Planning a renovation

Balf

We're in the early stages of deciding whether and how to renovate our house.

I'm trying to figure out what kind of professional we'd need to start with. I'm not looking for an individual recommendation - just whether what I'm looking for would best be done by an architect or building surveyor - or some other professional.

I've a feeling we know ourselves what we want to end up with. But what we do need is advice on things like how we might find a permanent solution to some mould issues on our end wall, whether the upstairs floor should be replaced (its 1970s cheap chipboard) and how best the roof might be insulation before planning an attic conversion. We'd also be interested in just a view on whether any other structural work might usefully be included in a renovation - say, whether a rewiring would be useful or unnecessary.

From what I've read, I'd guess the service I'm looking for is a building surveyor. Do folk have any views on that, or whether a consultation with an architect is the best way to start, bearing in mind that we'd want the advice to include is advice on structure more than use of space?

Chisler2

Before considering which profession would be best to implement your renovation, first think long and hard about what ye want, what ye need, and your budget limit. Then inform yourselves as fully as possible about contemporary building design and technology (Trevor Hickey's "Construction Technology: Designing Sustainable Homes" which covers Building Regulations and Passive House Standards in Ireland is a great start and is helpfully set out under topics).

Then spend some more time thinking.

The contemporary construction industry is complex. Getting an overview of the different aspects of construction concepts and implementation will give ye a good basis for working with a construction professional to help develop and implement your project.

Wishing you a good experience and gratifying outcome.