skip to main content

Renovating Design Dilemma Before & After

Refurbishment ...getting there

last year

Hi Folks,

I hope all is well and the heat waves won't return!

It's been a year now since I discovered this site. It took me from someone who barely knew anything about houses, to knowing quite a bit.

Met up with the builder at the property and finally could see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Most of the kitchen, bathroom, electrics, heating and sunroom have been fitted. Some jobs still remain, so possibly a few more weeks to go. Will update the site with some photos, when I get back this weekend.

Some areas still need advice, like the cupboard in the vestibule and the cupboard in the landing, which used to house the boiler. Sorry don't have any updated pics but have included some which may be of help

KR

Mel

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

HU-768402840
Original Author
last year
Vestibule:

On entering, to the left, there used to be a cupboard. This has been dismantled

and now is bare. Could I put up a few coat hooks and a couple of shelves, for shoes?
HU-768402840
Original Author
last year
The landing cupboard had the boiler, which has been discarded. This room is now freshly painted and has a decent door and flooring ( pics on Sunday) Can I maximise storage space here by putting in shelves?

Any advice

would be nice

KR

Mel
Related Discussions
House Refurbishment
Q
Comments (4)
Hi Sue, Its best to get a chimney specialist in first to make sure that the fireplace flue is properly lined, and then they can advise the first steps to move forward. I am sure the end result will look great.
...See More
1960s house gets a contemporary makeover & complete refurbishment
Q
Comments (1)
Tell you what, I like that! Looks very well indeed! Funnily enough I’ve been looking at a 2 acre site, looking to go super modern, split level that looks like a single story, flat roof, underground garage, copper, rust lead etc! My heads melting!
...See More
Full refurbishment advise please
Q
Comments (10)
Hi Jonathan, Thanks for all your advise, as usual , worth it's weight in gold I am usually at home only on the weekend and as my day job is rather hectic, combined with an L5 slipped disc, will restrict what I could do physically to help out. I would rather divide the refurbishment jobs into those which are like A) ‘destruction’ or just ripping things out. Versus those which need B) re-construction or as you mentioned, the finishes. I would also divide the available tradesmen into A) Those with no reviews, who can start work at a short notice and are cheaper and B) Those who are expensive, have a web presence/reviews and would take 1-2 months to start a job Using your timeline which you gave me in August, I would list the jobs in the following chronological order Jobs A) to be done by a builder who has no reviews and can be available at a short notice 1) Strip out the house. I would strip out carpets, skirting boards, wall cladding, partition by the stairs, kitchen, unwanted curtains, internal doors and architrave, the fire hearth, I will need a gas engineer too to disconnect the fire and hob. 2)-- Dispose of all the stuff, using 6/7 skips. 3)General builder to take down the wall between the dining room and kitchen. As it’s a non-weight wearing wall, I would persist with my cheaper builder A? 4) My dining room and kitchen ceilings will probably come down at this stage?? Again, persist with my cheaper builder A?. 5) heating engineer and electrician to start rewiring and central heating. —I have shortlisted a couple of electricians, who have excellent reviews and could start work in 2-4 weeks. 6)Consider TV/broadband/alarm at this time for a tidier result—Will have to contact Sky 7) replacement windows and internal doors, will give this to the established builder B- Hopefully by this time, it will be like 4 weeks down the line and he should be available to start work 8) external repairs such as roof tiles and gutters- Again builder B. 9)/ additional insulation to the loft- Builder B 10/ plaster boarding where necessary, coving, plastering. - ** Here I have a query, do I give this job to the good builder? Or try and outsource it to another plasterer? Is plastering more difficult or important than painting? 12/electrician - ceiling lights, second fix sockets. 13/ joiner- new doors, architrave, bannisters, skirtings. If wood floor skirting to be fitted after. 14/ decorator - emulsion ceilings and walls, woodwork primed and finished with eggshell, external decorating as necessary. My tradesmen would do this 15/ floors fitted, radiators hung 16/ kitchen installation Plan to get the raw materials/ design from Wren and then get an independent kitchen fitter to fit it. Unless the independent kitchen comes up with a better alternative. Have emailed a couple Builder B, or the established one, to do all the works as mentioned in the survey, plus the RSJ on the padstone and the conservatory, along with a new roof. I probably leave the plastering to him, including the doors, carpets and new floors Does this sound like a plan? to recap It would leave at least 20-30K worth of jobs to be done by the main builder B I could get some no- interest loan from Wren for their kitchen Use the builder A for stripping and ripping things out, Tradesmen such as electrician and heating to do individual jobs Any advise would be much appreciated Regards Mel ps regarding the conservatory roof, switching over from a glass to an all year round. Do I have to get building reg permission prior to starting work? How long does it usually take? Also, if the original roof is removed, would it not leave the building exposed to rain etc, until the new roof is installed?
...See More
Refurbishment-things I can postpone? eg Vestibule glass replacement?
Q
Comments (8)
Hi Mel, when we moved into our house it needed quite a lot of work but we had no money to do it, so we did it bit by bit as we could afford it. We decorated and carpeted the bedrooms first so there was a sanctuary away from the grim interior. As far as wardrobes go, you could get one of those hanging rails on wheels for your room until you were ready to get wardrobes? I would get the stair carpet last otherwise it could get mucky if there’s still work going on. The garden blocks look like they’ve had it. If it was me I’d remove them completely once the work indoors is completed. The insulation can be completed whenever it suits you. Is the vestibule really such an issue? It does look quite old and probably poorly insulated but no worse than many old windows. For me, I’d get it changed later if you wish. Just what I would do.
...See More
User
last year
That cupboard on the landing will be great as a linen cupboard to store bedding and towels. The porch would definitely benefit from coat hooks and shoe racks. Good to hear it's nearly there Mel. It will be great 👍
HU-768402840 thanked User
Sonia
last year
I think hallway storage is a great idea. Tuck as much as you can out of sight. I like these coat hook/storage combos and you can also get hallway cupboards rather like wardrobes which look very tidy. The first one is an Ikea hack.
HU-768402840 thanked Sonia
HU-768402840
Original Author
last year
Thanks Sarah and Sonia

Sponsored

More Discussions

Large sliding door or keep small French door and window

36

Proposed floor plan help please

38

Which layout do you think would look best for our renovation project?

5

How can I fit an induction hob in place of a range cooker?

5

Help…dilema I need some ideas

11

United Kingdom

Tailor my experience with cookies

Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.