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Savings vs Loan for essential home repairs

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So I've just had what I thought was going to be a moderate home repair job quoted. It turns out my kitchen floor has wet rot and rising damp due to poor workmanship from the previous homeowners. The carpenter who came to look today said its about 4-5 weeks work and will cost about £9-10k to fix and put right. That's without new kitchen cupboards etc as these could be reused. So, I have about £8k in savings.
Do I use my savings and a 0% credit card or should I get a loan and keep my savings?

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 35,242 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    A 0% card would be the most cost effective option.

    Failing that, I would use savings if you feel your income is secure and you can replace them over time.
  • MallyGirl
    MallyGirl Posts: 7,224 Senior Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    will the carpenter accept payment by CC?
    I’m a Senior Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Pensions, Annuities & Retirement Planning, Loans
    & Credit Cards boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
    All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
  • bargainbetty
    bargainbetty Posts: 3,455 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Get a second opinion as well - don't assume this person has given you the right advice or the best price until you have checked with other tradespeople.
    Some days, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps....
    LB moment - March 2006. DFD - 1 June 2012!!! DEBT FREE!



    May grocery challenge £45.61/£120
  • Clive_Woody
    Clive_Woody Posts: 5,939 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Andydraper wrote: »
    So I've just had what I thought was going to be a moderate home repair job quoted. It turns out my kitchen floor has wet rot and rising damp due to poor workmanship from the previous homeowners. The carpenter who came to look today said its about 4-5 weeks work and will cost about £9-10k to fix and put right. That's without new kitchen cupboards etc as these could be reused. So, I have about £8k in savings.
    Do I use my savings and a 0% credit card or should I get a loan and keep my savings?
    Have a look on the DIY boards on here, there is a section where you can query if your quote is fair. Post details of what is included in your quote as £10k would pay for a decent brand new kitchen.

    That seems like a high cost based on limited information and I would suggest you get more quotes.
    "We act as though comfort and luxury are the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about” – Albert Einstein
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