Buying 1st Home, DIY Clueless !

firrybabe

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I am currently in the process of buying my first home, and I am pretty clueless when it comes to diy / home improvements

There's a side building which I want to convert into a utility area, however I am not sure if I need to get an architect, or simply get a builder ? Or are there specialists for this type of thing ? I also don't want to end up paying over the odds for the work.

There's an electric supply to the building already, the main thing to go in would be plumbing for a washing machine and possibly a sink. I also want to make it feel warmer in there, any ideas ?

Advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

Han_naH

I'm no expert, but you wouldn't normally pay an architect to make changes to just one room, unless the changes were structural and substantial.

A builder will make structural changes for you. Get 3 quotes.

A plumber will provde pipes for your sink and washing m/c. You should buy a sink yourself (e.g., a plumber's merchant) and ask the plumber to fit it aswell. Get 3 quotes.

Word of warning: you'll probably have a right game finding tradesmen that turn up or complete on time, see: Arrgh! Tradesmen! :-/

Don't know if you've seen those flat panel heaters in Wickes and B & Q. They are electronic and cost as little as 1p an hour (or similar) to run . Work well behind a dog or cat basket, or in a smaller room.

firrybabe

Thanks for the tips !

Have got builders coming to give me quotes and am searching for a good plumber.

Am gonna keep an eye out for those heaters cos that sounds nice and cost effective.

Cheers

vansboy

Listen to the ideas the builders come up with - BUT - remember to make sure the prices quoted are like for like, with each other.

If you're not giving a proper plan to work from, could be a bit confusing.

Worth chatting & getting local planning officer to pop round & get his advice. Get all thge leaflets they'll offer you too.That shouldn't cost anything & they'll let you know if your ideas are crazy/sensible/possible!!

& don't worry, you'll soon decome a DiY expert - first home, then - crikey I remember that, too!!!! Fun really, I guess!

VB

firrybabe

Thanks so much for the advice.

I've made a list of the jobs I want doing and plan to give this to each firm to quote against.

I have also decided to get clear plans drawn up to allow it easier to agree on jobs and costs.

I am also planning to buy a spanner and probably a few other tools !

Han_naH

Ah, bless eh boys?

She's like a bloke out buying knickers for his wife...