Hi falconmum, what I meant by specialist companies was kitchen and bathroom soecialists from where you buy your units. Usually they design it for free.

Hello

If you end up wanting to use different companies, please have a look at West London Kitchens. We supply German, Italian and traditional English kitchens at keen prices as we don't run showrooms. Instead, we will show you kitchens we've installed so you see real kitchens in real homes. We've done a lot of work in your area and are happy to provide designs and quotes for free.

Visit http://www.westlondonkitchens.com for more information and please let us know if you'd like printed brochures or e-brochures sent to you. Ring Keith Patterson on 07904 374 319 if you'd like brochures and/or a meeting.

Good luck with your plans, and hope we may be able to help you.

Best wishes

Elizabeth

Dear Coco_tallulah

we are a design and build company based in abbeville mews and we can help with your query
for any questions you have, please contact us 02077203082 or visit our website www.lifestylebyasq.co.uk
also you are more than welcome to come and see the showroom and check the kitchen we have on display.

Thanks guys!

Bambino, which companies do specialist designs for free? We are looking at renovating our ground floor , so would be handy .

Sordy meant to say structural engineer not surveyor

To be honest if you have the time and a bit of project management skills I'd suggest you hire a builder, architect and get the designs from specialist companies, which they do for free anyway and manage the whole thing yourself. Just make sure that you get a good builder who knows the steps to take to make the project lawful and structurally correct. Also you need to make sure that your architect and/or structural surveyor do the building notice etc at the council. Or you can go to the council and get advice on the steps to take for the project. Wandsworth council is very helpful.
We have done a loft conversion through a loft conversion company which was a disaster. If we knew what we now know we would have definetely get it project managed ourselves. 15% of the overall project cost we gave them was unjustifiable since they had no power on the builder to get things done when things were not right since generally they subcontract builders which actually enter into a separate contract with you.

Bump - any personal recommendations

Hello,

Im working on a local project in Balham, doing the same scope of works. I have started my own Interior Design, kitchen and bathroom consultation company. For my Balham clients I am working with the kitchen company that they liked, and have specified the builder and all the materials, and am running the project for them, dealing with all the structural, building control requirements and passing on my trade discounts.

Please have a look at my website and let me know if you would like to get together to have a look and a chat
www.stanza-id.com

Thea x

Hello

I'm planning on having our bathroom & kitchen completely redone in the New Year so wanted advice on where to start.

The work will include the removal of a supporting wall, a chimney breast & a new wider window.
I need new power points, flooring etc..

Is it better to hire a builder & then go to the kitchen/bathroom companies for a design or do I hire a company to do the whole thing. Very confused!

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.