Damp proofing sorted!

This is an easy one! I'm going back to the company who sorted out our old damp property. It's a company called Frank Schrijver UK ltd. As you can tell by the name it's Dutch. They guarentee the work too.
It is a 'humidity regulating system which consists of a stone element & a strong ceramic tube' & 'the whole system is fixed in a specially prepared niche in the outside wall'. There is no intrusion whatsoever inside. It is installed around the building in the outside walls at about 14 " above ground level.
It doesn't come cheap but we think it's worth it on an old property like Grange Cottage.
The quote is £2800 inc vat for a 20m coverage.

Talked to Building Regs. today to get advice, not sure how useful that was. They told me to get an 'expert' in! I'm trying to keep cost down so i'm going to do some of my own research. However, if i get a "good builder" he should know the issues.

Talking of which.. i have met with one guy who was recommended to me by a neighbour(always a good idea) & doesn't seem to think there's much for him & his 'mate' to do. I have told him that i have joiners & electrician's in place but i want him to find a plumber so that they can liase with eachother. The plumbing is a BIGGER issue as we have to put heating in from scratch & new bathroom suites.
I think PLUMBING calls for a separate post.

The architect dilemma!

So.... i've been talking to friends on the golf course, joiners who are STILL working on our house & locals in the pub, to get some feedback on the need for an architect.
I'm getting conflicting advise as you would imagine.
My joiner friend says if i use an architect & have a problem with the builder later he can't come back to me & say 'well, you never showed me any plans'.
My friend in the pub says all i need is a good builder. He will know all about building regs. etc..
So, my next issue will be: 'where do i find a really good builder who will take on a small project like mine'
If i could find one who is also a plumber & a good project manager then i'll be sorted.
I guess i'm now going to have to go back to my friends on the golf course, pub etc & start getting advice on builders.

In The Beginning!

We are only a month away from buying the Grange Cottage and so now need to start thinking about what to do and when. The 'grand plan' is to renovate it into a holiday cottage. We live in the Grange which is on the left and Grange Cottage is on the right.