Having doubts after offer accepted

Slinky

danlightbulb wrote: »

I'd never allow myself to go through with a decision made via a coin toss so that's irrelevant anyway.

I wasn't suggesting that you make a final decision just on the toss of the coin, merely suggesting that you might find a preference for it having landed one way or the other.

Slithery

OK, so it's been a week now since you've had your offer accepted. You need to make your mind up and stop stringing along your vendors - it's a bit of a dic⁣k move to be pulling on them.

danlightbulb

franklee wrote: »

I had an internal bathroom once and it was fine but it was in a newish flat so purpose built with a decent extractor fan.

Yes the bathroom needs a whole refit anyway so I'd have to put an inline fan out through the loft to a soffit vent.

franklee wrote: »

The layout issue that bothers me is the rear extension, it compromises the kitchen layout. I don't like the flat roof either. Mad idea, is it possible to move the kitchen into the extension and/or have roof velux or roof windows of some kind in the extension?

Yeah I guess it is a bit tagged on, rather than being integrated with the house effectively. It is a shame they didn't extend the pitch roof over the extension when it was built. A lack of foresight yet again by past owners (so much of this is around). It could be done along with roof lights but would be, I'd guess, upwards of £10-£20k.

If the kitchen was moved, then you'd go open plan kitchen diner I guess? I don't really like open plan, prefer separate rooms. Also then what would you do with the existing kitchen, would be a rather dead space.

franklee wrote: »

I wonder if you need a builder or surveyor to accompany you on a second viewing? Also you will be getting a survey at some point so if that throws up anything unexpected you will have the chance to reopen price negotiations. I don't think you are going to solve your analysis paralysis without more practical input which will involve some spending.

I don't know what showing a builder round for 10 minutes is going to achieve really. I think I should get a more wider range of ideas by posting here and discussing it. I can use layout tools and Ive put in kitchens in 2 of my own houses in the past, and also in my moms house, so this isn't a problem. But I have to get the fundamental structure right. Your suggestions about the rear extension being a bit of a tag on are an issue I think.

danlightbulb

Slithery wrote: »

OK, so it's been a week now since you've had your offer accepted. You need to make your mind up and stop stringing along your vendors - it's a bit of a dic⁣k move to be pulling on them.

I'm trying to make my mind up, why else am I posting asking for advice on layout etc. The mortgage application is progressing anyway.

Flix21

danlightbulb wrote: »

I'm trying to make my mind up, why else am I posting asking for advice on layout etc. The mortgage application is progressing anyway.

Dan, there is literally nothing else you can be advised on.
And to be honest, despite being given lots of positive advice, you’re still looking for the negatives which clearly means you’re trying to find fault with the house.

You need to make your mind up on your own.

seradane

danlightbulb wrote: »

If the kitchen was moved, then you'd go open plan kitchen diner I guess? I don't really like open plan, prefer separate rooms. Also then what would you do with the existing kitchen, would be a rather dead space.

You could move the bathroom into part of the former kitchen room (plus maybe some storage or utility type room with the extra space), and then continue the corridor straight into the extension without having to go through another room.

Might make the layout a bit more efficient and solve the internal bathroom issue... But if you're not a fan of open plan then there's not much point.

danlightbulb

Flix21 wrote: »

Dan, there is literally nothing else you can be advised on.
And to be honest, despite being given lots of positive advice, you’re still looking for the negatives which clearly means you’re trying to find fault with the house.

You need to make your mind up on your own.

Its only by finding the faults can I then decide whether or not I can live with them and then have some ideas for solutions for them. Do you make your mind up about everything on your own, or do you seek advice and expertise from trusted family, partners, friends, others who may be able to help with ideas?


I have helped others before now on online DIY forums and I have helped others plan out kitchen layouts too. I have little experience on how a house should 'flow' to make it seem homely and so that's why Im asking so much about the internal layout.


I hate getting criticised for asking questions. Its called diligence.

phoebe1989seb

oldernonethewiser wrote: »

Now there is something that would give me pause for thought, the internal bathroom.


It was one of the things that put me off buying some nice places I had seen. I like a window and some natural light.


To others it is of little importance.

The cottage we bought two years ago had a bathroom without a window. It wasn't an internal bathroom, just a property that originally had three bedrooms, two of which were interconnected. A previous owner divided the middle one into large shower room and study/landing and in order to avoid walking through the new shower room the window ended up in the study area. In the process the third bedroom was lost.

We weren't deterred from purchasing the property - despite being a huge downsize from houses that had all had large bathrooms with windows/views.

We are currently in the process of dramatically reconfiguring the upstairs layout to give us a third bedroom and more importantly, a bathroom with a window but I agree this wouldn't bother some people

DS recently sold a flat with internal bathroom and sold within two weeks. It might be different in a family home though......

Personally, I really like the bungalow overall - I'm early 50s, btw - and wouldn't discount it/bungalows generally because of some historical association with the older generation. I think it has loads of potential. Love the good size plot/garden/workshop etc which all seem to be what you want. Can't see a problem with the hall either, but that's coming from the angle of someone who used to have a massive hall and now has virtually none, lol! Again, that didn't put us off buying the cottage......

Not keen on the extension situation/flat roof/impact on kitchen. I do agree with the previous poster who suggested taking a builder round for a look. We've not had surveys on our last four properties (cash buyers on ancient houses that would send others running for the hills ) but as experienced renovators we have a pretty good idea when viewing what needs doing/can be done/costings - although if course in old properties there's always something that crops up during the restoration work. A good local builder could be extremely useful in ascertaining what can be done and if it's affordable.

Fwiw, I thought the traditional house you linked to in the same road was horrid, but again that's personal preference. *Your* bungalow has way more kerb appeal, imho, but again I agree that you do - perhaps understand given your circumstances - seem to be talking yourself out of the purchase.

We have previously pulled out of three purchases after the offer had been accepted, but very early in the process and it took much soul searching to reach a decision. Far better to do it asap though than to prolong the agony for all concerned.

I wish you well, whatever you decide.....

danlightbulb

seradane wrote: »

You could move the bathroom into part of the former kitchen room (plus maybe some storage or utility type room with the extra space), and then continue the corridor straight into the extension without having to go through another room.

Might make the layout a bit more efficient and solve the internal bathroom issue... But if you're not a fan of open plan then there's not much point.

Thanks. Hmm its an interesting idea but I wonder if the space is large enough. Putting the kitchen in that extension would then make it less cosy as a living room.


The reason I don't like open plan is because you lose wall space, and furniture tends to go up against walls. In big houses I guess this doesn't matter, as you have room for lots of furniture as well as lots of open space. But in small houses I don't think much is gained, you're just swapping useful wall space for useful floor space.

danlightbulb

seradane wrote: »

You could move the bathroom into part of the former kitchen room (plus maybe some storage or utility type room with the extra space), and then continue the corridor straight into the extension without having to go through another room.

Might make the layout a bit more efficient and solve the internal bathroom issue... But if you're not a fan of open plan then there's not much point.

Had a quick sketch up. Was this what you were thinking? I have also incorporated stairs to loft conversion. I think with this work, it would also make sense to extend the hip roof over the flat roof extension.




Problem is I don't have 40 grand spare.


Its this kind of major work that should have been already done by now, and the price I am paying certainly doesn't reflect this kind of work.