Would you buy a house with steps up to front door?

missile

I would not consider it.

xzibit

quotememiserable wrote: »

Is it in an area where a lot of houses are similar. That makes a big difference. In Holmfirth it's common and people accept it, because they like the place.

No, there's only 3 houses out of the development with steps, and they are a whole storey high.

Great views though. Still conflicted at the moment.

Davesnave

I would consider anything, including steps. I don't get this idea that one small feature would instantly rule a property out of consideration, though some people here may be confusing consideration with acceptance.

I think a house on the side of a motorway or in a known area of flooding would be an almost instant reject, but these are immutable matters of location. Steps can usually be tackled, so it's what lies beyond the steps which matters.

Steps are also good for people; even older ones like me. They provide a certain kind of exercise which, as a bungalow-dweller, I'm all too aware of every time I go to places where stairs are common. It's not that I'm unfit - anyone doing the sort of work I do will be reasonably fit - it's that specific use of the legs, which otherwise needs a seperate work-out to keep the right muscles in trim.

So, the question makes little sense to me. Of course I'd possibly buy a house with steps up to the front door. There are far worse things that could affect a property, and whatever I'm likely to buy will have some down-sides to be traded against benefits. Anyone who thinks they won't have to compromise is either kidding themselves, a Euromillions winner or just someone with very low expectations. Mind you, that's still better than setting the bar impossibly high!

Davesnave

PhilE wrote: »

Good views?

That would attract me as a buyer.

Absolutely. We have a good view. If the property floor level was just another 8' higher, it would be a fantastic view.

We looked into adding another storey and even got planning for it, but the cost was tens of thousands more than we wanted to spend, so we shelved the plans. As my wife said, "We can't eat a view," referring to the financial consequences of going for it at all costs.

It was about the compromises I alluded to in my post above.There was also the slight possibility that the nearby farmer could build in front of that view; something we hear about often here.

Contessa

"Steps are also good for people; even older ones like me. They provide a certain kind of exercise which, as a bungalow-dweller, I'm all too aware of every time I go to places where stairs are common. It's not that I'm unfit - anyone doing the sort of work I do will be reasonably fit - it's that specific use of the legs, which otherwise needs a seperate work-out to keep the right muscles in trim."



Sorry to say this Dave (and I know we're not allowed to give medical advice on here) but it sounds like you could be suffering from the dreaded "Bungalow Legs"


I know this because I heard it on the Jimmy Young Show when driving about 30 years ago. So, it must be true.


My MIL lived in a bungalow and mentioned she found steps and stairs quite hard. After I mentioned "BL" she bought a sort of sit down pedal device. Still struggled with stairs though!


When I moved a couple of years ago I bought another house. At first I found the stairs hard as they seemed steeper than I was used to but fine now. Obviously I don't do the physical work you do but do feel fitter afrer moving from a flat town to a very hilly one.

lisyloo

NaughtiusMaximus wrote: »

I thought it had been a legal requirement for a number of years that all new houses had to be built with disabled access in mind.

It’s interesting you mention that.
Our house was built in 2003. The downstairs bathroom is big enough for a wheelchair. Threshold to front door is flat but there are steps.
The rules are not (or weren’t in 2003) very well thought through IMO.

parking_question_chap

deannatrois wrote: »

It will definitely limit the people it would appeal to, those with pushchairs or mobility problems will be out.

Could you change the access?

My brother has steps leading up to his door, he plus his partner manage their buggy perfectly well.

Davesnave

Contessa wrote: »

Sorry to say this Dave (and I know we're not allowed to give medical advice on here) but it sounds like you could be suffering from the dreaded "Bungalow Legs"

I know this because I heard it on the Jimmy Young Show when driving about 30 years ago. So, it must be true.

That's what I was saying, yes, even living in this neck of the woods, which has a 1:5 on whichever track I use to reach the river to fish.....in wellies. But it still isn't quite the same as stairs.

It's like the remembering 30 years ago you mention: easy enough, but remembering last week....different story! :rotfl: