Guest Posted January 22, 2006 Share Posted January 22, 2006 At the beginning of the year, when everything was still rosey, we contacted a number of builders to give us quotes for a loft conversion with the intention of doing it during the summer holidays. During the week, in an attempt to motivate myself back to normal life, we went and viewed a new-build in Edinburgh, close to where we used to live. Now we are in a quandry, as the new-build was lovely - the catch being that the area is not so lovely! I hate dealing with builders, but equally hate the idea of uprooting the kids and moving to what could very likely be a bit of a rough (that'll be the s"Ooops, word censored!" coming out in me...!) neighbourhood. I know that a couple of you have had dealings with extensions and builders - is it really as hellish as it sounds, and is it worth the hassle??! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 22, 2006 Share Posted January 22, 2006 We had the builders in exactly a year ago to do a loft conversion. The original estimate was 5 to 6 weeks. They finished it in 14 weeks. We had the front door open all the time and it was freezing cold. They didn't complete the job properly and in the end we were just glad to get them out. I'm still tidying up the bits that were not completed. But don't let this put you off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted January 22, 2006 Share Posted January 22, 2006 Hi Shona, That's a difficult one! From what you say, I wouldn't move unless the location felt as good as current one, even if house was good. As for builders, yes, it is as hellish as you've heard, but I have survived and it was worth it! We had a 12 week build from April to mid July, 1st week of school hols, hurray, I love summer......builders started on time, and finished end of October It was incredibly stressful, but, even a couple of months later, I was already forgetting the difficulties & love the changed space. Ours was a rebuild, plus reroof, not extension, but it's made the space much more usable. I suppose it depends how much you love your present house/location, if yes, I would do it now. If itchy feet about a fresh start/different house, then keep looking! If it's the extension, there's a lot you can do to lessen the stress...I'd set out a few groundrules that would make all the difference. I've learnt a lot from it...the builder & work were actually quite good but ridiculous things happened and my goodwill was severely mis used....best not to have any! Just ask yourself, even if it took most of this year, would you then look back and think it was worth it. Unless moving, it's probably worth it, but be clear about expectations! More advice if you go down that route. Best wishes in deciding! xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted January 22, 2006 Share Posted January 22, 2006 Location, location, location We also went through a rebuild, re-roof and two extensions (same house - all at the same time) We moved out into rented accommodation for the 4 months it would take - it took 8 months It was extremely stressful and we parted company with our builder while we were still on speaking terms but we refused to pay more money to cover his mistakes. We had to finish the work using private contractors over another 2 months. In the end, it was worth it and we love our house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 If you have any doubts about the area at all I would listen to your instincts & steer clear. It is a HUGE mistake to make, & you may well loose money if you cannot re sell the property you looked at As for extending, well it has taken us 15 years to renovate & do 2 extensions to our house, but we have done it all ourselves (Hubby is in the building trade ) It has been a long hard slog but so worth it now that we are in the house we always wanted. If you decide to extend then ask around for good reliable local builders.Word of mouth is the best recommendation there is in the building trade Be wary of any firm who can start right away & also of any firm who advertise heavily (they often take on more work than they can handle & delay starting times) If possible look for a small local firm who have a good reputation & seem to take pride in their work. Ask around !!! Expect it to be a disruptful time,expect there to be disturbances,mess,noise & general chaos,expect it to take longer than they estimate - & you won't be suprised when these things happen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 We had an extension built when my youngest was 5 months old. The Builders we used we had met through an insurance claim and they were superb. They only work by word-of-mouth and never advertise. The building took 3 months and although it was a bind having them around all the time, they were excellent. I would recommend them to anyone. Our problem was the architect/surveyor. How do you find a good one of those? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Our problem was the architect/surveyor. How do you find a good one of those? If you can find a good builder, they usually have an architect that they use. We do - he recommends us for work & we recommend him to anyone making enquiries about work that needs planning permission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 I wouldn't want a completely new build as everyone I know that has gone to brand new has to put up with years of snagging lists etc and if the company goes under your 10 year guarantee may go too. The new houses by me have had that happen the company went into receivership and they can't get repairs done Which is quite galling given that they paid a premium for a new house and they are getting so many problems If you love your area why go back to Bandit country Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Thanks Sarah. We used the surveyor who did the insurance claim for us, who the builder knew. But he was awful, quoted us wrong prices, difficult to get hold of, held up the Planning Permssion and then tried to charge us more money for extra work. We may be doing another extension in the next year or two, so will need to find someone for then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Hmmmmm, still undecided! If we DO go for the conversion, we are planning to use a large company who have quoted us a price to cover EVERYTHING from the initial drawings right through to the completion certificates at the end. Their quote has absolutely everything listed with a price so we can save a bit here and there by getting a cheaper loo and shower, and that kind of thing. They have assured us that the price we agree on will be the price we pay, and have told us that the work will take 6 weeks, with the messy wall knocking down and rebuilding taking (at the most) 2 weeks at the beginning, so we could go and stay at my mums for a fortnight. It all sounds too good to be true, but given that they are a well-known company up here, with a good reputation to protect, hopefully we can trust them! Drove past the newbuild this morning, in an attempt to make up my mind, and the local newsagent has had a brick put through the window last night - made me remember why we moved out of Edinburgh in the first place! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chunkin Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 I'm planning a loft conversion too Shona so at least we could moan about builders together (although off couse I hope that won't be necessay )! Just not sure I want to give the teenagers a reason never to move out About 5 years ago I moved from the area I live in now to a different area of Witney in order to have more space (couldn't afford a bigger house here at the time). I knew from the start I wouldn't like it but convinced myself I was being ridiculous and it was the best thing for everybody... I was woken up every moring at 5am by a neighbour who left his van running for 15 minutes before screeching off at 5.15, someone (else?) drove into my car and never told me, there was a dog that barked so loudly and constantly that I wanted to shoot it (and I LOVE dogs)... I wasn't happy and it wasn't worth it. Should have listened to my instincts! Hope this helps (Have since moved back!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 You can always improve the house, but you can't improve the neighbourhood The people I work for sort out disputes with builders (big and small) it's a messy business, so choose wisely and write completion clauses into the contract. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chunkin Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Good advice Clare! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Except in Clare's case she *has* improved the neighbourhood! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Oh God. Here we go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Was that said with sarcasm Graham, or were you just being nice for a change? I'm going to ignore that one I think as I'm not too sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Oh God.Here we go Oi!!! That's enough of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Was that said with sarcasm Graham, or were you just being nice for a change? I'm going to ignore that one I think as I'm not too sure. It's actually quite true though, isn't it? Local neighbourhood watch co-ordinator etc etc.... ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookie Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 We had a new roof put on our house in December, plus a few other bits and pieces done. The builders said it would take 2 weeks, but in fact took 10 days (they worked through two weekends ) and there was hardly any mess and no hassle. I was REALLY not looking forward to it all, having heard so many horror stories, but in the end it was fine. I think the key was using a builder we had a lot of confidence in. He was recomemnded by friends, and really impressed us when he came round to give us the quote etc. before he started. So I'd vote to improve, not move. I think everyone else's comments on choosing an area you are not happy with are spot on.... HTH, love, Cookie. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 WE are in the process of having plans done for planning permission, sent the council a cheque this morning Moving would cost us about a third of the cost in fees alone, even now I still look at other houses but for us extending is the cheapest way to get what we want (Ihope!) Good luck with the decision, Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Good luck with yours too Karen. I was just thinking about this tioday, Shona. I think ours was such a chore because all good builders here in the South East probably have enough work to last a lifetime. The S.East is sinking under new housing, (thanks John Prescott, just what does GREEN belt mean ) so builders can take their pick of jobs, anything minor its nearly impossible to find someone. So, you & Karen may have a real advantage over us in that respect. Seriously. I even suggested looking for somewhere with unemployment in the trade & getting a team down here to stay on site for 3 months! But, it is lovely when it's all over! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 I think ours was such a chore because all good builders here in the South East probably have enough work to last a lifetime. The S.East is sinking under new housing, (thanks John Prescott, just what does GREEN belt mean ) so builders can take their pick of jobs, anything minor its nearly impossible to find someone. Agreed! Our business is replacement windows/conservatories/cladding etc, but at the moment we have 3 bathroom refits on our books, which is unprecidented. Brian is happy - he would rather be working indoors than out while it is so cold! We are also getting heaps of enquiries for extensions & loft conversions, which we have never had before Also, we are booked solid for months - again this is VERY unusual for this early in the year It does mean the Chicken pen dreams may be put on hold - Brian is working 6 days,7 some week Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 Good nes for him then. My sister and BIL have a construction firm - extensions and upwards, mainly big jobs around the Amersham/Bucks area - they are really booked up too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Blue Sky Posted January 25, 2006 Share Posted January 25, 2006 I wish I had insisted that our builders got a porta bog instead of traipsing in and out of ours - with all their undelightful poor-diet smells and slack habits - and also that we had established an end date with penalty clauses for over-running. But I found it so stressful when the extension was built (6 months pregnant with Robbie, and Emma and Harry under 5) that I left home. I came back one day to find no back wall on the house, no kitchen anymore, the toaster, microwave and kettle on a door laid across breeze blocks, no water downstairs... The builders said cheerily that I could still wash up in the bath though ... We had a caravan in Dorset at the time, so I packed our bags, rang OH at work to say goodbye and good luck, took the kids out of school and playgroup and didn't come back for 9 weeks. BUT it was worth it in the end. The timing was out, that's all. I agree with the other ladies that moving to an area which you know is not what you want would be a big mistake - at least building work comes to an end, whereas you can be stuck a long old time if you buy something that turns out to be wrong for you. Hx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
