OV9

If it’s for builders to quote from a simple hand drawn plan or a basic computerised outline should be enough if you’re not planning on altering layouts. Anyone doing works to an existing dwelling should want to come and do their own survey anyway

Yep, i’ve quoted plenty of £5m+ projects from CAD drawn layouts with hand marked up packages (referred to as “red pen packs” in my industry because they are/were often hand drawn). i did my own house that way too.

just print off x copies and do each trade package on a page. lighting, power, finishes, etc. get Someone like howdens to do the kitchen, and build up a scope for basically free.

Rich B wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 1:29 pm if you’re not changing the layout, what are you planning?

strip out
electrics
heating
plastering
kitchen
bathroom
decs
flooring

Just get a decent layout drawn up by a draughtsman (you can probably do it yourself with an app these days) then mark your what you want in each room. It’s not going to be massively complicated as a fit out.

if there’s any more involved work like structural or damp/remedials, get the relevant specialist out.

I assumed there'd be specifications for all of those things such as types of materials, or processes (e.g. for walls or ceiling), that needs to be set out to ensure the builder quotes to the correct standard?

It's also for my own peace of mind, so I know they're quoting based on what I want, rather than afterwards someone saying "oh, but you didn't ask for that"

Also, we are starting with the worst possible condition you can imagine

they’re the builders, they’re the experts. the more detail you include, the better, but do you know/care what brand of plaster or the spec of cabling? nope, you just want working sockets in the right locations on smooth walls and a certificate to say it’s been done correctly.

Does this mean that the legal stuff is over, the flat is yours, and they're out?

Fucking hell the state of that

DeskJockey wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 5:24 pm Does this mean that the legal stuff is over, the flat is yours, and they're out?

Nearly. The last 8 months have been a crazy drama with a load of developments which I’ve not shared here.

However, as of 4pm today, legal posession of the property has reverted to the freeholder, I.e. me. They still occupy the property, so tomorrow we’re applying to courts for a warrant to send in bailiffs. It could be many months before they attend, but I also need to work out wtf to do in the meantime.

Mito Man wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 5:26 pm Fucking hell the state of that

In a recent interaction they stated they had already started renovations

that looks pretty disgusting, but it makes life pretty straightforward- you’re keeping nothing.

that means you can happily lift up that flooring that looks a bit damp or rip out an old cabinet to see what’s behind without having to worry about damaging anything.

Pay someone else to get rid of all the old mess though!!!

The way some people live is unbelievable. I've seen inside homes that have dog crap on the carpet that has been there for so long it's grown fur.

Jesus Gav that is shocking. I know you were describing that but I hadn’t quite realised just how bad it was.

Really glad it’s nearly sorted and you can move on with everything

Those images

Those are some of the 'cleared' images, it was far, far worse to begin with.

Cripes

Glad it’s sorted now. Or on its way.

Gavster wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 4:56 pm

This view is from the hallway and there should be a wall and a doorway between the camera and the bathroom

To be fair at least there won’t be any nasty surprises because you know everything is going to need to be done, and I’d be happy if every bathroom I started looked like that, when they’ve been done well and maintained well they’re harder to strip out

And stud walls go up easy enough if you want that reinstating

The dirty bastards have removed the shower/tub too!

Rich B wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 6:05 pm that looks pretty disgusting, but it makes life pretty straightforward- you’re keeping nothing.

that means you can happily lift up that flooring that looks a bit damp or rip out an old cabinet to see what’s behind without having to worry about damaging anything.

Pay someone else to get rid of all the old mess though!!!

That’s what I suspected, start from absolute zero, from the ground up. I’m definitely looking to find someone who is happy to tackle the entire job from start to finish, including clearing, it’s probably a health hazard.

jamcg wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 6:55 pm To be fair at least there won’t be any nasty surprises because you know everything is going to need to be done, and I’d be happy if every bathroom I started looked like that, when they’ve been done well and maintained well they’re harder to strip out

And stud walls go up easy enough if you want that reinstating

lol good point, the fittings here will literally fall apart with a strong wind

Gavster wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 6:53 pm

Gavster wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 4:56 pm

This view is from the hallway and there should be a wall and a doorway between the camera and the bathroom

To be fair, an open plan toilet is a step beyond the normal!!