What are people’s experiences with buying a fixer upper who have no DIY/tradesmen skills?

theartfullodger

Bought a place mid 1980s, needed rewiring, central heating, significant repairs, sort damp, complete redecoration, new bathroom, new kitchen etc etc etc  Had dry rot.  (3 storey Edwardian semi Twickenham).  Did a lot myself. Vixen and cubs in garden. 

No real experience, bit of DIY.  Worked out ok until the divorce.....

Could easily have ended in real disaster if major building problems or if I'd lost my job or got sick.

Part of growing up.

jonnydeppiwish!

We’ve just finished number 3 and are looking for a decent new build (if there is such a thing!). Don’t underestimate the stress, not just in you but your family, that a renovation has.

Its all consuming, but if you get it right, it’s a massive par in the back!

youth_leader

We bought a house that needed full renovation, but it was a massive project and we never had enough money.  We both inherited £25K/£35K when we lost our respective mothers many years apart, and spent the money on the house,  without much impact,  I do regret it. 

If I had my time again, I'd have prioritised having the roof and windows replaced to ensure the building envelope was watertight, as the surveyor had suggested.