FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Q : How long does it take to refurbish a bathroom?
A : On average it takes approx. 3 to 4 weeks to refurbish your bathroom. Depending on the work requested, sometimes it can take less, other times, especially if it includes changing of layout, enlarging the bathroom or even adding bespoke cabinets will increase the time frame
A : On average it takes approx. 3 to 4 weeks to refurbish your bathroom. Depending on the work requested, sometimes it can take less, other times, especially if it includes changing of layout, enlarging the bathroom or even adding bespoke cabinets this will increase duration, not to mention the nightmare situation when you discover that you had a slow lick and the joists are rotted. Arghhhh!!!
2. Q : How long does it take to refurbish a kitchen?
A : On average it takes approx. 3 to 4 weeks, just like a bathroom. But if you are thinking to knock the wall between kitchen and dining room down for example, then the works will take longer, depending if the work requested will involve taken down a stud wall or a support wall.
A: On average it takes approx. 3 to 4 weeks depending on specifications, for example if you are thinking to knock the wall between kitchen and dining room, then the works will take longer, same goes for the number of cabinets to be installed, is it an 8 or 30 cabinets kitchen, installing oiled hard wood worktops alone adds 3 days to the schedule.
There are many, many variables.
3. Q : Why do prices differ so much for a bathroom renovation for example?
A : This is though one to answer as there can many reasons; the best advice I can give you after working in the industry for many years is to ensure the quotes you get are like for like and you get at least 3 quotes from similar companies.
Another reasons could be quality of labour they supply and technological solutions being used – this can range from the customer service to the operatives cost and a lot more in between; another reason is VAT.
Most companies that have the experience carrying out these type of projects will be VAT registered.
4. Q : How to choose from all the building companies out there?
A : First call them : what is the first impression?
Second: book a visit or a video call if they need to see the property so they can price for the work; what is your second impression of them after meeting them?
Third: what is the price for the works? Compare quotes like for like, do they include all 1st fix materials? Are the prices for the same work? This is very important so you can make an informed decision. A company with experience would be able to give you an accurate quote for the works.
Can you get them on the phone or email for advice in a reasonable time frame?
Do they have good and consistent reviews? If the reviews are consistent and describe the same type of service then you can expect the same service to be offered to you. But, if they come with their hands in their pockets and spend 5-10 min with you looking around, ask yourself this : do you really want them to do work in your home?
5. Q : How to plan for a full house refurbishment ?
A : First of all sit down and decide what you want to do. If you don’t know what you want it will be difficult for a building company to help you and starting without knowing what you want and changing your mind while in the middle of the project will end up costing you money. So, make the decisions on what work you want to do. Then get in touch with the building companies and get quotes, again, I will remind you how important it is for those quotes to be like for like and include the same works, same materials etc. Once you made the decision on the building company, book the work. Take into account that a lot of good building companies are busy and they might not be able to book you in straight away.
6. Q: Why do building companies ask about your budget?
A: A good building company that has done numerous projects will be able to tell you straight away if your budget will get you want you want.
Imagine this, you go to a car dealership looking for a lovely roomy family car, with leather interior seats that warm up and a DVD entertainment system for the kids.
Without knowing your budget which car should the nice salesman show you, the £ 170 000 top of the range or the more reasonable priced £ 30 000 model ?
It’s the same with home refurbishments, the building company should be able to offer guidance and work with your budget otherwise you might end up with a quote for the reasonable priced model when what you really want is that gorgeous top of the range model you’ve been dreaming of.
7. Q: It is more expensive to hire a building company that can handle everything or should you project manage?
A: More often than not, the answer is no, it not more expansive. Home owners might try and save on costs by doing what is called “project managing”. And it’s all good if you are very organised and know what you are doing.
It is a very time-consuming progress to organise a renovation project. You need to organise trades to do different tasks at the right time and in the right order, you need to source products and you need to make sure the project is carried out in a timely manner. This is no easy task and even we are presented with challenges on a regular basis.
It might look like you could save money by doing it yourself, but the saving tends to be lost on time that you will need to spend on finding trades, products and, making mistakes sometimes costs more than the saving that you have made by tackling this yourself.
8. Q: Should I paint my home myself or hire a company to do it?
A: Hmm… It seems to be general belief that anyone can do painting, and if you look at it from that perspective, I say you are right! The difference though will be in the finished product; the straight lines of paint between the coving and the walls, or the skirting board and walls; the spread of the paint on a surface and how well it looks. This will make the difference between you or I painting the house, or a professional doing it. It might seem trivial, but knowing which paints, fillers to use will a big difference. Not all materials are made equal.