The 4 Month House Renovation
Discussion
Welcome to our renovation thread.......
The house was purchased in 2018 to make a step up from the previous Victorian semi. That had been extended and improved in 2008 with a 50sq m kitchen/diner, re-wired, re-plumbed etc, etc.
The new plot of nearly half an acre was just what we needed for the new dog and the much improved parking and garaging space meant we could extend the fleet too.
The elephant in the room is the house itself, a mid-60s chalet bungalow.
EAs pic when it was sold in the 80s (the white wooden cladding has been replaced by hanging tiles)
It’s been the subject of improvement work all it’s life. The original 2-bed property with a garage, was converted to a 3 bed by converting the garage into an en-suite bedroom and building a double garage at the back of the plot. It had been the subject of PP to knock it down and start again, that design was quite nice, but was beyond our budget as well as needing work to make ‘ours’ and it removed the double garage so that ended up expiring just before the purchase went through. Some parts have been updated, others, completely un touched and the whole thing needs a good makeover.
That’s where we come in……
The pics here are from the EA’s particulars and include such notable architectural design points as the crazy paving fireplace
The layout isn’t to our taste either with a small kitchen and a lounge/diner. So, there was only one thing for it – renovate!
EAs floor plan at purchase
Also the original plans, which were found in a drawer
The plans are to go out above the old garage and build a new master en-suite bedroom. The existing bedrooms will have new lighting, the old built-in wardrobes removed and re-plastered. The ground floor will be completely gutted and re-configure to have a Kitchen/Diner, Lounge, Study, Snug and Utility/Boot room. Yes, DIY Kitchens are the supplier of choice for the new kitchen and utility.
New ground floor plan
There’s obviously lots of work to do on the ground floor with steels to open up the space and levelling the floor, which will be wet UFH. The first floor is actually quite a simple addition, large enough for a decent size bedroom, dormers east and west and an en-suite through a walk-in wardrobe layout.
New first floor plan
This is a model of what we think the final version will look like. Part of the planning conditions is that we have to keep the hanging tiles and use the same materials for the new dormers. The porch has already been re-designed and won’t be as the model. What we do have as a bit of a feature is a 7ft Oak front door.
At this point we’re in the final stages of engaging a builder – we’ve been through almost the whole of lock-down watching prices rise and experiencing being ghosted by builders being pulled from pillar to post by wealthy clients. It’s not an easy process!
I hope I’ve piqued your interest and I should say that without a builder on contract we won’t be starting for a while yet. There is more to come – let me know what you think about the design, always interest to hear ideas.
The house was purchased in 2018 to make a step up from the previous Victorian semi. That had been extended and improved in 2008 with a 50sq m kitchen/diner, re-wired, re-plumbed etc, etc.
The new plot of nearly half an acre was just what we needed for the new dog and the much improved parking and garaging space meant we could extend the fleet too.
The elephant in the room is the house itself, a mid-60s chalet bungalow.
EAs pic when it was sold in the 80s (the white wooden cladding has been replaced by hanging tiles)
It’s been the subject of improvement work all it’s life. The original 2-bed property with a garage, was converted to a 3 bed by converting the garage into an en-suite bedroom and building a double garage at the back of the plot. It had been the subject of PP to knock it down and start again, that design was quite nice, but was beyond our budget as well as needing work to make ‘ours’ and it removed the double garage so that ended up expiring just before the purchase went through. Some parts have been updated, others, completely un touched and the whole thing needs a good makeover.
That’s where we come in……
The pics here are from the EA’s particulars and include such notable architectural design points as the crazy paving fireplace
The layout isn’t to our taste either with a small kitchen and a lounge/diner. So, there was only one thing for it – renovate!
EAs floor plan at purchase
Also the original plans, which were found in a drawer
The plans are to go out above the old garage and build a new master en-suite bedroom. The existing bedrooms will have new lighting, the old built-in wardrobes removed and re-plastered. The ground floor will be completely gutted and re-configure to have a Kitchen/Diner, Lounge, Study, Snug and Utility/Boot room. Yes, DIY Kitchens are the supplier of choice for the new kitchen and utility.
New ground floor plan
There’s obviously lots of work to do on the ground floor with steels to open up the space and levelling the floor, which will be wet UFH. The first floor is actually quite a simple addition, large enough for a decent size bedroom, dormers east and west and an en-suite through a walk-in wardrobe layout.
New first floor plan
This is a model of what we think the final version will look like. Part of the planning conditions is that we have to keep the hanging tiles and use the same materials for the new dormers. The porch has already been re-designed and won’t be as the model. What we do have as a bit of a feature is a 7ft Oak front door.
At this point we’re in the final stages of engaging a builder – we’ve been through almost the whole of lock-down watching prices rise and experiencing being ghosted by builders being pulled from pillar to post by wealthy clients. It’s not an easy process!
I hope I’ve piqued your interest and I should say that without a builder on contract we won’t be starting for a while yet. There is more to come – let me know what you think about the design, always interest to hear ideas.
Great responses - thanks!
Velux windows - yes, not clear on the plans. There will be one in the master en-suite and another over the stairs
Downstairs WC - again yes, considered and we are having a decent extractor in there - understand it could be an issue with guests
Builder negotiations are closing and we're doing a 'quote analysis' meeting in a couple of weeks. Nearly there, and potential start in August
Velux windows - yes, not clear on the plans. There will be one in the master en-suite and another over the stairs
Downstairs WC - again yes, considered and we are having a decent extractor in there - understand it could be an issue with guests
Builder negotiations are closing and we're doing a 'quote analysis' meeting in a couple of weeks. Nearly there, and potential start in August
Picking up on the downstairs WC again.....
This was the architects first version, with a wall between the hall/stairs. We then took that out to open up the space a bit more.
Do I gauge from the reactions, that could've been a step too far?
Second question - why the no walking through the clothes storage to get to the bathroom? The door in the current bedroom is about 3 feet from the bathroom door and is much worse? The bathroom will be properly ventilated and the flooring will be separated
This was the architects first version, with a wall between the hall/stairs. We then took that out to open up the space a bit more.
Do I gauge from the reactions, that could've been a step too far?
Second question - why the no walking through the clothes storage to get to the bathroom? The door in the current bedroom is about 3 feet from the bathroom door and is much worse? The bathroom will be properly ventilated and the flooring will be separated
Well, we now have a builder on board and the construction is due to start in August 
We're now at the stage where we're collecting specifications for the various fittings and details that we will be asked for. One of those details is the lighting. Particularly in the sitting room and snug.
Just to remind you of the delights of the crazy paving chimney breast
in the sitting room.
From another thread I've seen some very good LED strip lights which we'd like in some coving at ceiling level.
LED strip - https://www.amazon.co.uk/PAUTIX-Flexible-Cabinet-L...
This would be all the way round the room and be dimmable. What experiences have you folks had with doing this and what suggestions would you make about the coving and lighting?
I've found this stuff in Screwfix & ToolStation
https://www.screwfix.com/p/led-lighting-coving-58m...
https://www.toolstation.com/lighting-coving-il4/p1...
We're now at the stage where we're collecting specifications for the various fittings and details that we will be asked for. One of those details is the lighting. Particularly in the sitting room and snug.
Just to remind you of the delights of the crazy paving chimney breast
in the sitting room.From another thread I've seen some very good LED strip lights which we'd like in some coving at ceiling level.
LED strip - https://www.amazon.co.uk/PAUTIX-Flexible-Cabinet-L...
This would be all the way round the room and be dimmable. What experiences have you folks had with doing this and what suggestions would you make about the coving and lighting?
I've found this stuff in Screwfix & ToolStation
https://www.screwfix.com/p/led-lighting-coving-58m...
https://www.toolstation.com/lighting-coving-il4/p1...
I can't believe that I started this in March - it feels like yesterday.
Well, it won't surprise you to know that the builders will be delayed. A concern as our planning permission window is rapidly running out so they need to extract the digit and get moving.
Building control sorted - they're just waiting for the builder
First skip - filled and collected yesterday
Kitchen - sold, the proceeds will go towards the worktops
From this (EA pic)
To this
And to give us something to work with until the builders do arrive, I've re-connected a couple of appliances
Caravan - cleaned to within an inch of it's life, connected to the house electricity supply and ready for occupation.
Just need some awning poles as our cheap caravan purchase came with an awning, but nothing to hold it up, so paracord is now suspending it from a pergola.
I found an auction on eBay for some poles - won it, but the fella is now in hospital so I can't collect them yet
Hopefully, the next update will be someone either digging, or breaking something.
Well, it won't surprise you to know that the builders will be delayed. A concern as our planning permission window is rapidly running out so they need to extract the digit and get moving.
Building control sorted - they're just waiting for the builder
First skip - filled and collected yesterday
Kitchen - sold, the proceeds will go towards the worktops
From this (EA pic)
To this
And to give us something to work with until the builders do arrive, I've re-connected a couple of appliances
Caravan - cleaned to within an inch of it's life, connected to the house electricity supply and ready for occupation.
Just need some awning poles as our cheap caravan purchase came with an awning, but nothing to hold it up, so paracord is now suspending it from a pergola.
I found an auction on eBay for some poles - won it, but the fella is now in hospital so I can't collect them yet
Hopefully, the next update will be someone either digging, or breaking something.
Hello neighbour 
I'm close to the new Gordon Murray factory.
The skip came from reliableskip.com - not sure if that's one of the Collard brands. Really efficient and helpful service with phone calls each end to make sure we were ready for delivery/collection.
The builder and his team are doing a site briefing on Wednesday, in preparation for starting next Monday
I'm close to the new Gordon Murray factory.The skip came from reliableskip.com - not sure if that's one of the Collard brands. Really efficient and helpful service with phone calls each end to make sure we were ready for delivery/collection.
The builder and his team are doing a site briefing on Wednesday, in preparation for starting next Monday
Thanks - we did this on our last house. We actually moved out and rented a bungalow for 6 months. That was necessary as the children were much younger and we were doing a loft conversion as well as lowering the ceilings upstairs. It was uninhabitable.
This time there's only the two of us (and the dog) so the caravan is much, much cheaper than renting and will still have value at the end of the process. I just hope that we're not having Christmas dinner in the awning!!
Cost wise, I think we're on top of it, but that's always a bad assumption to make - something will happen to up the expense.
The kitchen is coming from the PH preferred supplier - DIY Kitchens and the appliances are currently sitting in the garage. Much of the rest of the fittings including doors, wood burner, stairs re-furb kit etc. are also in storage ready to go.
This time there's only the two of us (and the dog) so the caravan is much, much cheaper than renting and will still have value at the end of the process. I just hope that we're not having Christmas dinner in the awning!!
Cost wise, I think we're on top of it, but that's always a bad assumption to make - something will happen to up the expense.
The kitchen is coming from the PH preferred supplier - DIY Kitchens and the appliances are currently sitting in the garage. Much of the rest of the fittings including doors, wood burner, stairs re-furb kit etc. are also in storage ready to go.
Builder was on site Friday afternoon with his site manager - they arrived at 8am this morning 
I've had a bit of a marker pen frenzy in the downstairs bedroom - the one that will become the study and snug. Ignore the need for the floor to come up to the level of the rest. This bit was the garage when first built.
They're starting with the study/snug/utility area
BTW: the carpet was grubby when we bought the place - didn't bother deep cleaning or replacing as we knew it would be coming up once the building started.
First of all here's a shot of the view towards the new hall - the spirit level is a rough guide of where the entrance to the snug / back of the study alcove will be. You can just see the marker on the wall above the radiator - that's the inside wall of the study.
A different angle showing the back of the study and the alcove
From outside showing roughly where the new front door position will be
I've had a bit of a marker pen frenzy in the downstairs bedroom - the one that will become the study and snug. Ignore the need for the floor to come up to the level of the rest. This bit was the garage when first built.
They're starting with the study/snug/utility area
BTW: the carpet was grubby when we bought the place - didn't bother deep cleaning or replacing as we knew it would be coming up once the building started.
First of all here's a shot of the view towards the new hall - the spirit level is a rough guide of where the entrance to the snug / back of the study alcove will be. You can just see the marker on the wall above the radiator - that's the inside wall of the study.
A different angle showing the back of the study and the alcove
From outside showing roughly where the new front door position will be
Thanks Harry - we've thought about it as we did that in the last place.
We've decided to leave it, as with the soaring costs since we started we simply don't have anything left - even with the cheapest 3 way for the bedrooms at £2.5k. Part of it is that the cost in the last one as the first unit died from lack of use and when the replaced it the only thing that was usable was the pipes from the outside unit to the inside one.
Anyway - progress today has been impressive for a first start.
The front door step was first:
Then the roof:
Ending up with a full skip and huge progress:
Most of the roof has gone;
All the slabs in the new utility room to prepare for the first building control visit;
As with all these things there was a couple of OMG moments - check out the massive lintel over the door.....
The bricks just fell out when the ceiling boards were taken down.
We've decided to leave it, as with the soaring costs since we started we simply don't have anything left - even with the cheapest 3 way for the bedrooms at £2.5k. Part of it is that the cost in the last one as the first unit died from lack of use and when the replaced it the only thing that was usable was the pipes from the outside unit to the inside one.
Anyway - progress today has been impressive for a first start.
The front door step was first:
Then the roof:
Ending up with a full skip and huge progress:
Most of the roof has gone;
All the slabs in the new utility room to prepare for the first building control visit;
As with all these things there was a couple of OMG moments - check out the massive lintel over the door.....
The bricks just fell out when the ceiling boards were taken down.
A few things to report on today:
Steve (site manager) is not happy as the skip was full yesterday and they couldn't send another until tomorrow. So most of the spoil and cr*p from today's work will need to be double handled.
Otherwise, another productive day with lots of loud demolition noises. The good thing is that the Building control fella has paid his first visit and all good with him. The footings they found are of good quality and in the right places.
Today's comedy moment was the Builder (company owner) sending my wife pictures of the brick to see which colour we wanted - a quick email back confirmed that we can't choose brick colours without seeing them on site and comparing the real things
The left hand door is going to become the new back door and the other one bricked up.
Foundations for the new wall by the front door
Foundations for the utility room wall
Steve (site manager) is not happy as the skip was full yesterday and they couldn't send another until tomorrow. So most of the spoil and cr*p from today's work will need to be double handled.
Otherwise, another productive day with lots of loud demolition noises. The good thing is that the Building control fella has paid his first visit and all good with him. The footings they found are of good quality and in the right places.
Today's comedy moment was the Builder (company owner) sending my wife pictures of the brick to see which colour we wanted - a quick email back confirmed that we can't choose brick colours without seeing them on site and comparing the real things
The left hand door is going to become the new back door and the other one bricked up.
Foundations for the new wall by the front door
Foundations for the utility room wall
Harry Flashman said:
Are you near Chertsey? If so, very close to where i grew up!
Yes - the other side of Chobham Common, near Valley End. We moved from Sunningdale as the house prices there were just beyond comprehension. e.g. a Victorian semi-detached, extended 4 bed with a tiny garden and very little parking has just sold for £1mI wouldn't say 'we're blessed' with what we've got and where it is (mainly because I intensely dislike the phrase) but the 9 months of sh*t and hard work to buy it was well worth it. We have a lovely plot with a decent garden and plenty of space for the dog and the 90.
This is the culmination of nearly 4 years in planning and preparation and saving. Costs have gone up nearly 25% since we started the quoting process, just before covid, and the 'wouldn't it be nice if' have taken us close to the end of our budget. The contingency is there but hard work with my wife, a spreadsheet and the builder means we have a really good sight of what each element will cost. The 'can you just' list has already started and we're only two days in!
So far I'm happy to promote all involved, but from experience I know how that can change, so I'll be holding back on the details until much later.
mattman said:
i remember the days of the never ending skips! i think we maxxed out at 3 on the drive at the same time - amazing how much they can fit in there
Always good to see progress and you have the weather for it as well - guaranteed to rain though once the roofing parts start getting removed
Definitely - they've already filled the skip that cam this morning Always good to see progress and you have the weather for it as well - guaranteed to rain though once the roofing parts start getting removed
I remember the rain principle - the last renovation we did included a loft conversion, which involved lowering the ceilings on the first floor. They were very happy to get all the slates off, but that was they before the worst floods for years in Chobham (2009 I think). My wife was in tears when we looked at the house - all the plastic sheeting had blown the edges and the rain had soaked in to the plaster all the way through the house - it was utter devastation.
We're not building a flat roof extension? The old garage is what they're working on now. Preparing to put the new roof on and turn it into a new bedroom.
The finished product will have a long dormer.
From the front, where the skip is in the other pictures.
From the rear, with the infill where the utility room will be.
The finished product will have a long dormer.
From the front, where the skip is in the other pictures.
From the rear, with the infill where the utility room will be.
Hoofy said:
Ok, I'm confused then. What's the flat bit at the top if not a flat roof?
Ah, I get you now I would call a flat roof being the whole thing. The dormer roof is going to be one of the newer fibre glass solutions. Much better and stronger than the old felted methods. The last one we had was fine for the 10 years we lived in it so I have no worries about what they're doing here.
Understand your views on the dormer, but that's an essential part to give us head room for access into the bedroom. I agree, it's not the most attractive solution, but hopefully with the materials chosen it'll look better than the model suggests
LOL childhood memories
I'm an Army brat and any issues with the house would be swiftly fixed. My father was Garrison Commander in Germany so instantly went to the top of the list (RHIP they used to say - Rank Hath It's Privileges )
Yes we went through many iterations of what could be done - from the full square box clad in Larch, through a parallel pitched roof to the Mansard type. None really worked with the look of the place. Time will tell as to whether it comes out well, in many ways I'm not too worried about what is essentially the back of the house and can't be seen from the garden/patio
I'm an Army brat and any issues with the house would be swiftly fixed. My father was Garrison Commander in Germany so instantly went to the top of the list (RHIP they used to say - Rank Hath It's Privileges
)Yes we went through many iterations of what could be done - from the full square box clad in Larch, through a parallel pitched roof to the Mansard type. None really worked with the look of the place. Time will tell as to whether it comes out well, in many ways I'm not too worried about what is essentially the back of the house and can't be seen from the garden/patio
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff