specific trades or general builder?

pavlovs_dog

I'm after some advice on some work we need done to our property. We are in a 1900s mid terrace. Looking to get quotes in the next fortnight, with a view to having the work done as soon as is practically possible.

In no particular order, we need

*half a dozen cowls fitted to all pots over two chimney stacks to stop the birds leaving us presents. We don't use the open fires and don't envisage doing so in the medium term. We haven't ruled out having a log burner installed years down the line once we've tackled more pressing projects, and therefore would like the pots left open.

*vegetation removed from one chimney stack and the stack repointed.

* Existing aerials and associated cables removed from chimney stack and rear elevation, and resulting holes made good as necessary.

*New aerial installed (will probably need to be on chimney stack to access most channels) and aerial points fitted to rooms to front and back of house

*guttering to front and back of house removed and replaced (it was poorly installed by previous vendor, and has buckled, leaking water beginning to cause damp patch where water is coming into contact with wall)

*two large bay windows to rear of property need to be re-sealed or replaced as there is condensation between the glass. One window is drafty - outside cladding may also need attention/replacement.

*patch repointing to side and rear elevation where required. Mortar generally in good condition and will stand the test of time whilst we save up to have the whole house repointed in a few years time.

*garden is basement level. Access to garden is via steps down from kitchen between side elevation and garden wall (wall shared with next door). We are getting salt crystal damp at skirting level along this wall, due to dampness either rising through basement or ingression through wall where steps join house. This will need to be addressed (possibly tanked), which may in turn require removal and replacement of steps.

Because garden is basement level, the rear of the house is essentially 3 storeys, and access is further complicated by the large bay windows. Because of this, we'll need scaffolding which I know will bump the price up. Here's a picture from shortly after we moved in to give you a better idea of what I'm talking about.



With all that in mind, my most pressing question is whether I would be best off employing a general builder, or hiring specific trades to tackle each individual aspect of the job (all of which will need use of the scaffolding in order to be able to do their work).

Any sage advice gratefully received.

Electrician_Surrey

Having one builder to do the lot in theory it should run smoothly, individual trades soon turns into a blame game