Having doubts after offer accepted

Slinky

When did you last view the property? Why not go back and have another look at it. It may help you make your mind up one way or the other.

danlightbulb

Ive driven past it a number of times since but not viewed it since 2nd viewing. I have lots of photos too to look at.

There is a big part of me that is excited about this house. And there is a big part of me that is concerned also.

I dont feel strongly about the parking so much any more. I think its the actual layout of the house that im now unsure of. Its an older property but does it have character?

I am also wondering whether i am attracted to the idea of doing upgrade work almost in an academic way (because of a way to fill time / not be bored), and not really considering the realities of it.

Crashy_Time

danlightbulb said:

Ive driven past it a number of times since but not viewed it since 2nd viewing. I have lots of photos too to look at.

There is a big part of me that is excited about this house. And there is a big part of me that is concerned also.

I dont feel strongly about the parking so much any more. I think its the actual layout of the house that im now unsure of. Its an older property but does it have character?

I am also wondering whether i am attracted to the idea of doing upgrade work almost in an academic way (because of a way to fill time / not be bored), and not really considering the realities of it.

Definite possibility.

danlightbulb

Hi all,
I have now had the house surveyed and would like to know if there are a couple people willing to take a look at the report for me please? There are some quite potentially large expenses brought out in the report and I'd really appreciate a couple of 2nd opinions. I can email or PM message the report (it contains my personal details so don't want to post it openly). Actually let me see first if I can remove all the personal details from it.

Even though the house has some problems that need fixing, I still have not seen anything that seems to come close to it's potential for the same money. 

Thanks

danlightbulb

Here is the report (I managed to delete the personal details). Would really appreciate any opinions.
Primarily there are some large initial expenses:

• 2x bay window complete replacements
• Loft hot water tank system replacement
• Work to refurbish the areas of soffit and guttering that have deteriorated
• Work to repoint/repair sections of render or mortaring that have deteriorated.

Then there are some potentially significant risks:

• Rear extension flat roof (mineral felt) considered to be end of life and has had historical repairs. Surveyor suggested GRP roof to eliminate the risk.
• Bay window roofs (same as above) unless I could get them replaced alongside the windows.

On top of this there is then the stuff I knew about already:

• Complete bathroom refurbishment
• Replastering and complete redecoration in all rooms (over time)
• Optional stuff - like getting French doors fitted in the living room
• Making a driveway on the front.

Despite all this, I have seen nothing better in a huge area covering where I live + about 5 miles out. I'd love to have more options so I could weigh up this house vs others perhaps in better condition but the choice is awful.

danlightbulb

Disappointed to have had noone interested in commenting on the survey report given the major issues it highlights.

I have a real dilemma here. This house needs the best part of £10k dropping on it almost immediately. The house has potential but also limitations, how can I weigh all this up and decide if its the right decision to proceed?

MovingForwards

It's a 41 page survey, with a few minor things and a lot of bum covering which is standard.

What concerns you about the report?
The damp? Well, get someone in to have a proper look at it.
The fact the property met previous standards and not current? Well, standards change and will only meet the necessary standards at the time of being built.

Members have been offering a load of free advice, opinions and time. You cannot expect them to go through the whole report and give a breakdown on everything. 

You need to start looking at things, making enquiries and then asking for guidance. Goodwill of people only goes so far.

Lokolo

Nothing in that report would put me off. 
The cold water tank I would be replacing straight away. No lid means don't drink any of the bathroom water. But you can do this when you get the bathroom replaced. You say replace hot water system, with what? Do you need to? The boiler doesn't look that old. 
Flat roof looks better than mine, and I am getting mine replaced in the next 12 months, but thats because there is a leak. The surveyor mentioned no leaks were spotted so I would say don't bother getting the roof done as a priority. 
Looking at the external windows and doors, I'd be getting them all replaced if I was renovating, they look old, tacky.
After completing, I would get a boiler service and an EICR.

Bossypants

I'm sorry you feel disappointed, but you must realise that you have a 19 page thread on your worries about this house so far. That's an enormous amount of time and effort which people have taken out of their lives to support you already, and now you want them to read a 41 page report and presumably discuss the contents with you at length. Please realise that while I'm sure people are happy to do whatever they can for you, this their resources aren't infinite.

Looking at your bullet points, none of them strike me as major or massively urgent, more like 'within the first year or two'. Now what you do is take a friendly builder round for a look and discuss costs and timeframes with them. Then, based on those discussions, you decide if you want and can afford to go ahead or not.

HRH_MUngo

The only downside to that bungalow, apart from it being in Coseley (-that is a JOKE, before you start worrying about it  ), are the steps up to the front, and if you don't like them you can easily put in a ramp.

Looks a great little property.  I would snap it up.

(I also have a WV postcode and a bungalow).