spending pension lump sum

Lindy_G

Hi, I'm new so forgive any unwitting misdemeanours. I have a large bedroom (4x5 m) with potential access to the exterior of my house. Is it worth converting this to a self contained studio either to rent out or as accommodation in the future for a carer so I can stay in my home when I need one (assuming I live that long!)? My husband wouldn't countenance just offering B&B so it would need to be self-contained...

Any idea how much such an undertaking would cost?

Comms69

Lindy_G wrote: »

Hi, I'm new so forgive any unwitting misdemeanours. I have a large bedroom (4x5 m) with potential access to the exterior of my house. Is it worth converting this to a self contained studio either to rent out or as accommodation in the future for a carer so I can stay in my home when I need one (assuming I live that long!)? My husband wouldn't countenance just offering B&B so it would need to be self-contained...

Any idea how much such an undertaking would cost?

Full self contained - IE kitchen, bathroom and bedroom you would need to check it would meet the minimum room size regulations, but the cost would be (depending on the area you live in) around £10 - 15k. It really depends on lots of things, but you need to rewire, put in isolation switches, potentially new meters, new pipes, full tiling, etc. It's massive job really.


I wouldn't bother. The carer would need access to the house anyway to provide care so it seems redundant.

xylophone

Perhaps just add en suite for guest/carer?

Fire_Fox

Welcome to MSE.

If you spend your pension pot how will you pay a live-in carer?

Does the rest of your home lend itself to accommodating someone with poor mobility or elderly as well as a live-in carer? Bathroom large enough to be converted, hallways wide enough for Zimmer frame or wheelchair, no awkward turns on the stairs etc?

Sounds small for self contained. You would be more likely to need an accessible downstairs toilet/ wet room for yourselves than a separate kitchenette for a carer to use. Similarly it may make more sense for your (future) bedroom to be downstairs and a carer sleep upstairs, than to have a carer trying to get you up and down twice a day. Even worse being upstairs if there is an emergency (fire/ ambulance).