Renovating an older house

PaulKK

Hi all,

We are considering buying a c.30 year old 1800 sq foot detached two storey house. However, the house is in original condition and never upgraded with some modern features that we would like to add.
We like the house and feel that some money spent on modernisation would really make it perfect. We are currently trying to cost how much some of these jobs would be.
I would love to get people’s opinions on certain aspects that we would like to change. There are some aspects that I have no experience of and someone may be able to provide some advice and possibly prices for jobs.
Obviously I know it is impossible to give completely accurate prices etc without knowing the house, but if people can provide rough guesses that would be appreciated.

1. The windows are original single glazed hardwood, with some warped. We would like to change to something like a uPVC (timber effect) double glazing. What kind of price would you be talking to fit the house out with 13 windows, average size 6’ X 4’? I think we would consider this job a priority, for heating purposes etc, and while doing so would probably convert the old integrated narrow garage (7.5 ft wide) to be an extra room.

2. The internal doors are rather old ratty looking things, we would like to replace with a good white deal or teak, price depending. How much would 10 standard doors be in pine/teak? And how much are folks paying to get them hung these days?


3. The heating system is a microbore copper jobbie, with older style rads.. what are peoples opinions on this stuff? Is it a no no? Is it something which would be highly recommended to change? Someone mentioned that putting some fernox through it and zoning the system would be a far cheaper option and save just as much oil. Its probably worth noting here also that the fireplace has a back burner (boiler?), never experienced one of these before, is there much advantage to them?

I am also considering knocking the kitchen/dining room into one large room of 25' X 15' and fitting a new kitchen with a counter top totaling about 25ft in length and probably an island about 6ft long also, as well as completely re-fitting the main bathroom to replace the very 70s avocado finish in there!

There are some other small bits and pieces but I intend to do some small bits myself, I am well able to slab and skim walls so hopefully can reduce some costs doing that.

I'm well aware that pricing kitchens and bathrooms is nearly impossible though.

Any advice genuinely appreciated.

rayjdav

Paul,
My two cents, for what it's worth....

Considering the age of the house, I know only 30 years but that is a long time in respect of regulations nowadays, have you considered an alternative house, that may be more up to date and in the end, costs a lot less money in the long run to make it your dream home.

You say the original internal doors/SG windows/heating system etc are still in the house... My opinion, grand changing the windows to DG to save on energy costs but, the heat will still probably escape through the walls/floor/roof. Have you considered the costs of all the retro fitting required here?

Re the heating system, from experience, when you start chopping and changing an old system, you are better off rip it up and start from scratch. Once again €€€.:eek:

No harm to do an excercise in costs but, if it were me, I'd get a local AT/Arch to pay a visit and they can give you a detailed spec of what would be required from a regulatory basis of the "must have's" for the house in the long run to be as cost effective as possible from an energy point of view.

Considering the state of the market, now is a good time to purchase what was seen as unachievable a couple of years ago, if you have the spondoolicks;)

Back to your question re costs, once again, if a local AT/Arch did a survey for you and compiled a "snag" list, given the competitive market there also at the moment, that would be the only concrete way of getting definitive quotes for specific works as opposed to second guesses...

My two cents..:cool:

PaulKK

Thanks for the advice ray, its genuinely appreciated.

What I am doing is costing how much these "neccesities" would be, and then along with the house cost, if it would be reasonable. We hope to get the house for a good price.

rayjdav wrote: »

You say the original internal doors/SG windows/heating system etc are still in the house... My opinion, grand changing the windows to DG to save on energy costs but, the heat will still probably escape through the walls/floor/roof. Have you considered the costs of all the retro fitting required here?

Yep, my plan was to at some stage do the cavity beading, it was done in my home before and we found it made a good difference. Also, the attic does have some decent amount of insulation already, I could possibly add a bit more but I've been in the house several times (not in th warm weather we've had) and to me at least it doesn't feel cold.

rayjdav wrote: »

Re the heating system, from experience, when you start chopping and changing an old system, you are better off rip it up and start from scratch. Once again €€€.:eek:

Yes, this is the one thats worrying me, I would be happy enough if I knew the microbore system was decent, but I have no experience of them and I'm concerned that they don't output heat too well. I can change the rads in a few years, thats not a huge deal.

Again thanks for your advice and any other advice is appreciated.