In the Meantime

doingitanyway

Thanks @jwil
I have to stay positive re builders. As long as I can get the wall between the two reception rooms taken down I can wait for other works.  Fingers crossed I am able to get the wall removed straightaway. I'm speaking to someone today who might recommend their builder and there is an estate agent who showed me a house who I had a rapport with so hoping she may know a builder too. Initially at least I will not be living in it once bought so at least that minimises the stress. Thank you for understanding 

Thanks for the positivity @Chrystal much needed!

Thanks @Four_Seasons I will start a new diary when I finally move to the new area 

Thanks @Humdinger1 I agree. I was thinking that when I read @Sun_Addict  @Skint_yet_Again  @Chrystal and @in_need_of_direction earlier on. The time I have now needs to be focused on securing a home. That IS my job! If I had got the job I so wanted I don't think I could have done both well. I actually only wanted the job to ensure I had an income in the new area, but this way it isn't vital 

My tasks today

• get together a shortlist of 3 surveyors and make contact with them
• contact the lovely B&B I stayed at who gave me their plumber details to ask if they know of a builder

I hope everyone is having a good day, or at least a good enough one 

Skint_yet_Again

Great news on your offer being accepted @doingitanyway 🤗

Now the fun begins 😬 I too struggle with trades and was so glad my DF is around to help. I was away while my boiler was fitted and roof done, thankfully DF supervised. I’ve been here the last 2 weeks while my bathroom is being done and I’ve hated every minute of it. All trades were recommended by neighbours and friends of DF. 

Some people do get work done between exchange and completion but I think it’s down to whether the seller allows it. Good luck with it all x

beanielou

Fantastic news.
POsitive vibes all goes well on the journey 

mark55man

as my M-I-L used to say what's for you won't go by you

well done - just delighted for you

Sunshine_girl2

• Positive news on the offer acceptance. Fingers crossed for a quick move. 

Sun_Addict

Great news about the offer being accepted 🥳 I’ve found some brilliant tradesmen via the local FB group. I just asked for recommendations. You often find that once you find one tradesman they often recommend others. The bloke who did our bedroom and living room refurb put us in touch with a painter and a carpet fitter he uses. 

24ta

Great news on the offer being accepted.  Exciting time

doingitanyway

Thanks @Skint_yet_Again I will do the work once I get the keys. I'm ok with that. I think recommendations are definitely the way to go. 

Thanks @beanielou @Sunshine_girl2 @24ta

Thanks @mark55man I hope everything is going well for you, you've been quiet lately...will pop over to your diary for an update

Thanks @Sun_Addict I am hoping once I have a few contacts they might share other contacts. I am definitely going for personal recommendations

So I got some surveyors quotes. The lead-in times are weeks rather than months so that's good.

I have hit an issue already! The EA contacted me to say there was asbestos in the dining room.   
I have been told they are doing work to remedy this.
I have asked where it is and what is the work they are doing to remedy this.

I have said I won't instruct a surveyor until the asbestos is removed. (The surveyor can check their work)

I am trying not to let this throw me. What do other people think?

I instructed my solicitor today

Why can't anything ever be straightforward?

I hope everyone has a good weekend.

jwil

I would just find out some more detail. Is it related to a heating system or a storage heater?  Artex?    How did they find out about it?  Is it likely to be anywhere else in the house?

If they are getting it removed, then hopefully the problem will be solved.  It wouldn't be a deal breaker for me but understanding the whole picture will help you make your decision. Removing a few asbestos panels relating to a heating system is probably a lot less hassle (and I'd expect them to remove them all from anywhere in the house at the same time) than if every room is plastered in artex, which is a bigger job, and would impact on the work you want to do.  

We have some here and it's ok as long as it's not damaged.  We will remove it at some point, but it's in a cupboard and not disturbed so it's not top of our list.  We are just mindful if any trades are in to let them know where it is so they don't disturb it.

doingitanyway

Thanks @jwil that is helpful. I feel disappointed but I've emailed for more info. I remember seeing the dining room ceiling was artexed and it looked odd because none of the other ceilings were so I suspect it is that, but I don't know. I will just have to get a fuller picture and decide on my next step from there.