Basic home improvement advice

slhqoue

Hi all,

We are in the process of buying our first house and have next to no DIY experience. The following is on our list of things to do.

Immediate

Knock together two bedrooms in the attic to make one big room, remove the two sinks that are currently there, replace the carpets in each room with wooden laminate flooring, paint the walls white.

Short term

Install new bathroom
Strip carpet from living room to reveal wooden floors, if in good state then get these sanded and varnished.

Longer term

Install new kitchen
Strip carpet from dining room and replace with laminate flooring (possibly extending into kitchen)

As a DIY and home buyer newbie I have absolutely no idea how to find trusted local builders and decorators to carry out this work, or how to find a fair quote for the work listed. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Also, re kitchens and bathrooms, is it best to buy these 'all included' with flooring finish, walls and furniture, or to buy bits and pieces separately? Again, how would you go about finding the best companies for this work? Is word of mouth the best way to go?

Doozergirl

Have you had a survey yet?

How old is the house?

Those walls in the loft are potentially very important, structurally, and what's behind the walls, on the roof or under those floorboards is far more important, and potentially expensive, than the obvious things you see like how it's decorated and how pretty the fittings are.

You need to be warm, dry, safe and comfortable first of all.

Word of mouth is always best. Failing that, local social media can be useful for recommendations but you want previous clients who talk about what was done, not people recommending themselves or their mates. I have never replied to a social media post from people looking builders because we get referrals! Marketing is one thing, touting for business is cringeworthy.

aliby21

I might come across as a tad cynical here, but in my experience you will be lucky to have much of a choice. By the time you've got someone who a) responds to your query b) comes to look c) gives a quote you will be lucky to have one or two out of a dozen plus that you started your list with. You will be lucky if these are vaguely competent.

And prepare to be disappointed at the attention to detail, it is unlikely to match your expectations and you may well find yourself finishing off again yourself.

Chanes

I have used this board and had some great trades working on property
from it https://www.facebook.com/groups/144764062825072/