Do I need a joiner, a plumber, a builder or a plasterer?

andybookie

I would like to knock through a (non-load bearing) wall to fit double doors from the kitchen to the living room. 
The wall has a radiator on it so this will need to be moved. 
Who should I call? 
Will a joiner/carpenter be able to knock through a wall as well as skimming the finish?
Will they also be able to move the rad?
If I need multiple workmen, should I get the plumber first to move the rad then a carpenter/builder?
My in-laws have a friend who is a plumber by trade but a carpenter by qualification - does he sound like he could do two jobs in one?
Help much appreciated.

TheBoyConor

Just get a builder and let them manage the job and supply the trades that are needed.

andybookie

TheBoyConor wrote: »

Just get a builder and let them manage the job and supply the trades that are needed.

I would have thought this would be more expensive but I see this might be an easier process. 
But why a builder if a carpenter can knock through a wall (assuming they do this on a regular basis)?
I would have thought a builder would be the least relevant person to call.

TheBoyConor

Because dealing with trades direct is sometimes a nightmare. A plumber might remove the rad. Then you could have the carpenter complaining that he can’t do X because the plumber did/didn’t do Y. As soon as you’ve that sorted you’d get your plasterer who could start moaning and groaning half way through the job that he can’t to A because the carpenter did/didn’t do B and possibly some other whinge about something the plumber did or didn’t do. A lot of that kind of crap tends that goes on with tradesmen in my experience - nothing is ever their problem or responsibility and everything that doesn't go to plan or suit them is always someone elses fault.

If you get a good reputable builder, they will either have all the skills themselves if they are good or within their staff and he will be the one to manage the interface and handover between the trades. Yes it will probably cost a bit more than directly engaging trades but it saves you the time and headaches involved with the sort of pricking around I described above.

BaZmO*

The problem is that you will have to find a Plumber that's capable of doing all the jobs, or likewise a Carpenter, etc.

If you were to employ all the different trades yourself you would want to have a lot of time on your hands to organise them as you will never be guaranteed that they will all turn up at the right times. Getting a builder in will stop all that nonsense. It would more than likely be cheaper too as you're just paying one person.

Best thing is to just get quotes.

B-D-P--

I suggest an engineer.

Just would make life easier.

andybookie

B-D-P-- wrote: »

I suggest an engineer.

Just would make life easier.

I said in the question that it was a non-load bearing wall so we are okay here. 
But yeah it seems the consensus is a builder is the one to contact, so thanks