Prosperous soul embraces creativity & mortgage neutrality

savingholmes

Thanks PBS, Jwil, Blackcats, Beanie and MF

Definitely proud of DD given how much she hates going to college!

She did bring back the prescriptions for me which is positive.

I think on the house - I'll know better once I've been. I bought a laser measure a while ago - so will get a chance to test it out as what the EA says a room is and what it actually is often differs.

When I say it's dark - they appear to have a conservatory where the blinds were down over the roof or it is obscured somehow - and that's blocking light into the dining room. Ironically if the conservatory went I think that would resolve that issue. It just looks poorly designed. When I first moved into this house the light wasn't how I'd have liked. Putting in a couple of internal glazed doors massively improved the light. There were also dark carpets and it brightened dramatically when we pulled them up. It improved more when we added wood floors and mirrors and reflective surfaces. I am a little suspicious that they've not shown photos of every room or the inside of the garage or the downstairs loo. 

I'm not ruling it out/in - but I am open in case something more suitable comes up - but as MF said - it seems relatively unlikely in my price range. I reckon the only reason this one is priced as it is is that a) they haven't said what proportion of an acre it is and b) it needs work. It's not that big a house though so I'm hoping that limits the spend... My priority would be any safety issues like the tiles... and checking the boiler and wiring... 

DancingInTheRain

Sorry to hear you've been feeling unwell, hope you feel better soon.

Well done to DD, great achievement.

In the house front, definitely worth a look in terms of identifying what you feel you can or can't do.

With your own house, would it be worth getting a couple of valuations to help you have an idea of value in the current economic climate? Again, even if it's just to help inform future decisions?

Take care x

savingholmes

Thanks Dancing - I've asked the EA who tends to give the high valuation to value it so will see what that brings next week. 

Meanwhile - I still have a fever!

But the handyman asked if he could come today. He tried to mend my pond pump but it's a sealed unit and the wiring had perished. He did lay the underlay (real - his and mine that I had spare) and then the new liner for my pond and then put my existing stones and cobbles back it looks really smart. He had said he'd bring some of his own rockery stone but TBH I don't know if he did or not but it looks great either way. Apparently it was a combination of plant and tree roots that made it fail last time so he's advised not planting anything in that zone. May just use pretty pots instead. He's not cemented them yet but he's laid the tops back on the walls so that looks better. He's going to look for a second hand pump for me - he says new they are £200 - I don't want to spend that. 

He fixed my garage light - it just needed wiring in to the last little bit. He mended the light in DS's room - a screw had come loose inside and he got it out and then changed the bulb for me. He fitted 4 TRV that I bought for the radiators (£19 for 4 on Am****) - and the heating works fine upstairs now. The plumber had charged me £20 each in the past. He's chiselled off some of the paint from the door jamb that was stopping my ensuite door from closing. 

The handyman still needs to come back. He says he will bring an axe next time to try and get more of the bamboo out as it's very resistant to leaving!! I'm going to buy a new outdoor light and get him to fit it after pay day. He's cleared out all behind my shed as he says the stuff was rotting my shed. He's going to come back with a van next time and clear it for me. He borrows it off a relative. He still needs to return my outdoor shredder but he plans to fix it first and bring back a trug. I'm just listing it so I don't forget! Still want my roman blind putting up ideally.

I agreed to buy new bedding for DD. Her's is pretty shocking - so part of it arrives tonight. I'm going to buy her a new quilt too - as hers is shot. I didn't know how bad it was - but now I do - I need to resolve it.

beanielou

Well done to your DD.

Your handyman is just a treasure.

Enjoy your weekend.

lucielle

Your handyman has worked wonders. Just playing devils advocate but do you not want to enjoy the fruits of your labour in your current house for a little while?

L

Honeysucklelou2

Well done to your DD!

All the best with the viewing. Just a thought, remember to factor in the cost of waste disposal when you are looking at a building with work needing doing.

You have mentioned the country dream before...is it the being more rural/ village life you are looking for or more of a smallholding experience, being able to grow your own food or something else? Just thought that if you know which part of county living is appealing, it might help you to know exactly what you are looking for in property terms. Hope that makes sense!

Moneyfordreams

Hope you are feeling better!

Well done to DD

Have a great weekend!

savingholmes

Thanks Beanie, Lucille, HSL and MFD.

Well my bank account and savings are safe for now. The garden was much smaller than I imagined from the photos so not worth the effort in the house.

So I think I will look for some pretty pots and flowers for my newly restored pond area.

I may buy some bare rooted fruit bushes. I may also look for some starter plants for my veg patch now he's cleared most of it.

Good job it is pay day Tuesday.

My head still feels muzzy but I have got to the bored stage of illness where I am desperate for a change of scenery.

DD is just buying a rotisserie chicken and we are getting some prepared potatoes to roast and some chopped veg. That will make lunch easier. Just in the car waiting for her. I will then refund her but saves me being tempted or spreading germs in the shop

MovingForwards

Sorry the house didn't meet expectations. I think you should get 3 EA valuations to get a better overall understanding of yours, it will also assist with working out what your budget could be. 

Your handyman is working magic everywhere.

Wait until A1D1 or L1DL get fruit trees in as they're a lot cheaper and the fruit is nice; the apples I get from my neighbour is off an A1D1 tree and people are complimentary about theirs in the gardening section.

jwil

Your handyman is amazing.

Glad you've seen the house.