The Complete Guide to Renovating and Improving Your Property

part 1 preparation 1 is it worth it? the true cost of renovation; the state of the property market; is it a good investment?; developing or renovating your own home; buying to let; raising the finance; 'staging' the property; conclusions 2 getting started the builder-client relationship; how much do builders and other tradespeople charge?; be aware of the size and scope of the job; planning permission and other consents; buying a property to renovate or improve; where do you find good builders? 3 the professionals an architect; a landscape gardener; a structural engineer; a project manager; a surveyor; an interior designer; an electrician and plumber; a tiler; a plasterer; a bricklayer; a carpenter or joiner; a painter or decorator; other trades; conclusion; your relationship with the builders or professionals part 2 achieving successful transformations 4 kitchens and bathrooms kitchens; bathrooms; selling on 5 adding on - conversions, conservatories and extensions extending outwards; loft conversions; basement conversions; garages; does the addition add on value?; financing the addition; renovation insurance; windows; energy efficiency 6 renovations and restorations the right builders; planning permission and so on; developing for profit?; finding and financing the right place; listed building consent; conservation areas; noise and noise prevention; money matters;the process; conversions 7 self-build 153 michael jordan's experience; when is a self-build not a self-build?; planning permission;the utilities; the plots; skills needed; bungalow gobbling; barn conversions; timber frame houses; self-build for profit? 8 finishing touches doors; windows; blinds and curtains; flooring; fireplaces; lighting and other electrical considerations; painting and decorating; wallpaper and other decorative features; shelving and storage; dressing and staging