The Roze Team wanted to share this article because it is based on the experience of a married couple who remodeled a potentially historic house in the United Kingdom. They shared their knowledge of how to put together the best remodeling team in the UK. Although the Roze team can share different stories about our various United States Real Estate and remodeling experiences, we thought this was a beneficial story.
When my husband and I decided to buy a modest home in the English countryside, we had no intention of buying a fixer-upper. But the moment we stepped into the Cotswolds cottage that would become our home, two things became clear: this was intended to be our house, and it needed a lot of work.
We’ve learned so much about what this process entails—and how many people are needed to make a historic property a home—in the nearly one year since we made our initial bid. The biggest shock of all? Our refurbishment adventure began even before we had officially closed.
Our most important lesson has been that this is not a procedure for the impatient or faint of heart. As we near the end of this first chapter, two things are propelling us forward. Our eagerness to begin this makeover and the great team of people who want the best for this little house.
Here are some hiring suggestions based on my experience assembling a home renovation team.
Find a Reliable Selling Agent
A selling agent was the first person we met and worked with during this process. In the United Kingdom, you do not work with a realtor in the same way that you do in the United States. Whether you are renting, purchasing a house, or you are the landlord you may interact directly with the listing agent. The listing agent represents the seller. Fortunately for us, she was fair, sensible, and willing to reach an agreement that benefited all parties as well as the house.
In our situation, the selling agent was also essential in determining whatever works had already been completed on the property—at least in recent history. We would have been flying into the renovation process blindly without her, so she was really important.
Note: It is critical to begin by asking questions. This is the finest way to begin your refurbishment adventure in the best possible way.
Make Contact with a Lawyer
We didn’t have our own estate agent (a realtor in the United States), but we did have a solicitor. This is a lawyer who has been trained in UK real estate law and how to negotiate. She was absolutely necessary for us to have. Especially given the complexities of owning land in the United Kingdom.
With terms like freehold, easements, and Stamp Duty being thrown around, I felt the need for a British-to-American English translation. That’s when our lawyer came in. Later, when we found the full scope of the work to be done, our solicitor was also present to advise us through the process of what to require in final negotiations, how to acquire the necessary insurance, and when to walk away, if necessary.
Employ a Surveyor
While our solicitor went through every element of our contract, the initial surveyor we met with went over every issue with the property. He was the overly critical side of our conscience. He always questioned whether we really wanted to do this. His primary concerns were that the house lacked a designated parking space and a garden, both of which we could live without.
He addressed his function with the goal of determining resale value, which was critical if this was going to be a flip. However, because we intend to keep our cottage for a long period, our sacrifices differ slightly from those of other buyers. Nonetheless, it provided us with further insight into the amount of labor we were undertaking.
Look for a Dedicated Project Manager
The real work began five months after we made our initial offer when we closed. We began by investigating architects and contractors in our hamlet, but the results were overwhelming. We met a local project manager somewhere along the route who, we were told, knows everyone!
That is correct. He’s assisted us in putting together our contractor and kitchen designer. As we move closer to starting the work, he’ll be our man on the ground arranging materials and people for us while we’re in London.
Hire a Kitchen Designer
We requested that the tiny kitchen that flanked one wall of the room be gutted before we closed the deal. We knew we’d need someone who specializes in kitchens to do the entire room justice. Our project manager recommended just that. We met at the property for a quick tour, and our kitchen designer knew right away how to make the most of the space.
The final version is subject to Heritage Committee permission (more on that below). If we can follow through on our designer’s intentions, this will undoubtedly be the cottage kitchen of our dreams.
Find a Reliable Contractor
We met with our contractor on the same day we met with our kitchen designer—another recommendation from our Project Manager. Our contractor is a complete “yes” man, which is both wonderful and worrisome. He told us everything: underfloor heating, lovely stone staircases, and a downstairs powder room. He also told me that we may sand the heavy brown finish off the wooden beams. The beams that border the ceilings give them a more rustic appearance. This will be the first item on the list.
When we saw the budget for all the could-dos, we had to cut quite a few things for the sake of fiscal responsibility. Nonetheless, knowing every possible outcome was beneficial because, in the end, it helped us prioritize.
Consider Hiring an Interior Designer
We hired an interior designer after finalizing the major details with our kitchen designer and builder. I was unsure about whether or not I needed this. Isn’t it true that I can choose our curtains and bedding on my own? Yes, most likely. However, an interior designer does far more than that.
Don’t get me wrong. You can simply hire someone to handle your soft items. However, our designer is assisting me in designing the floor plan for each room. The designer helped to maximize space and, most importantly, to include closets (or wardrobes, as they tend to be called here).
The cottage now lacks storage space. The few nooks we have are being converted into other necessities, such as a laundry closet and a powder room. She’s cramming storage into every nook and cranny in a way that I couldn’t—and that I know will look natural and elegant to the bones of the house.
Locate an Architect and a Surveyor
Because our cottage was erected as a workman’s cottage in the 1600s. It is designated as a historic building, and we are not permitted to make any changes unless we obtain special authorization. Once we had decided on our ideal vision, our contractor connected us with a Cotswold-specific architect. This architect had experience with both planning and listed building consents.
To begin the procedure, our architect required a measured survey. This would enable him to complete the drawings required for permissions and consent. So he assisted us in locating a surveyor who was available, affordable, and experienced. Now that we have the survey, our architect is putting together the final drawings to submit to the Heritage Committee.
Involve the Heritage Committee Specifically for Us
You’ll need Heritage Committee approval. It is the unofficial motto for restoring a historic home in the United Kingdom. We’ve known about this committee since our first visit to the cottage, but they can’t officially join the picture until everything else I’ve stated comes together.
Essentially, the Heritage Committee exists to ensure that historic homes are preserved for future generations. They have the authority to approve or deny plans for any listed structure, and we’re hoping they’ll approve ours because we want to give this modest home justice.
Based on the current timeframe, their formal response might arrive from the end of July to the beginning days of November. We hope to receive a favorable response. The real fun, though, will come after we know if this house is historic.
The Roze Team hoped that you gained some insight into how to create the best remodeling team, whether in the United States or in the United Kingdom.