Charming or run a mile? How much to fix up?

concrete_kid

I've seen a house that needs 'a bit of work'. I think it has a nice feel to it. I just wanted to get some opinions about how much it would be to bring up to an OK standard - not talking top of the range.

Also do you think an enthusuastic DIY'er could tackle this with help from professionals as and when needed? Or is it a bigger job than it appears?

Here is the link

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-30205314.html?backListLink=%2Fproperty-for-sale%2Fmap.html%3FlocationIdentifier%3DREGION%255E25992%26insId%3D1%26minPrice%3D80000%26maxPrice%3D100000%23_includeSSTC%3Don%26auction%3Dfalse%26locationIdentifier%3DREGION%255E25992%26maxPrice%3D100000%26minPrice%3D80000%26previousSearchLocation%3DWavertree%26radius%3D0.0%26searchLocation%3DWavertree%26searchType%3DSALE%26useLocationIdentifier%3Dfalse%26box%3D-2.94206%2C-2.91331%2C53.38970%2C53.40027%26popupPropertyId%3D30205314&fromMap=true

G_M

See

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5232737

concrete_kid

Thanks for that

Doozergirl

Judging by the heaters everywhere, it could do with an upgrade on the heating. There is one pretty modern looking radiator but those heaters betray it.

The water tank above the bath is a bit scary.

I think the plaster will be in poor condition. If you like ancient wallpaper and chipwood, you'll be fine, but the plaster may well come off the walls if you attempt to use a wallpaper steamer on it.

If you can live with it without much change then of course it's something that can be done with help. It is essential that you address electrics and plumbing before 'finishing' a room.

The fact that it is a terrace is always helpful. Less outside walls to maintain

Roof looks okay from limited pic, soffits and fascias beed attnetion on the bay, at least.

ManuelG

Doozergirl wrote: »

The water tank above the bath is a bit scary.

It's only really the bathroom that scares me but... the bathroom scares me! Not just that but the random heater and the general sense of depression - that room looks *cold*!

That said it looks massive from the pictures (could just be the way the photo's taken of course), so if you were having to gut that and get outside help for it, might be a chance to gain some space in another room.

Edit: Read the description, in the blurb it says the bathroom is first floor... but then it seems to vanish when the rooms are detailed!

Davesnave

Plenty of space on offer, but from here it's not possible to see how structurally sound it is, which is why most people would pay out for a full survey.

With the age of the property, you can assume a lot of blown plaster and it does seem wise to factor in re-wire, costing perhaps £3.5k, as you wouldn't want to do that after decorating.

For a centrally heated property, there's a suspiciously large number of ancillary heat sources!

One of my kids has taken on something similar recently, knowing it to be structurally OK. It's been hellishly messy, but they now have a warm, comfy and characterful house for an expenditure of around £10k. Like this, they had central heating and UPVC windows for starters, but just a rudimentary kitchen and bathroom.

No doubt someone will be along soon with a list of 'better' properties, but choosing is always personal. Frankly, I wouldn't buy my daughter's house, as I like cavity walls, straight lines and sensible stair gradients, but older houses have a charm and cheap, second-hand fittings/furniture look right in them.

ManuelG

As I look, no pics of the bedrooms either.

As the kitchen and bathroom aren't in the best of states as it is but deserve a picture, it makes me kind of worried what the bedrooms are actually like...

jc808

lot of work

concrete_kid

Thanks for all the input.

Ozzuk

you can easily drop 10-15k into it doing a lot of the work yourself - but totally depends on the finish you want, level of units etc, and any structural issues. you could do a basic refresh for even less.

martinsurrey

I'm coming to the end of a Victorian 3 bed renovation that was in a similar state to this.

It is a bigger job than it seems (as long as there are no hidden nasties), mainly becuase its just at the wrong level, a lot needs doing, but not much that a DIYer cant do if they put thier mind to it.

All in we've spent £27k on it, with me doing 95% of the labour.

The large expenses were:

1) Rewire - £4k (does not include making good, but now I cna plug in everything I own, and more than likely everything the neighours own as well)
2) Plastering £2.2k (but I fixed the rooms that didnt need a full plaster, so thats only for 4 rooms, and I did all the boarding out)
3) Windows and doors - £4.5k (but I have a few more than that place)
3) Log burner - £2.8k
4) New bathroom and downstairs toilet - £2.5k (inc tiles and suit, I did all the work, first fix, second fix, tiling)
5) New boiler £2k (inc removing old tanks)
6) Kitchen remodel (inc remvoing load bearing wall with building regs) £5k
7) General wood and paint £4k dont forget skirting, doors and all the random bits that go into a house.

Now a DIYer whos willing to learn can do a project like that, but dont underestimate how long it will take, and how long you'll be living on a building site!

Its taken me 2 years to get my place sorted around a full time job and general life, but I've spent most weekend on it, plus a huge amount of time sourcing materials and learing how to use them!

But on the plus side, I started as a keen amateur, and now I would be happy to do anything none structural in a house.