Everything needs fixing!

redrabbit29

Me and partner live in property that I bought 3 years ago. We've recently decided to stay where we are for the next 10 years or so, meaning that there are some jobs which really need doing:

Bathroom - this was top of the list. It's run down, not nice and really desperately needs updating. It's not feasible to refurb as the plumbing needs sorted, tiles are dirty, bath is stained, etc...

I got up this morning and boiler which has been leaking a while is a little worse than normal. Not to mention the kitchen is also a bit of a wreck but is functional so not a priority.

My Car (Y reg Focus) is good, but in the last two months I've spent £600 on replacing bits that were just worn out. Like I said, good car but just at that age when things need sorting out.

We were planning on financing the bathroom with a loan as we're both debt free, in very secure jobs and the repayments would be easily managable.

The issue I'm having is I've been in my house for 3 years (FTB) and done no major work. I don't know what to tackle left. I'm concerned that if I start the bathroom, the boiler will break and then the car will blow up, and another 5 things I haven't considered will happen.

Vice-versa... if I did sort the boiler, or get a newish car then suddenly the boiler would break, and shower would break down.

............................

I'm not sure what I'm asking... but I'm just a bit lost tbh. We're starting to save up but it's hard and slow.

Has anyone else had this experience - where everything seems to be patched up, strung together, 99% working and you're just hoping that nothing else breaks or goes wrong?

Sorry, I had to vent!

Doozergirl

I don't think it would be unusual for most people to feel like that at some point.

You can't scrimp on replacing a boiler. That needs to be at the top of your list. You don't want to be freezing cold and it sounds like the inevitable is going to happen. Choose something reliable like a Worcester Bosch and keep it serviced.

As far as the bathroom goes, if you take your time, you can use ebay and search for clearance deals in places like B&Q. Build yourself up a bit of a stash if items. I've definitely bought items that are nearly new, or ex-display for a fraction of what they should have cost. Be picky. Choose good brands.

Xeorix

You need to prioritise. Does your car get you from A to B, and how often does it need repairing.
Why is the boiler leaking, certainly shouldn't do that - have the pipes cracked? If the bathroom functional etc

There are some energy companies who can help you with a new boiler. I think you pay more for your energy to cover the cost. Might want to check this, but certainly an option. Just be wary that these 'free' boilers aren't the best, and if you can afford it, you might be better off shelling out for a new one.

Get a few quotes anyway. You might find that someone data the boiler itself is fine, it just needs a few new parts.
That'd be my priority as I wouldn't want to live without any heating or hot water.

Just take things in small chunks, and try not to get into debt. You might be better off with a 0% on purchases card, rather than finance

thescouselander

I agree, sort the boiler first as that's essential. As for everything else you haven't said but do you plan to get someone in or DIY? If it's the latter it should be possible to get the bathroom sorted without too much expendatue.

Same with the car - if you can learn how to do some of the maintenance yourself it could save you money if you can get hold of some tools easily.

jonnyb1978

Boiler first. Don't scrimp. Get someone good to do the job. Not British gas but a good local person. It will feel good, look good, you will be warm, cosy and healthy. U can have a wee in a horrible toilet but can't have the above with a broken Boiler.
We had ours done with new controls. Can honestly say I was made up with not touching it ever due to the timer and controls. Heat on demand made life for the whole family so better. Never thought I could get excited about a Boiler.

Then tackle small essentials. Draughty Windows, small jobs, re seal old warn sealant etc.

As above look on eBay, sales for cheaper quality items. Get Boiler fella to quote bathroom. Help him if you can to reduce labour. Let him do the plumbing whilst you decorate... All helps reduce costs.

We have just moved house now and work getting done. Have couple toilets so I'm debating whether to wholly tackle the downstairs myself by using diy sites for help etc etc.

Just some ideas to reduce costs.

Alias_Omega

Boiler Change, your looking about £1700 for a Ideal Logic with 5, maybe 7 years warranty..maybe even 10. That will be an independent fitter. The boiler is about £850 to buy trade, then flu kit on top...so £700-900 to fit.

Bathroom.. Maybe £1500 all in, that's new floor, bath, sink, toilet and tiling. You could take a small loan.

Car.. Well a car is a car, I drive a 2.2 Mondeo TDCI which has 173,000miles. Yes, that's 173,000miles. It might be a "shed", and has done "a lot of miles" however it drives, stops and passes its MOT. For every months that I don't buy a new car, I save that £££.

Boiler & Bathroom.... Knocking on £3200-3500 if you use the same guy. This is easily a 4 years loan...maybe £100 a month...

Boiler Link.. Various Warranties, at Various Times. Notice the Gloworm is showing 7 years right now. Just an idea...

http://www.hallamshireenergy.co.uk/products/quality-mid-range-boilers/

AO

Alias_Omega

Leaking Boiler?

Did you know that British Gas can carry out a 1-off boiler repair for a fee. Its usually £89.

They don't do the work, unless you agree the price.


http://www.britishgas.co.uk/products-and-services/boilers-and-central-heating/boiler-repairs/one-off-boiler-repair.html

trailingspouse

I agree with other posters that you need to boiler fixed/replaced first, especially at this time of the year.

Re the car, I would struggle on with the one you have, but in the meantime start looking for a replacement, so that when the time comes you have the money saved (or know the best place to get a loan), and you know what sort of car you're looking for.

The bathroom may have to wait, but it would be worth giving it a deep clean - when OH and I bought our first place we had no money and the bathroom was, erm, somewhat lacking. I spent a full day cleaning it, we gave it a lick of paint, forked out for a new loo seat, and co-ordinated the bubble bath and the towels (we already had the towels - I just bought the same colour bubble bath). Simple but effective.

DREKLY

Alias_Omega wrote: »

Leaking Boiler?

Did you know that British Gas can carry out a 1-off boiler repair for a fee. Its usually £89.

They don't do the work, unless you agree the price.


http://www.britishgas.co.uk/products-and-services/boilers-and-central-heating/boiler-repairs/one-off-boiler-repair.html

Don't go there, British Gas have an appalling reputation, they will condemn your boiler for the slightest thing, so they can sell you a new one at an inflated price, see the "Energy" forum if you don't want to take my advice on this. They are dreadful.

snowcat75

when me in the Mrs or Miss as she was in those days first moved into our house it had nothing done or spent on it since the 1950s, central heating was a ray ban the house had crital windows, no insulation, kitchen was a bomb site and a tiny bathroom, with separate toilet on a big old system and chain, My now wife was driving a 10 year old fiesta, and I had an ageing Citroen with no rear seats that I used to haul tools, equipment, gas cylinders, hay bales, you name it...


I think TBH its character building and as others have said prioritise and work through it.


I would though learn how to tackle some of the jobs yourself however, and even when you need trades much of the donkey work can be done first.


Likewise with cars, there's a lot of jobs that can be done on the driveway, and it will save you fortunes.


As others have said start with the boiler and work from there. I'm 20 years on with my house, and am still going.

weeblesim

Hi,
I would prioritise the boiler, but I would try and get it fixed. My boiler recently had loads of problems including it leaking a lot of water, we got Worcester out for a fixed price (£260 and they will get your boiler working again within some reasonable terms and conditions).

The engineer was with us for over 3 hours and replaced 4 parts on it. The boiler is now working great, and found that our gas bill has reduced.

When we were looking at options about what to do with the boiler, loads of companies were trying to sell us a new boiler. If possible I would definitely look at trying to save it, then attend to other things. Companies often give you a warranty on the work they've done.

Just a thought