Not sure where to start with home redevelopment

ListysDad

Hmm. "He does electrics and plumbing". The question you need to ask is, "Is he qualified to sign it all off himself?" If he's not then you are paying him money he's not spending on you - period.

cyclonebri1

skintchick wrote: »

THanks for all the replies. e do actually know a very good builder we have used before, he also does plumbing and electricals, but wouldn;t be able to do such a big job on his own obviusly.

I think we probably do need an architect, partly because of the issue with the roof, but also because I am happy to totally rebuild the house if needed.I have my own ideas but I want to collaborate with someone who has vision and good design skills as I cannot possibly desing a house to all the right standards.

I'm in Oxon/Buck/Berks area if anyone wants to recommend anyone

Sorry if I repeat but I don't think you do, most of the guys of the type I mentioned have been around, worked in council, and gone off on their own. They have been involved and have seen many project from other designers and architects.

Try 1 of these guys 1st, throw your wishes at him and see what he says.
That should be free, but try asking the same from an archy:(:(

skintchick

ListysDad wrote: »

Hmm. "He does electrics and plumbing". The question you need to ask is, "Is he qualified to sign it all off himself?" If he's not then you are paying him money he's not spending on you - period.

Yes he is.

THe question I'm now asking is "Why are some people on this forum so incredibly jaded and cynical?".

ListysDad

Being jaded and cynical is called 'experience of life'. It's an unfortunate but simply fact of life that most people (over 51%) in so called trades are not doing things properly.

Most of them will, and do, get away with whatever they can and it's invariably at YOUR expense and the worst offenders, in my 45 years of experience, are '"Builders". They all too often 'pick up' what a proper tradesman is doing and then think they can do it thereby making more money at your expense.

At the end of the day I'm not going to lose sleep over what happens to you. All I, and every other poor sod who takes the time and trouble to give you and your kin the benefit of hundreds of man years of experience on here, can do is proffer advice so you are empowered to make more informed decisions.

What I would respectfully ask is that you don't waste our time with "How can I recover from this?" questions should it all end in tears.

Have fun.