Thoughts on scale of works

Alan2020

Just a couple of things;

1. I don't see the point of not posting pictures or links to said property, most of the advice would be worthless as no one knows what you have seen. No one will come and steal your house, I never see the point of asking advice if you don't trust people.
2. Don't underestimate the cash needed to do up an old property. New builds sell like hot cakes because they are. Very cheap to run and maintain. The typical cost of bringing a 3/4 bed 60s house to current standards will run to £100Ks, people telling you less don't realise like what current standards are. For example they will say £3K for a full rewire, well this will give you a basic skeleton. If you want 6 sockets per bedroom, 6 led downlighter per room, outside lights, multimedia sockets (like a modern house), etc etc will come to £10 to £15K depending on quality of fittings used.

We just did this, and the amount of crap people sprout is unbelievable! Most don't do the maths right, even the cost of bare raw materials is staggering, then talk about skips etc

trailingspouse

She can't post links yet, as she doesn't have many posts to her name.


bruciegirl - I agree with Alan2020 about the cost, it is always more than you think it'll be. BUT - you don't have to do it all at once. We've been in our house for 5 1/2 years, and have done a ton of stuff (full rewire, new kitchen, 2 new bathrooms, removal of huge leylandii hedge, and new driveway, as well as the normal painting decorating carpets and curtains) in that time - but we've only done each job as the money was available. We've got one more big job to do - relay front path and replace front door. That'll probably happen next Spring. And it certainly hasn't cost us £100k's. Although we've added at least £150k to the value.


I know we should buy houses with our heads, but I've always bought with my heart (albeit within budget!), and I've never regretted it.

bruciegirl

Many thanks everyone for the really useful replies. I’ve certainly got a lot to think about.
I have a builder who is a family friend who is going to take a look during the week.
Trailingspouce - interesting you mention leylandii. There is a row of these at the back of the garden and they are quite large!

FreeBear

trailingspouse wrote: »

BUT - you don't have to do it all at once. ... but we've only done each job as the money was available.

I'm in a similar position here. Old house that needs extensive work, fortunately, nothing structural. One room at a time when funds allow, and doing much of the work myself. Kitchen, utility, and lounge are pretty much finished. Had to put a new ceiling up in the lounge & kitchen, and will probably need to do the same in the other rooms. Gives me a chance to reroute electrics & plumbing and replace damaged sections of cable.