Just bought a repo- advice on works.

Errata

1. Sort out the stuff that could kill you - get electrics checked by a sparky
2. Sort out the stuff that could damage the house - get plumbing/boiler/central heating sorted out by a plumber with a gas qualification
3. Live in it until you decide what you want to do about the decs then practise your DIY skills on the smallest bedroom using cheap paint and paper - it will need redoing when you've done all the other rooms.
4. Don't ask the EA about tradesmen - ask around friends, neighbours, local free paper.
5. Enjoy your house !

milestone_3

I got the keys Yay!! Went over yesterday and gave the place a once over.

The electrics all looked intact and my workmate is a 17rh ed sparky so he gave it the once over and said it's all fine. Tested the sockets and lights and all are wired correctly.

There were some documents left in the kitchen and receipts to show boiler was serviced in June this year with instructions and installation receipt too.

There is no water in the house though!? I turned on stop valve in house and also the checked the one outside the property and it looks open. I need to call Thames water to find out if the water is terminated? not sure if they are allowed to do that?

Only other problem is that the garage wall is wet on one side. It's on top part of the wall so i'm guessing it's from the blocked gutter. Will need to get that cleared out once I buy a step ladder.

Fun times!

vegasvisitor

Glad to hear all is going well so far, except the water!! I don't know if water can get cut off. In Scotland we're not metered so not an issue!! :rotfl: We're not exactly short of water in this rather wet corner of the world ha ha.

milestone_3

Maybe I should've bought up there then lol.

Managed to get water running into the house. Am trying to fill the system back but it's taking over 40 minutes to fill and none of the taps seem to work (apart from the one in the kitchen sink). I can hear the water tank in the loft filling up and the hot water tank in the airing cupboard- that and a whole lot of noise of flowing water and groaning noise (from the pipes!)

misswansea

hi, hope you haven't found any new problems yet!

One upon a time I too was that special sort of crazy that made buying a repo. and doing it up whilst living in it, seem like a good idea. To preserve remaining sanity I recommend not doing it all at once, pick one ok.ish room and make it your sanctuary with sofa/bed radio (tv and internet if you've got them) kettle, biscuit tin and other comforts then leave decorating it until the rest is done. This gives you a place to go and relax at the end of the day where you don't have to look at all the things you haven't done yet, or a pile of building mess. It's also makes a good clean place to keep the clothes for your day job away from the paint and dust.

Also how are you with heights? If the mossy roof was mine i'd wait untill spring then look at the cost of getting it professionally scaffolded, then go up and brush it off myself, would also seriously consider painting the outside of the house at the same time and making sure the gutters are well fixed whilst the access is easy.

Enjoy making it yours