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MBPassion17 Oct 2019 09:23Hello everyone,
We have purchased a house from the 1960s. Fortunately, many major renovations have already been carried out in recent years, such as exterior wall insulation, roof insulation, windows, bathrooms, and a new gas central heating system.
This allows us to focus on interior renovations before moving in. Here is what I would like to have done:
Currently, there are several dependencies among the trades, especially in the kitchen area: removing the old kitchen, removing the (non-load-bearing) wall, new floors, new electrical system, installing the new kitchen, plastering.
Do you have any suggestions or recommendations on the best way to approach this? Should we hire an architect? Can a kitchen installer coordinate the other tasks, at least in the kitchen area? Or is there a clear sequence to follow anyway?
Two additional related questions:
We have purchased a house from the 1960s. Fortunately, many major renovations have already been carried out in recent years, such as exterior wall insulation, roof insulation, windows, bathrooms, and a new gas central heating system.
This allows us to focus on interior renovations before moving in. Here is what I would like to have done:
- Replace the current laminate and carpet floors with hardwood flooring
- Install underfloor heating on the ground floor, first floor, and attic. This should allow us to switch to a heat pump in the future if needed. Remove old radiators.
- Completely renew the electrical system (no smart home features)
- Remove the drywall partition wall to the kitchen
- New open kitchen with new tile flooring
- Painting and plastering
Currently, there are several dependencies among the trades, especially in the kitchen area: removing the old kitchen, removing the (non-load-bearing) wall, new floors, new electrical system, installing the new kitchen, plastering.
Do you have any suggestions or recommendations on the best way to approach this? Should we hire an architect? Can a kitchen installer coordinate the other tasks, at least in the kitchen area? Or is there a clear sequence to follow anyway?
Two additional related questions:
- There are glass block walls in the house that we would like to replace. Who should we ask about this? A mason? Or could this also be done by a painting contractor?
- The basement has moisture issues. Would it be advisable to install underfloor heating there as well, or would that be a reason not to?
With your requirements, this is not a renovation but rather a full refurbishment.
In any case, I would start by doing the demolition work yourself.
At the same time, consult the main trades:
- Plumbing for heating
- Electrical
- Plastering and painting.
They can all advise you on what other steps are necessary and in which order the work should be carried out.
Definitely start with plumbing, because the new floor construction will require several changes such as interior doors and other adjustments, or things that simply won’t work—for example, too much additional floor height combined with the old sliding door. This might require further planning. But they can quickly tell you what is feasible and how practical it is.
I would only hire an architect for one of the following reasons: lack of time, no interest, too far away, tight deadlines, budget not a primary concern, etc.
In any case, I would start by doing the demolition work yourself.
At the same time, consult the main trades:
- Plumbing for heating
- Electrical
- Plastering and painting.
They can all advise you on what other steps are necessary and in which order the work should be carried out.
Definitely start with plumbing, because the new floor construction will require several changes such as interior doors and other adjustments, or things that simply won’t work—for example, too much additional floor height combined with the old sliding door. This might require further planning. But they can quickly tell you what is feasible and how practical it is.
I would only hire an architect for one of the following reasons: lack of time, no interest, too far away, tight deadlines, budget not a primary concern, etc.
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