Has anyone done this?

After looking for months for a new home, we spotted a small holding for sale in the area we are looking in. Only problem is that the farmhouse is in a derelict condition. It's structurally sound and the local council have grant permission for it to be renovated. Only problem is that I've no idea how to go about this :eek:. Has any one done this sort of thing before? I know I will need to speak to some builders/plumbers/sparkies to get an idea of costs, but do you also need to get an architect involved? I would need someone to manage the project as I will not have the time to do this myself.

Anyone know where I can find some info on this sort of thing?

Cheers

There is a guy on scoobynet who did this. He was the subject of a tv programme last year, I think he renovared an old stone house in Wales but I can't remember his name or the name of the programme :rolleyes: but I bet someone on here will... :)

Sal

Found this site: http://www.ebuild.co.uk/ :)

get a manager

The series on the tv was called Grand Designs
http://www.channel4.com/life/microsi...grand_designs/
ian

Check out possible Council grants too?

I work for a firm of architects

e-mail me for a chat/advise

bugger - forgot my e-mail address

aaron@robertsgardner.co.uk

I bought a 3 bedroom semi that required a complete strip and rebuild which included the concrete floors digging out and the interior walls underpinning, new roof, complete re-wire, every bit of pluming replacing, completely re-plastering, new kitchen and bathroom and to finish the job windows and doors. I did a lot of the work myself and got people in to do all the electrics, gas and the new floors ect.

I know a lot of people in the building game thank god and in all it took me 5 months of non-stop hard work and money.

Daz.

Ronny - YHM! :)

Brendan - e-mailed the local council re grant :)

Darren - sounds like what this place will need. We are prepared to put the effort and time into the project, but it's the cost that could be a problem (as always). We know a plumber and my brother is a sparky so should help.

Thanks for all the in put so far. Once I have looking into this further we will decide if it's worth going for.

Cheers all!

What area is it????

Daz.

East Leicestershire.

Bit far for some of my mates to travel to do it as a foreigner.

Daz.

Nimbus, I've done something similar, but not as drastic, the best advice with any of the jobs is talk with the professionals and don't be afraid to ask advice, do a bit of research and have a go yourself. With the exception of plastering (which I believe to be a registered dark art, alongside voodoo!), no job is beyond the average reasonably intelligent person, if you are prepared to put in a lot of time and plenty of sheer hard graft!

To give you an idea the dearest job was the floors and underpinning which came to £8750 and that was for cash.

Daz.

Two bits of advice.

1/ Sit down at your computer. Make a list of EVERY SINGLE job that you think needs to be done that involves spending money, from planning application costs, architect costs, building, plastering, joinery, plumbing, electrical, decoration, carpeting, curtains. Place an ambitious estimated figure next to each job. Add all costs up until you get a total estimated figure.

Then double it.

Ditto with estimated time, although you may need to treble that one.

I took on a property last year, and worked to the above rules of thumb. Very accurate, and I work and grew up with the building trade.

Not sure of the area you are looking at, however where we live in Cheshire there are now very few bargains, with almost all propereties needing as much, if not more money spending on them than the property will be worth once finished. Costs for GOOD tradesman are now spiralling (basic supply and demand) and co-ordinating all trades to work together on your project can be a Prozac inducing nightmare.

Not trying to put you off at all. Just look at it realistically, and you could end up with a superb property finished to your own specification, and one that you can take pride in, having had a hand in working on the project. Good luck!

sorry havn't received mail

try this one

aaron.terry@robertsgardner.co.uk

YHMM ;)

still no mail?
what are you sending? maybe our firewall is bombing you out.

Try my home address.

aaron.terry@talk21.com

Look at Build It magazine.

It a very good magazine dedicated to self-builds and conversions. There are contacts in there for consultants who will come and look at the property for you, and set you on the right path.

I wanted to do this but could never get round to it. Maybe it will be round the next corner, when we come to move next time?

Ronny - YHYMM :)