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Project overall questions & guidance

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 2.58 PM

Hi all, we are in process of buying a semi-detached house which was built around 1925-30`s. The house hasn`t been touched for 30-40 years which means a lot of updating to do. I have read several great suggestions on here and made a list according to that.Things to do; 1-Demolition Two walls will be knocked down as part of the improved plan. 1 doesn`t require building regs as it`s only a stud wall but other one between kitchen and dining room does require application. I will get an architect to draw the changes and details of the RSJ and submit this but can I start work as soon as I submit this application and do I need to leave the RSJ open (not boxed) for inspection? I am also planning to remove a window and insert a French door instead, does this require building regs application and can it be included in the RSJ application? 2-1st fix plumbing Do I need to replace 70-80 years old piping with new? If yes, should I go for plastic or copper pipe? Which boiler would you recommend(how much will it be)? 3-1st fix electrics I am a competant DIYer and for cost savings + for the love of DIY, I would like to chase the cables myself. A friend of mine already gone through the process but I wouldn`t mind having a second look at any other guide websites to see how to DIY electric 1st fix, any suggestions? 4-1st fix joinery (door frames and new floor) In one of the posts it has been suggested to do new flooring at this stage, would it not be better to leave it to the end of the works so I will not need to protect the new floor all the time? Why not do the floor and skirting boards at the end? 5-In the survey it mentions that the floor of the cellar might be composed of asbestos containing material. Who do I need to contact to get this confirmed? 6-Council grants and deals As we will be doing loads of improvements for Enegry Efficiency, are there any grants or government deals we can apply to get financial support or cash back? 7-Kitchen will possibly be from B&Q and bathroom will be bought online as the online prices are better than anywhere else. Any suggestions on where to get kitchen and bathroom? 8-The house is on a slope so ground level at the front is 1st floor at the back (cellars at the back of the house). I found a sample image on web which will give you the idea of the slope. http://www.davidchess.com/pictures/sims2_a/Jane_Jen_Georgia_house.jpg I would like to build a balcony at the back and add stairs to this balcony to access the back garden. Does this need to be included in building regs. application? Who does this kind of steel balcony extensions? Thanks a lot for all the suggestions.