my first home, and my DIY mad boyfriend!! HELP,ADVICE NEEDED

[ovine king]

well......

 

i suggested getting a surveyor first because i still have a huge distrust of what a lot of builders do.

 

the worst thing is to have a builder say he can do one thing, then carry it out then a surveyor tells you that it contravenes building regs after it has been done.

 

if you're determined to do it mostly by yourself, then try to get hold of (or maybe just have a good look) the latest copy of the building/safety regs for examples of safety standards.

 

as i said, when you're talking about doing something to walls in the basement, you have to bear in mind that the structures there not only hold up the walls/roof of your house but the walls/roof of your neighbours' house.

 

loft is easier and quicker and less work.

 

any time you are removing brickwork/rendering there is a hell of a lot dust that gets everywhere.

 

we had a chimney breast removed and we were cleaning up dust for months.

 

as for the fire, i'd say keep it.

 

if you have to change it then go for gas, it is waaaaay cheaper than electric.

 

if you're going for a complete re-fit then seriously think about having a simple underfloor heating system fitted.

 

it will make your house feel warmer and it's cheap to run.

 

if you've got a decent boiler already, you can get kits that you do yourself.

 

the good thing about this is that it frees up wall space and the recommended 6 inch gap between radiator panels and furniture.