Buying a 2 bed when we need a 3 bed?

DLTAG89

Me and DH are looking to buy our first family home. We have a reasonable amonut of money that will buy us a 3 bed house (maybe one that needs a little work like a new kitchen and bathroom) but we have also seen a few 2 bedroom houses that we like.

Our problem is there is me, DH and will be 3 children. 2 boys and 1 girl. Our boys are 2 and 4 and happily share a room now but our little girl is due in sept 2013.

If we did buy a 2 bed we would want to convert the loft into a 3rd bedroom eventually but we wouldnt know if this is possible until we have bought the house.

Any ideas on what we could do about the extra bedroom problem??

Thanks :beer:

highguyuk

I'm unsure of the discussion we should have?

You need to purchase a 3 bedroomed house?

DLTAG89

Sorry what i mean is would it be silly of us to buy a 2 bedroom house when we really need 3?

We would want to convert the loft into a 3rd bedroom but wouldnt know if this is possible buy just viewing the house.

Ciderarmy1987

You could take a builder to a 2nd/3rd viewing of any 2 beds that you like any get their opinion on if it is possible and get an idea of the cost

SuzieSue

So are you saying that you haven't seen any 3 bed houses that you like?

It isn't just the problem of the lack of 3rd bedroom there is also the problem that the living areas of a 2 bed are going to be smaller than a 3 bed.

You really should keep looking for a 3 bed if you can afford one. If you can't afford one then, yes, buy a 2 bed that can be converted but don't buy it until a builder has confirmed that it can.

jellie

Don't forget you may need planning permission, and will need building regs for a conversion.

This all takes time, and don't underestimate the amount of disruption and mess which you will go through. Oh and the dust, which just gets everywhere and goes on and on.

Maybe not a nice thing to go through with a relatively new baby?

I'd keep looking for 3 beds, unless you really do fancy a loft conversion.

witchy1066

is a loft conversion the only answer with the 2 beds you are liking ?

many people have extensions done on their homes ,( outside space and planning permission obviously needed )

look at the other houses in the area and see if any have extended

another option is a 2 bed house with 2 double bedrooms and divide one of the rooms ,

many 2 beds are much bigger rooms than when 3 beds have been crammed in , just so it can be called a 3 bed house

mummyroysof3

I would go for the biggest house you can afford, with 3 young children it would be a lot of hassle doing the work and you will outgrow the house pretty quick if its too small

zzzLazyDaisy

Converting a loft is not an easy option. It is messy and expensive, and there can be some significant downsides to having your children sleeping on a separate floor to you. Yes, if you are already living in a two bed and unable to move for some reason, extending into the loft may be something to consider, but personally I think it is madness to buy a two bed house knowing you need three bedrooms - it isn't only the number of bedrooms, it is the fact that a two bed house will also be tight on living space downstairs with three growing children.

Strapped

There are some 2 bed houses that lend themselves into conversion to 3 beds by splitting the largest bedroom. (We used to live in an ex-council house that was this sort of design). But you end up with two single bedrooms, not very spacious but would suffice IF that was all you could afford. But since you say you can afford a 3 bed do-er-upper, then that is what I'd recommend you go for. Moving house is expensive.

WellKnownSid

Seriously? I'd stick with the loft-conversion plan, but start with a 3 bed. That way you could always add a fourth bedroom when money/time allows and never need to move from the house when the third child gets bigger.

No compromises, more options.