Flat layout ideas

TranceNRG

mrsmazza wrote: »

Forgot to add, no building regs for new radiators etc, but plumber has to be corgi registered.

I will get certificate for combi boiler and plumbing.

I am not sure if the builder is Fensa registered (his team will be carrying out all the work). If he's not, then do I need building regs to replace old doors and windows with uPVC ones?

TranceNRG

Angie_B wrote: »

You will need Freeholder permission for everything you have just listed.

I own 50% of the freehold so I think it's OK. I will let the other freeholder know before I start the work.

jimbog

TranceNRG wrote: »

I own 50% of the freehold so I think it's OK. I will let the other freeholder know before I start the work.

I believe in such a scenario you will need the other freeholder's permission.

As for ideas of layouts, why don't you look at what your neighbours have done and start with one of theirs. Look at the planning portal of your council website and see who had to submit drawings

This may be useful too:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5329325

TranceNRG

jimbog wrote: »

I believe in such a scenario you will need the other freeholder's permission.

As for ideas of layouts, why don't you look at what your neighbours have done and start with one of theirs. Look at the planning portal of your council website and see who had to submit drawings

This may be useful too:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5329325

Cheers. I've asked for my solicitor's advice regarding other freeholder approval.

That's a good suggestion. I will look on the planning portal for neighbours' plans.

TranceNRG

What's the normal/recommend process for hiring a builder for renovations? Do I need to sign a contract? Or is a quote with scope of work and the total price enough?

cheers.

Doozergirl

mrsmazza wrote: »

You don't need building regs to change doors or windows, but the contractor must be fensa registered.

Why don't you look at similar properties online via rightmove to yours , see what layout they have. Also see difference in price.

That isn't right. Building regs are required, FENSA or CERTASS registration and certification are one way of confirming that regs have been complied with.

General Builders are very rarely FENSA registered as it costs money for little point. If they do install windows, there is usually other building work going on and the windows can be covered with that under one building control application (to answer another question).

Doozergirl

TranceNRG wrote: »

I own 50% of the freehold so I think it's OK. I will let the other freeholder know before I start the work.

If you ever want to be able to sell the flat, the permissions need to be in writing from the freeholder. It needs to be done formally.

If you want to avoid a solicitor, try asking the Leasehold Advisory Service how you do it to satisfy the terms of the lease. http://www.lease-advice.org

TranceNRG

Guys do you know any companies that can supply uPVC doors/windows for reasonable prices?

I'm planning on getting most of the old doors and windows in the flat replaced.

I got a quote from a supplier here, few months ago and I almost got a heartattack seeing his quote. This is what he quoted:

Bay window - £2400 + VAT
Composite front door - £1250 + VAT
Bed room door opening to the garden - £900 + VAT.
Front uPVC door - £950+ VAT.
bathroom window £500 + VAT.
Kitchen window - £800 + VAT

I thought they looked pretty expensive. One of the builders I spoke to said you could uPVC doors/windows a lot cheaper than that. If we couldn't find cheaper in the UK, he could import them from Poland.

I've seen a few online stores that seem to have better prices but not sure how good they are?

https://doorsupermarket.co.uk
http://www.justvaluedoors.co.uk/

TranceNRG

Doozergirl wrote: »

If you ever want to be able to sell the flat, the permissions need to be in writing from the freeholder. It needs to be done formally.

If you want to avoid a solicitor, try asking the Leasehold Advisory Service how you do it to satisfy the terms of the lease. http://www.lease-advice.org

I asked my solicitor and apparently the lease says no structural changes. So yeah I would need approval from the freeholders but she says that an email would be sufficient in this case. She's going to read my lease and let me know anyway.
The other freeholder is in NZ by the way.

Angie_B

TranceNRG wrote: »

I asked my solicitor and apparently the lease says no structural changes. So yeah I would need approval from the freeholders but she says that an email would be sufficient in this case. She's going to read my lease and let me know anyway.
The other freeholder is in NZ by the way.

Do you not have a copy of your lease yourself? You need to get this out and read it. They are not that difficult to understand and it will tell you exactly what your responsibilities are in regard to what permission is required for what works.

You need to understand that, although you have a share of the freehold, you are also a leaseholder and as a leaseholder, you need to comply with the terms of your lease. If that says "written permission from the freeholders" that will mean a proper written and signed letter from all freeholders, not just an email.

Having owned a leasehold flat previously, if I was buying a flat, I would not have accepted an email as proof of permission for works. You need a signed letter to formalise this.

Nobody on here can tell you exactly what work should be notifiable to your freeholders, only your lease can tell you that. It could be anything structural, anything involving boilers, services, electrics, gas, kitchens, bathrooms... or it could be nothing at all!