Re-model ground floor layout? Budding architects or anyone talented?
- Thread starter rossyl
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D Walker
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Why?
rossyl
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Big mortgage, lots of work, will it all go well, will it be a disaster. I think I need to take some optimism pills. But, also, it has just been exhausting. Seller is getting divorced, doesn't want to sell, and even today changed the date of Completion. So, I think I'm just a bit worn out by what has been a roller-coaster of it being on one day, off the next.
Bottle of champagne to get through...
D Walker
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My son is going through similar with his 1st house purchase. Tried to advise him, but I know nothing, his solicitor is the sh1ts. Told him to use the one I’ve used 3 times, but he got a cheaper one....but it’s going to be a lengthy process. All ours took less than 8 weeks, but hey ho..
Once you get going it will be worth it. I thought I was done with knocking stuff down only to rebuild it different. New bathroom ordered, kitchen on the way. Only problem is I’m off to Denmark to fund it.
Good luck.
rossyl
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Good stuff and good luck to your son.
This is my third place. The solicitors were fine. When you have a Seller who is court ordered to sell, due to a divorce, and doesn’t want to move - it becomes very difficult. Goal posts have been moved. Originally we should have been moving in at the end of the month, now its June. Etc etc.
I'm more relieved we've Exchange,no doubt the joy and excitement will arrive at done point
Wattie
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Great read that and what a transformation.
No substitute for taste and class.
Wattie
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Time to take a breather after all the stress.
Think about what you want and how it can be accomplished- lots of good ideas on here.
It will take time so don’t beat yourself up.
rossyl
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Thanks Wattie, much appreciated and you are indeed correct. Today is already a brighter day!
Bebs
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You’ll be ok over there, I’m danish and I‘m still trying to figure out how I ended up over here in Essex!
Bebs
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Thanks Wattie, very kind words.
Bebs
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If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s that you have to just take each day as it comes and try not to wrap your head around what’s to come. Deal with one thing at a time and you’ll be ok.
It really can get to you so try to remember to live as well.
MarkMas
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Is there an update on this project?
Are you watching that architect program on the BBC where they get two architects to pitch two different ideas? Basically watch all of them and you'll get a gamut of ideas which all basically boil down to: gut the ground floor walls and propup up with steel, rear extension with bifold doors and go from there!
Once you have a blank ground floor and more spce more or less, you can do what you want!
Eb
rossyl
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Haha
Quite true. We do indeed watch "How to Make Your House Perfect" we've been watching it for a while.
We've also been avid Grand Designs watchers for years. As well as some of George Clarke's shows. And Building The Dream. Oh and Location, Location, Location!
This will be our second project. Our first we knocked out quite a few of the ground floor walls, put in steels and then had bifold door on the back
This is a little more complicated, due to ceiling heights, as well as the stairs to the cellar.
Hoping all goes well and we complete at the end of the month.
However, I really am not looking forward to moving out of our lovely house into a **** hole that requires complete refurbishment.
midlifecrisis
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One thing that strikes me with these renovation programs is that they all go over budget. Be realistic with your expectations and your budgeting.
Tallman
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What helped me a lot when I was doing my renovation- rebuild was using architectural software to look at possible designs. I ended up designing it myself and then made the architects job easier (and cheaper and faster) by supplying the drawings for him to validate/calculate/make proper drawings. It allows you to look at rooms in 3D so then when you do build, you'll have less changes which are VERY expensive. So worth the at first glance "expensive" investment in the software https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/products/home-designer-pro/
It’s all part of the fun! We were cooking on the BBQ or a 2 ring electric hob and washing up in a bowl with hot water from a bucket. Mrs 1963 did insist on a proper bathroom before we moved in though.Haha
Quite true. We do indeed watch "How to Make Your House Perfect" we've been watching it for a while.
We've also been avid Grand Designs watchers for years. As well as some of George Clarke's shows. And Building The Dream. Oh and Location, Location, Location!
This will be our second project. Our first we knocked out quite a few of the ground floor walls, put in steels and then had bifold door on the back
This is a little more complicated, due to ceiling heights, as well as the stairs to the cellar.
Hoping all goes well and we complete at the end of the month.
However, I really am not looking forward to moving out of our lovely house into a **** hole that requires complete refurbishment.
I think the main reason for going over budget is adding extra work on that’s not in the original plan. We went over budget because it made sense to make changes as we went along. Which in time will save money.
rossyl
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Brilliant - thanks