, flooring, re-wiring, re-decoration etc) and I'd also like to create more space...I'd like to find out about the feasibility of converting my attic space or extending my house at the rear too...

My problem is I don't know where to start!

Do I start by looking for an architect or a company to do the work? And will I be able to find one company to do all that I'm looking for or will I have to use several tradesmen? I have asked for recommendations from friends & family but no-one is happy to recommend anyone who has done work for them!

What I'm really looking for is someone like Sarah Beeny from Property Ladder to advise me how best to improve my property within my budget and a company like Carol Vorderman's "Better Homes" to do the work! Do people & places like these exist???

Can anyone recommend any companies in Midlothian/Edinburgh, East Lothian or West Lothian?

I'd really appreciate any help anyone is able to offer.

Thanks.

Vicki

BobProperty

tylerjaffa wrote:

I bought my house from the council a few years ago and it is in need of complete renovation (new kitchen, bathroom, flooring, re-wiring, re-decoration etc) and I'd also like to create more space...I'd like to find out about the feasibility of converting my attic space or extending my house at the rear too...

I can help with this bit, as to start with just phone the planning department (or Scottish equivalent) at the council. They should be able to tell you whether you can extend the house and how. If they won't let you extend the house, there's no point in taking it any further (unless you want to submit a planning application then appeal it). If they say you can do the loft conversion but not the extension to the rear, or vice versa, then you can start from there.

baldelectrician

Ask the local neighbours about loft conversions. If some have had them (and they are in a similar council house style) then it's a distinct possibility.

There is no part P in Scotland, so you probably won't need permission to do anything (except the loft conversion / moving walls).

Contact your local council for some advice.

If you go ahead with the loft conversion you will need to use a registered electricain see:
You should use a competent person for the work, links below

In Scotland:
Individuals regitered;
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/ListAC.asp
Companies
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/SearchCo.asp?T=Construction&ID=2

In England and Wales:
http://www.competentperson.co.uk

PS A rewire should cost £1500-£2500 depending on what you get.
The price should include mains smoke detectors, bonding etc. Make sure you get paperwork.

Email me if you want more info.

amyandoli

im looking to convert my attic into a master bedroom with ensuite, im in the same situation, i dont know anyone whos had this kind of work done so can reccomend people, and would love a makeover team too! any scouts here? pick me! pick me! thanks for the last two posts-useful advice. im in a village on the cheshire/staffordshire border, crewe and newcastle nearby- anyone recommend anyone or IS someone?? x