Flat layout ideas

libf

Is there a reason that you're so keen to begin changing things the second you get the property?

TranceNRG

libf wrote: »

Is there a reason that you're so keen to begin changing things the second you get the property?

Yes the flat needs renovating. There hasn't been any work done on it for decades. Kitchen and flooring are in a bad state. I could live there (barely) but I want to live in a 'nice' flat and also want to get a flatmate in to the 2nd bed room. It's going to be very difficult to carry out a full refurbishment once people are living there. It makes sense to do it now.

TranceNRG

Angie_B wrote: »

Do you not have a copy of your lease yourself? You need to get this out and read it. They are not that difficult to understand and it will tell you exactly what your responsibilities are in regard to what permission is required for what works.

You need to understand that, although you have a share of the freehold, you are also a leaseholder and as a leaseholder, you need to comply with the terms of your lease. If that says "written permission from the freeholders" that will mean a proper written and signed letter from all freeholders, not just an email.

Having owned a leasehold flat previously, if I was buying a flat, I would not have accepted an email as proof of permission for works. You need a signed letter to formalise this.

Nobody on here can tell you exactly what work should be notifiable to your freeholders, only your lease can tell you that. It could be anything structural, anything involving boilers, services, electrics, gas, kitchens, bathrooms... or it could be nothing at all!

I don't think I received a copy of the lease. I'll have to check emails from my solicitor. I remember her saying that once the property is registered on land registry she was going to post all the documents.

Anyway you are right. My solicitor said it's better to get written approval.

Melanie_Fleming

A B road is clearly better than an A road ... Seriously you will be amazed at how quickly you get used to the noise - and surely the traffic levels die down at night? I'd concentrate on making the most of the living area. That is where you will be when awake, that's the area that needs to be quiet and enjoyable. If you can move that bathroom, do.

I second living there for a few months before making decisions. My flat was refurbished in absentia by the previous owner. Looks great but it's only when you live in it that you realise the radiators, sockets etc are all in the wrong place.
thanks

TranceNRG

Melanie_Fleming wrote: »

A B road is clearly better than an A road ... Seriously you will be amazed at how quickly you get used to the noise - and surely the traffic levels die down at night? I'd concentrate on making the most of the living area. That is where you will be when awake, that's the area that needs to be quiet and enjoyable. If you can move that bathroom, do.

I second living there for a few months before making decisions. My flat was refurbished in absentia by the previous owner. Looks great but it's only when you live in it that you realise the radiators, sockets etc are all in the wrong place.
thanks

Thanks Melanie. Unfortunately it looks like I may have to stick with the current layout. Quite a few people have recommended living there for a few months but I don't see how it's possible. I would have to move in to the flat live for a couple of months and then find a place for about 6 weeks while the renovations are happening. Remember it's a complete refurbishment so I don't think it's possible to do it while i'm living there.

I've already visualised where things are going to go in bed rooms and living room so have a fairly good idea where things need to be. I'll also try and spend as much time as possible at the new flat, before renovations start. I literally live 5 mins from the flat so it's very handy!

Edit - The noise from the B road is not an issue any more. Having spent many hours at the flat, I've found that the noise from the road isn't too bad however I'm concerned about the noise from the flat above. I could hear people there talking, walking, shower, etc. Also there kitchen and bathroom are directly above my current living room. Few days ago when I was there they had a the washing machine on and it was bloody loud in my living room but I think unfortunately it's something I'm going to have to get used to.

TranceNRG

Does anyone want to comment on where to buy uPVC doors/windows at reasonable prices?

bouicca21

My flat was refurbished in absentia by the previous owner. Looks great but it's only when you live in it that you realise the radiators, sockets etc are all in the wrong place.

My experience is exactly the same!